Certified Veterinary Technician

Job Location: OHS Main Shelter - Portland, OR

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: CVPM, DVM or CVT

Salary Range: $30.77 - $33.05

Certified Veterinary Technician

About the Oregon Humane Society

Founded in 1868, Oregon Humane Society is the Northwest's oldest and largest animal welfare organization with one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. Through our mission of Creating a More Humane Society, we are working toward our vision of a world where all animals are treated with compassion, kindness and respect. With campuses in Portland and Salem, OHS is an Oregon-based nonprofit that relies on donor support for its adoption, education, medical and humane law enforcement programs. Visit oregonhumane.org for more information.

The Team

Certified Veterinary Technicians work collaboratively with the medical and operations leadership team to ensure the clinic’s overall performance in accordance with all the medical standards set forth by our executive leadership and in compliance with the OVMEB veterinary practice act.

The Position

The Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is a vital member of the Community Veterinary Hospital Medicine team. As part of our high volume, high quality veterinary hospital responsibilities include proficient venipuncture, intubation of dogs and cats of various sizes, preparing, monitoring, and assisting veterinarians with procedures and surgery. Work under the direction of a veterinarian and established protocols performing triage exams, entering medical records, animal restraint, administering patient treatments, performing euthanasia, and maintaining the facility at the highest level of cleanliness and order. CVTs also engage with the public, veterinary community and shelter staff to provide consultation and information. All OHS staff members contribute to the stewardship of the organization’s mission and are expected to stay current on and understand issues related to animal welfare and OHS programs.

Essential Responsibilities

PERSONAL LEADERSHIP

• Consistently strives to exceed expectations; demonstrates flexibility, resilience, and the ability to maintain positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances.
• Maintains high ethical standards, including exhibiting behaviors and actions that embrace and align to our organization and customer service values, while treating all people with respect and dignity.
• Demonstrates an awareness of their individual personal strengths and development needs, modeling non-defensive behavior and openness to feedback; builds a culture of feedback and learning.

LEARNING

• Contribute to regular dialogue and accountability with the leadership team and across the organization to review progress and course correct, if necessary.
• Ensure data and insights to identify, understand and articulate the key inputs and metrics that tell the story of the organization/team strategy and its progress.
• Build in appropriate feedback loops to see if we are meeting key milestones and if the impact planned is being felt across the organization.

INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION

• Represent OHS, as requested, at key stakeholder and sectoral meetings or engagements.
• Communicate effectively to executive, and other stakeholder groups to ensure they are informed and able to actively engage
• Liaise with and maintain productive relationships with all stakeholders, including other departments, and donors; build mutually rewarding professional relationships inside OHS at all levels.
• Leverage our best practices externally and grow OHS’ reputation as a leader in this space by identifying opportunities to share the process and results in the broader animal welfare sector through presentations, whitepapers, blogs, etc.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist veterinarians with physical examinations and that help determine the nature of illness or injury.
• Handling individual animals of varying species, size, and temperament in a caring, respectful, and safe manner.
• Ensure that animals with infectious diseases are handled safely and according to infectious medicine protocols.
• Perform patient care including taking and recording TPR, dressing wounds, and applying splints and other protective devices.
• Administer medications, fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Perform routine lab procedures and tests, collect urine, draw blood, and perform skin scrapings.
• Place catheters and administer intravenous fluids and tube feedings.
• Perform dental examinations, charting, and procedures.
• Capture and process radiographs.
• Prepare animals for surgery: Induce, intubate, monitor and maintain anesthetic patients during and after surgery.
• Assist veterinarians in surgery for specialized procedures including retraction, lavage, suctions, and transfusion.
• Operate, maintain, and assure technically advanced hospital equipment is in good working order.
• Monitor, record, and report physical signs of patients before, during, and after surgery and throughout hospitalization.
• Enter medical notes and treatment notes according to established protocols in a timely and accurate manner.
• Perform medical consultations with clients from the public.
• Perform euthanasia.
• Assist in maintaining inventory of all pharmaceuticals, equipment, and supplies.
• Maintain controlled drug logs in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Assist with public education events such as presentations and in-shelter types of education.
• Teach and mentor volunteers, staff, veterinary intern, resident, and students.
• Perform any other duty as requested by management.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

Supervises: None

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports Directly To: Hospital Operations Supervisor

Often Engages Directly With: Medical Team

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We welcome applicants who bring a diversity of identity, culture, experience, perspective and thought. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. You are also encouraged to address how your professional and lived experience, scholarship, mentorship and/or service will contribute to the Oregon Humane Society.

• Hold and maintain Certified Veterinarian Technician license as required by the State of Oregon
• 3 year(s) related work experience in a veterinary hospital or animal shelter environment as a CVT or LVT.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to communicate with a diverse population in a consistently informative, respectful, and professional manner.
• Able to participate as a member of a high performing team in a collaborative and positive manner.
• Able to maintain a professional, calm demeanor and exercise sound judgment during times of high workload, rapid pace of work, emotionally charged situations and during all interactions with the public, staff and volunteers.
• Able to maintain highest standards of confidentiality and discretion related to department activities.
• Excellent logic and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent prioritization and decision-making skills.
• Able to mitigate and/or resolve conflict in a constructive and proactive manner.
• Knowledge and experience working with a wide variety of dog, cat, birds, rodent, and other unusual species and breeds.
• Competent use of software programs such as Shelter Buddy and Cornerstone.
• Proficient in use of a Windows based operating system and Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to lead responses in times of need of life saving techniques in an emergency.

Work Environment Conditions & Physical Requirements

This position interacts and collaborates with all levels of the organization, including OHS staff, executive team members, donors, general-public, external vendors, volunteers, and supporters. Contact and communication is carried out through face-to-face, telephone and digital interactions. Excellent customer service skills are essential to success. Communication must be clear, understandable, professional, and respectful in all circumstances.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to lift, move, restrain, guide or manage an animal weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Prolonged standing and/or stooping may occur.
• Daily exposure and use of surgical, cleaning, and diagnostic solutions.
• Frequent bending and reaching into confined spaces.
• Occasional lifting and moving of inanimate objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent pushing and pulling of carted items weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Frequent use of hands and arms at or above shoulder level.
• Ability to respond and perform life saving techniques in an emergency

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift, move, restrain, guide or manage an animal weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Prolonged standing and/or stooping may occur.
• Frequent bending and reaching into confined spaces.
• Occasional lifting and moving of inanimate objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent pushing and pulling of carted items weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Frequent use of hands and arms at or above shoulder level.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and address and overcome complex challenges and barriers. We strive for a culture of integrity, respect, and compassion where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves and reaches their potential as individuals and teams. We recognize that diversity, equity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening, and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Oregon Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group.

At-Will Employment

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

About the Oregon Humane Society

Founded in 1868, Oregon Humane Society is the Northwest's oldest and largest animal welfare organization with one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. Through our mission of Creating a More Humane Society, we are working toward our vision of a world where all animals are treated with compassion, kindness and respect. With campuses in Portland and Salem, OHS is an Oregon-based nonprofit that relies on donor support for its adoption, education, medical and humane law enforcement programs. Visit oregonhumane.org for more information.

The Team

Certified Veterinary Technicians work collaboratively with the medical and operations leadership team to ensure the clinic’s overall performance in accordance with all the medical standards set forth by our executive leadership and in compliance with the OVMEB veterinary practice act.

The Position

The Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is a vital member of the Community Veterinary Hospital Medicine team. As part of our high volume, high quality veterinary hospital responsibilities include proficient venipuncture, intubation of dogs and cats of various sizes, preparing, monitoring, and assisting veterinarians with procedures and surgery. Work under the direction of a veterinarian and established protocols performing triage exams, entering medical records, animal restraint, administering patient treatments, performing euthanasia, and maintaining the facility at the highest level of cleanliness and order. CVTs also engage with the public, veterinary community and shelter staff to provide consultation and information. All OHS staff members contribute to the stewardship of the organization’s mission and are expected to stay current on and understand issues related to animal welfare and OHS programs.

Essential Responsibilities

PERSONAL LEADERSHIP

• Consistently strives to exceed expectations; demonstrates flexibility, resilience, and the ability to maintain positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances.
• Maintains high ethical standards, including exhibiting behaviors and actions that embrace and align to our organization and customer service values, while treating all people with respect and dignity.
• Demonstrates an awareness of their individual personal strengths and development needs, modeling non-defensive behavior and openness to feedback; builds a culture of feedback and learning.

LEARNING

• Contribute to regular dialogue and accountability with the leadership team and across the organization to review progress and course correct, if necessary.
• Ensure data and insights to identify, understand and articulate the key inputs and metrics that tell the story of the organization/team strategy and its progress.
• Build in appropriate feedback loops to see if we are meeting key milestones and if the impact planned is being felt across the organization.

INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION

• Represent OHS, as requested, at key stakeholder and sectoral meetings or engagements.
• Communicate effectively to executive, and other stakeholder groups to ensure they are informed and able to actively engage
• Liaise with and maintain productive relationships with all stakeholders, including other departments, and donors; build mutually rewarding professional relationships inside OHS at all levels.
• Leverage our best practices externally and grow OHS’ reputation as a leader in this space by identifying opportunities to share the process and results in the broader animal welfare sector through presentations, whitepapers, blogs, etc.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist veterinarians with physical examinations and that help determine the nature of illness or injury.
• Handling individual animals of varying species, size, and temperament in a caring, respectful, and safe manner.
• Ensure that animals with infectious diseases are handled safely and according to infectious medicine protocols.
• Perform patient care including taking and recording TPR, dressing wounds, and applying splints and other protective devices.
• Administer medications, fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Perform routine lab procedures and tests, collect urine, draw blood, and perform skin scrapings.
• Place catheters and administer intravenous fluids and tube feedings.
• Perform dental examinations, charting, and procedures.
• Capture and process radiographs.
• Prepare animals for surgery: Induce, intubate, monitor and maintain anesthetic patients during and after surgery.
• Assist veterinarians in surgery for specialized procedures including retraction, lavage, suctions, and transfusion.
• Operate, maintain, and assure technically advanced hospital equipment is in good working order.
• Monitor, record, and report physical signs of patients before, during, and after surgery and throughout hospitalization.
• Enter medical notes and treatment notes according to established protocols in a timely and accurate manner.
• Perform medical consultations with clients from the public.
• Perform euthanasia.
• Assist in maintaining inventory of all pharmaceuticals, equipment, and supplies.
• Maintain controlled drug logs in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Assist with public education events such as presentations and in-shelter types of education.
• Teach and mentor volunteers, staff, veterinary intern, resident, and students.
• Perform any other duty as requested by management.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

Supervises: None

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports Directly To: Hospital Operations Supervisor

Often Engages Directly With: Medical Team

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We welcome applicants who bring a diversity of identity, culture, experience, perspective and thought. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. You are also encouraged to address how your professional and lived experience, scholarship, mentorship and/or service will contribute to the Oregon Humane Society.

• Hold and maintain Certified Veterinarian Technician license as required by the State of Oregon
• 3 year(s) related work experience in a veterinary hospital or animal shelter environment as a CVT or LVT.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to communicate with a diverse population in a consistently informative, respectful, and professional manner.
• Able to participate as a member of a high performing team in a collaborative and positive manner.
• Able to maintain a professional, calm demeanor and exercise sound judgment during times of high workload, rapid pace of work, emotionally charged situations and during all interactions with the public, staff and volunteers.
• Able to maintain highest standards of confidentiality and discretion related to department activities.
• Excellent logic and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent prioritization and decision-making skills.
• Able to mitigate and/or resolve conflict in a constructive and proactive manner.
• Knowledge and experience working with a wide variety of dog, cat, birds, rodent, and other unusual species and breeds.
• Competent use of software programs such as Shelter Buddy and Cornerstone.
• Proficient in use of a Windows based operating system and Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to lead responses in times of need of life saving techniques in an emergency.

Work Environment Conditions & Physical Requirements

This position interacts and collaborates with all levels of the organization, including OHS staff, executive team members, donors, general-public, external vendors, volunteers, and supporters. Contact and communication is carried out through face-to-face, telephone and digital interactions. Excellent customer service skills are essential to success. Communication must be clear, understandable, professional, and respectful in all circumstances.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to lift, move, restrain, guide or manage an animal weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Prolonged standing and/or stooping may occur.
• Daily exposure and use of surgical, cleaning, and diagnostic solutions.
• Frequent bending and reaching into confined spaces.
• Occasional lifting and moving of inanimate objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent pushing and pulling of carted items weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Frequent use of hands and arms at or above shoulder level.
• Ability to respond and perform life saving techniques in an emergency

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift, move, restrain, guide or manage an animal weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Prolonged standing and/or stooping may occur.
• Frequent bending and reaching into confined spaces.
• Occasional lifting and moving of inanimate objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent pushing and pulling of carted items weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Frequent use of hands and arms at or above shoulder level.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and address and overcome complex challenges and barriers. We strive for a culture of integrity, respect, and compassion where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves and reaches their potential as individuals and teams. We recognize that diversity, equity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening, and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Oregon Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group.

At-Will Employment

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.