Veterinary Technician Apprentice-Community Veterinary Services

The Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur Registered Veterinary Technician team members provide access to high quality veterinary urgent care using an incremental care approach for under-served populations in our community. This position plays a critical role in helping to prevent and alleviate suffering of animals in our community, maximize our impact, enhance the dignity of our clients, and work collaboratively with the veterinary community.

The Veterinary Hospital at the CSU Spur campus, is just north of downtown Denver, and is part of the redevelopment of the National Western Center. On the Spur campus, the veterinary hospital will incorporate learning opportunities for the public, through our surgery and dental suites, along with an exam room, that is on view to the public.

Purpose of Position: Assist the shelter veterinary services team in providing medical care and treatment for animals, and exceptional customer service to patrons. 

Responsibilities

• Assist shelter veterinary services team in the performance of medical and surgical procedures.
• Administer medications as directed to shelter animals.
• Clean, disinfect, and maintain surgical and medical areas.
• Maintain medical equipment and supplies.
• Handle and move animals prior to and following medical procedures, restraining animals as needed.
• Perform data entry to update animal records.
• Perform clinic reception duties including handling incoming phone calls, greeting and assisting patrons, scheduling appointments, and filling prescription orders.
• Contribute to and lead initiatives to improve processes and procedures.
• Perform euthanasia and related tasks.
• Perform physical examination and provide treatment for animals flagged as needing medical attention.
• Medicate, and treat animals as prescribed by veterinarian and follow standard operating protocols.
• Vaccinate shelter animals as needed.
• Provide medical assistance and counseling to patrons.
• Collect samples for testing and perform laboratory tests.
• Take accurate radiographs.
• Administer anesthesia and monitor animals under anesthesia.
• Place IV catheters, calculate drug dosages and fluid rates.
• Use and maintain medical equipment.
• Perform accurate data entry to update animal records.
• Complete swing-shift or overnight-shifts as needed once trained.
• Solicit feedback and remain open to feedback received by management and team members.

People Care

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and League business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.

Competencies

Competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance. They encompass knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and actions. Additional definitions for competencies may be obtained from Human Resources.

Organizational Key Competencies

• Integrity and Ethics
• Adapting to Change and Ambiguity
• Customer and Community Focus
• Emotional Intelligence
• Excellence

Position Key Competencies

• Accountability
• Flexibility 
• Teamwork
• Attention to Detail
• Initiative 
• Decision Making
• Results Oriented
• Time Management

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility

• Volunteers

Travel

• This position may require travel to different work sites 

Shift Schedule: This is a FT, 40 hours per week role.

Full Time Benefits – Please visit our website for a comprehensive list of all offered benefits.

• Benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Sick Time
• Holiday Pay
• Employee Discounts
• 401(k)
• Sabbatical
• and more!

Compensation: Starting at $20.60 - $21.52 per hour; (starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity)

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements

Handle and restrain animals of various sizes, weights, and temperaments. Subject to animal bites or scratches. Work performed in high noise level areas. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces. Exposure to radiation in association with performing radiology procedures. Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing, climbing stairs, and walking. Repetitive motion associated with medical and surgical care. Frequent lifting of animals and objects up to 40 pounds with reasonable accommodation.

Posting will remain open until filled, with a minimum posting period of 5 days.  

Position Qualifications

Required

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Must be a current CCD Veterinary Apprenticeship program student
• Work Experience: A minimum of six months of customer service experience

Desired

• Experience working in a veterinary clinic or similar environment
• Working knowledge of current veterinary practices
• Professional experience working with animals
• Veterinary assistant certification