Medical Technician
Description
Job description:
Veterinary Technicians: Shelter Medicine & Surgery
Help Provide Exceptional Medical and Surgical Care to Shelter Animals
The Animal Rescue League of Berks County is seeking compassionate, skilled, and dedicated Veterinary Technicians to join our medical team. We are hiring for a variety of technician roles and skill levels, with opportunities ranging from shelter medicine and daily medical care to high-volume surgical support.
Whether your strengths are providing hands-on care to animals in the shelter, supporting medical treatments and case management, or working in a fast-paced surgical setting, we are looking for talented technicians who want to use their skills to make a difference for animals in need.
Opportunities may include:
Shelter Medical Technician
Our shelter medical technicians support the day-to-day health and wellbeing of animals in our care. Responsibilities may include:
- Administering medications, vaccinations, and treatments
- Monitoring animals for changes in health or behavior
- Assisting with examinations, diagnostics, and medical procedures
- Collecting samples and assisting with testing
- Maintaining accurate medical records
- Supporting treatment plans and ongoing case management
- Communicating and collaborating with veterinarians, technicians, animal care staff, and other members of the shelter team
- Depending on experience, assisting with advanced medical care and mentoring developing team members
Surgery Technician
Our surgery technicians support a high-volume surgical program and are ideal for technicians with strong surgical, anesthesia, and patient-monitoring skills. Responsibilities may include:
- Preparing patients for surgery
- Assisting with induction, intubation, anesthesia, and recovery
- Monitoring patients throughout surgical procedures
- Preparing and maintaining surgical instruments and equipment
- Supporting veterinarians during high-volume surgical procedures
- Providing pre-operative and post-operative patient care
- Maintaining accurate surgical and medical records
- Following established surgical, sterilization, infection-control, and patient-safety protocols
We are looking for technicians who:
- Have experience working in veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, surgical settings, or other animal care environments
- Have knowledge of animal health, disease prevention, medication administration, and patient care
- Demonstrate strong animal handling and restraint skills
- Can recognize and appropriately communicate changes in an animal's health or behavior
- Are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a diverse patient population
- Have strong critical-thinking, communication, and organizational skills
- Are dependable, collaborative, and able to prioritize competing needs
- Are passionate about animal welfare and providing compassionate, high-quality care
- Are committed to continued learning and professional development
For surgery-focused positions, previous experience with anesthesia, surgical preparation, patient monitoring, recovery, and high-volume surgical procedures is strongly preferred.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 2 years of experience working in veterinary medicine preferred
- Previous shelter medicine experience is preferred but not required
- Eligibility for and willingness to apply for euthanasia technician certification, when applicable to the position
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize
- Dependable, reliable, and efficient
- Commitment to staying current on shelter medicine and veterinary best practices
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and stand for prolonged periods
- Passion for the mission of the Animal Rescue League of Berks County
Not every technician will have the same background, and that's okay. We encourage applicants with strengths in shelter medicine, general veterinary care, surgery, anesthesia, or a combination of these areas to apply. We will consider experience and skill level when determining the best fit within our medical team.
Work Environment
Employees in these positions may regularly be exposed to potentially zoonotic diseases, including rabies; animals of varying sizes, species, and temperaments; loud noises; odors; airborne particles; animal fur; and cleaning or medical chemicals.
- Examination, restraint, treatment, and surgical care of a high volume of animals can be physically and emotionally demanding
- Euthanasia is performed within the facility, and some positions may assist with humane euthanasia as part of their responsibilities
- The environment can be fast-paced and may involve emotionally challenging situations
- Hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays
- The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of these positions
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions
Position Details
Full-time/Part-Time/Relief Options All Considered | Non-exempt | Overtime eligible
We offer a competitive salary, continuing education and professional development opportunities, and benefits including medical, prescription, vision and dental insurance, sick leave, annual leave, and an IRA plan. Scheduling may include evening, weekend, and holiday hours.
If you are an experienced veterinary technician looking to bring your surgical expertise to a high-volume program, a shelter medicine professional passionate about caring for animals throughout their shelter journey, or a developing technician ready to grow your skills, we encourage you to apply and explore where your experience could fit within our medical team.
Note: This job posting is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may be required to perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Animal Rescue League is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
How to Apply
Contact Chief Engagement and People Officer, Leann Quire, Lquire@berksarl.org, or at 610-621-2831