Registered Veterinary Technician

Please make sure to attach your resume to complete your application.

Summary:

The ASPCA’s Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC) in Weaverville, NC, is the first and only facility dedicated to the rehabilitation and study of extremely fearful, under-socialized dogs, such as those confiscated from puppy mills and hoarding situations. The goal of the entire BRC team is to work together to improve these dogs’ quality of life and prepare them for life in adoptive homes---an impossible outcome without intensive, structured behavioral interventions and integrative care.  

 

One of the most critical functions of the Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is to serve as part of a harmonious, united team of shelter operations, shelter medicine and animal behavior experts, all dedicated to collaborating with each other to provide balanced, integrative care. The BRC’s animal behavior specialists focus on implementing behavior modification protocols to improve psychological health; our daily care experts employ a robust enrichment program to reduce stress; our veterinary medical professionals use low-stress handling, careful monitoring, and treatment to maintain physical health – all critical to dogs’ success in the program.  

 

The BRC RVT will deliver top-notch, compassionate care and assist with examinations, treatments, monitoring all animals, and diagnostic testing procedures.  The RVT utilizes low-stress handling techniques and adheres to both shelter medicine best practices and ASPCA policies and protocols.  This position helps ensure that the BRC animals’ physical and behavioral needs are met, by providing comprehensive animal care that includes husbandry tasks, observation, and reporting of signs of illness or injury, record-keeping and data entry, and preparation and administration of a variety of medications. The BRC RVT works under the supervision of the BRC Senior Director of Veterinary Services, and works closely with the BRC Manager of Veterinary Support, BRC Senior Director of Operations, the BRC Senior Director of Behavior Rehabilitation, and their teams to facilitate the delivery of veterinary care and to communicate information regarding animals’ health and behavior to other staff members at the BRC. This position is based in Weaverville, near Asheville, NC. 

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 

 

Direct Medical Care (50%) 

  • Work with the Senior Director, Veterinary Services and Veterinary Support Manager (RVT) to provide medical oversight to animals in the care of the BRC, in accordance with ASPCA medical protocols and shelter medicine principles and best practices 

  • Utilize proficient technical nursing skills, including but not limited to venipuncture, catheter placement, administration of oral, topical, and injectable medications, diagnostic testing procedures, sedation monitoring, triage and basic examination to care for animals at the BRC 

  • Transport animals to external veterinary care service providers for appointments 

  • Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques 

  • Collaborate with behavior and sheltering colleagues to ensure holistic, balanced care for animals and a cohesive team culture for staff 

  • Serve as an active member of the Medical Team on daily rounds and in intra- and inter-departmental meetings 

  • Review current treatment schedules, medical concern boards and rechecks to ensure timely delivery of care  

  • Observe animals closely for signs of illness, injury, and/or poor medical welfare; document and communicate this information in patient medical records and/or directly to medical, behavior and operations team members 

  • Assist with humane euthanasia following disposition decisions and/or in event of urgent medical need, in compliance with relevant laws and regulations 

  • Handle, administer and log controlled substances under the direction of a veterinarian and in accordance with protocols 

  • Use PPE appropriately and help ensure proper use by all teams throughout the shelter 

  • Use objective language and established communication systems to relay relevant observations to the behavior team, flagging behavior changes and concerns 

  • Communicate regularly with the behavior and operations teams to ensure information is shared in a timely fashion with relevant stakeholders 

  • Competently and compassionately explain information about an animal’s condition to other staff with easily understood language  

  • Model a standard of continual commitment to improvement in all aspects of BRC care and handling of dogs. 

 

Operations & Administrative Support (50%) 

  • Collaborate between medical, care and enrichment, and behavior rehabilitation branches 

  • Ensure accurate and timely data entry to animals’ medical records in accordance with principles of medical record-keeping, including the transfer of information from outside veterinary partners and laboratories 

  • Ensure medical areas are kept clean, organized, and ready for use 

  • Learn and follow BRC philosophy, procedures and protocols 

  • Adhere to all protocols put forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

  • Take on special projects and other duties as assigned by the Sr. Director, Veterinary Services 

  • Prepare samples for submission to outside laboratories and follow-up as needed 

  • Assist as requested and directed in behavior interventions as a “novel” person 

  • Assist as needed in Learning Lab retreats, eLearning, and online forums 

  • Participate in staff meetings, training classes, and other required ASPCA events and professional development opportunities, including annual performance reviews 

  • Clean and disinfect kennels, transport carriers, equipment while utilizing appropriate PPE, as needed 

  • Participate in continuing education opportunities to foster an environment of learning and advancement 

  • Perform other duties as assigned 

 

Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values: 

  • Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals 

  • Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes 

  • Believes in Team – that we are stronger together 

  • Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible 

  • Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals 

 

Education and Work Experience: 

  • Must have a current Registered Veterinary Technician license in North Carolina or be able to obtain a license in NC within 90 days of hire 

  • Prior experience working as a veterinary assistant, veterinary technician or similar in small animal clinical practice or animal shelter required 

  • Prior experience working in an animal shelter preferred 

  • North Carolina Certified Rabies Vaccinator preferred or eligibility for and willingness to obtain certification  

  • North Carolina Certified Euthanasia Technician preferred or eligibility for and willingness to obtain certification to perform humane euthanasia 

  • Fear Free Shelter certification is required within 60 days of hire 

Qualifications: 

  • Ability to observe and accurately interpret animal behavior 

  • Ability to skillfully restrain and handle animals 

  • Cultivates a climate in which individual differences and perspectives are valued, encouraged and supported 

  • Displays courage and determination in the face of challenges and inspires others to do the same 

  • Exhibits empathy and understanding for the needs of animals, co-workers, clients and communities 

  • Experiments with, and implements approaches that improve and expand upon our work 

  • Flexible and willing to attend mandatory staff meetings and training classes that may not occur during regular work hours 

  • Treats people with kindness and compassion  

  • Builds trust by demonstrating authenticity and following through on your commitments  

  • Prioritizes well-being as well as mission  

  • Builds strong relationships with your colleagues by participating in communication loops to share and receive honest feedback  

  • Responsible and accountable for the culture you add to your team dynamic 

  • Must provide a valid driver’s license upon hire and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history 

  • Physical capacity to handle heavy lifting, moving, standing and bending 

  • Plans, organizes and prioritizes work 

  • Ability to work closely with behaviorally compromised animals and feel comfortable working in an environment where euthanasia is performed on a regular basis 

  • Must be confident with technology and using a computer, have experience learning and using new software in a professional setting, be able to toggle between multiple programs. 

  • Available to regularly work 5 days per week, including one weekend day, and available to work a flexible schedule when needed including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays 

Compensation and benefits: 

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.  

The target hiring range for this role is $28.35-$30.75. 

For more information on our benefits offerings, click here.

 

Stay Connected – Join Our Talent Community 

If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please visit our website to join our Talent Community and stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA. 

Qualifications:

  

Language:

English

Education and Work Experience:

Associates: Veterinary Technician, High School Diploma (Required)

  

Our EEO Policy:

The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.  A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA.  Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status,  or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

Please don’t forget to attach your resume to complete your application.

About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.

The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.