Please make sure to attach your resume to complete your application.
Summary:
If you are passionate about delivering high-quality nursing care to animals in need, and you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic and complex environment, the position of Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) at the ASPCA Adoption Center & Kitten Nursery (AC/KN) may be for you. As a key member of the medical team, you’ll closely partner with the veterinarians and other colleagues to deliver excellent patient care and will work collaboratively and effectively with internal and external stakeholders to further the ASPCA’s ultimate desired outcome that all animals live good lives.
The Adoption Center currently provides shelter and adoption for five groups of animals:
1. Animal victims of cruelty and neglect brought to us by the NYPD
2. At-risk animals brought to us through our Community Engagement team
3. At-risk underage kittens and other medically-compromised stray animals
4. Animals surrendered by their owners and in need of adoption into new homes and
5. Animals transferred in from shelter/rescue partners
The Kitten Nursery is a lifesaving foster program that coordinates the medical and behavioral care and foster placement for approximately 1,600 underage kittens each year. The Nursery accepts kittens from key partner shelters within NYC and from members of the public. Once these kittens are 8 weeks old, the Kitten Nursery helps them get ready for adoption through the ASPCA Adoption Center or transfer to partner shelters. During the months of April-November, the AC/KN LVT will split their time equally between the Adoption Center and Kitten Nursery. Outside of kitten season, the AC/KN LVT will spend half of their week supporting other ASPCA programs in NYC.
To succeed in this role, the LVT will deliver compassionate nursing care and assist the veterinarians with examinations, treatments, and diagnostic testing procedures following low-stress handling principles and shelter medicine best practices. Success also hinges on the ability to collaborate with other teams at the Adoption Center & Kitten Nursery to ensure the animals’ physical and behavioral needs are met on both an individual patient and population level.
The schedule for this role is: Wednesday-Thursday 9am-7pm (KN) and Friday-Saturday 9am-7pm (AC)
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Nursing Care and Veterinary Support (70%)
- Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques.
- Proficient technical nursing skills, including, but not limited to, venipuncture; catheter placement; administration of oral, topical, and injectable medications; diagnostic testing procedures; triage and basic examinations
- Perform exams and provide clinical care for healthy and medically compromised animals both on-site and/or in foster care according to AC/KN protocols
- Closely observe animals for signs of illness, injury, and/or poor quality of life. Document and communicate this information on monitoring sheets, in patient medical records, and/or directly to colleagues
- Assess needs of kittens to help determine appropriate placement within the nursery and/or in foster care, based on age, health and behavior
- Competently and compassionately explain information about an animal’s condition to other AC/KN staff members, volunteers, foster caregivers, and adopters with easily understood language
- Handle, administer, and log controlled substances under the direction of a veterinarian and in accordance with AC/KN protocols
- Feed and medicate patients following veterinarian instructions and standard operating procedures; Assist with bottle and syringe feeding, and graduating kittens to the next stage of growth
- Assist with and/or perform humane euthanasia under the supervision of staff veterinarians
- Adhere to guidelines set forth in AC/KN protocols to prevent infectious disease
- Assist with cleaning and disinfection as requested
- Work to support other NYC ASPCA departments (including the ASPCA Animal Hospital, Animal Recovery Center, Canine Annex for Recovery and Enrichment, Community Medicine, and Community Engagement) as assigned during the Kitten Nursery’s off-season
- Perform related duties as assigned
Record-Keeping and Communication (30%)
- Ensure accurate and timely data entry to animals’ medical records, including transfer of information from other ASPCA departments’ software systems and diagnostic test results from outside laboratories
- Attend and actively participate in daily rounds; round medical charts
- Assist the Foster team with any necessary medical communication required for foster patients, and Placement team with any communication required for prospective adopters
- Engage in providing input and feedback about operational changes; learn, implement, and follow all departmental policies and protocols
- Ensure that exam rooms and medical staff work areas are kept clean and orderly and are stocked and ready for use; take inventory and stock supplies as needed
- Follow all departmental personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning protocols
- Obtain continuing education as required by ASPCA and state licensing board and keep current.
- Work in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies and requirements
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 $34.60 - $37.00. In addition to a competitive salary, this role offers a signing bonus of $2,000.
For more information on our Benefit offerings, click here.
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 click this link and join our Talent Community to stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of veterinary medical concepts, protocols, and procedures
- Possess critical thinking and multi-tasking skills; able to quickly adjust focus and shift priorities based on patient and AC/KN needs
- Knowledge and willingness to provide low-stress animal handing and restraint skills
- Able to work efficiently and calmly both as a member of the team and independently with minimal supervision
- Exhibit professionalism and courtesy under challenging conditions; demonstrate flexibility with work assignments and unique tasks
- Able to work effectively with a highly vulnerable population with a naturally higher mortality rate
- Strong customer service skills
- Strong organizational skills and a high level of attention to detail
- Maintain open mind regarding changes and be willing to learn, implement, and teach new protocols
- Basic computer skills, including Excel, Microsoft Office, and email; familiarity with PetPoint or other shelter software systems a plus.
- Available to work a flexible schedule when needed including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Able to lift 50 pounds
- Able to walk, bend, stand and reach consistently for 10 or more hours
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
Language:
English (required)
Second language (preferred)
Qualifications:
See above for qualifications details.
Licensed Veterinary Technician - American Association of Veterinary State Boards
Language:
English, Spanish
Education and Work Experience:
High School Diploma (Required)
1-3 years veterinary hospital and/or shelter experience preferred, Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology or a related field required, Eligibility for licensure in New York State (NYS) as a veterinary technician required; current licensure in NYS strongly preferred, Training and/or experience in the care of neonate and orphaned kittens preferred
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.