Logo
Humane Rescue Alliance

Veterinary Technician

Humane Rescue Alliance, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022

Save Job

Humane Rescue Alliance provided pay range Base pay range $25.00/hr - $32.00/hr

About The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enables HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them.

Job Summary The Humane Rescue Alliance seeks a Veterinary Technician to join a dynamic team of medical professionals to provide consistent medical care to animals in the nation’s capital. This role offers a unique opportunity to support animals in need, deepen your understanding of shelter and community medicine, and develop your veterinary skills. The veterinary technician provides a wide range of medical care and guidance, from basic wellness and care information to surgical support for shelter animals and owned animals. Candidates should have a working knowledge of veterinary medicine, animal shelter procedures, and animal care and behavior. Join an organization dedicated to fostering personal growth, providing opportunities for learning, and serving both the animals and owners of our nation’s capital. Candidates must be committed to providing incremental levels of support to owned animals, with an emphasis on improving access to care and strengthening the human‑animal bond.

The Role: What You’ll Do

Rotate between the medical center, surgery center, and community clinic.

Perform intake exams and begin treatments on patients following our protocols and standard operating procedures; administer vaccinations, parasiticides, and routine screenings on a variety of species.

Perform surgical support, including but not limited to surgery prep, anesthesia induction, intubation, monitoring, recovery, emergency intervention, as well as general cleaning and equipment management.

Assist with training new and existing veterinary support staff on daily operations, software systems, and technical skills.

Assist Veterinarians with patient appointments for illnesses, including obtaining patient histories, addressing client or foster parent concerns, performing indicated diagnostics, administering treatments, and reviewing discharge instructions.

Work with other departments to determine the best pathway of incoming animals, i.e.; Adoption, Transfer, Medical Treatment, Spay/ Neuter etc.

Assist in surgery, including but not limited to induction, intubation, anesthesia monitoring, and recovery.

Perform shelter rounds and monitor population health.

Update and maintain population management software, patient files, review care plans, and handle other administrative duties, as necessary.

Perform diagnostics and collect and prepare laboratory samples for analysis.

Calculate, administer, and record medications; complete controlled drug logs; fill prescriptions.

Perform and assist with euthanasia of shelter animals.

Maintain departmental procedures and protocols regarding humane care and treatment of animals, exam area cleanliness, and safety guidelines.

Always represent HRA in a professional and courteous manner. Provide quality service to the public, volunteers, and employees recognizing their individual contributions to the success of the organization.

Perform other duties as assigned.

About You: Skills & Qualifications

Exemplary customer service skills and knowledge of the best practices, techniques or procedures.

Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to multitask.

Highly motivated and creative with experience and a passion for connecting with current and future clients.

Able to work well under pressure, in emotionally charged situations, and handle confrontation politely and professionally while finding a solution.

Ability to positively interact with colleagues, coworkers, and community members from widely varied backgrounds with integrity and honesty throughout all facets of the position, always maintaining confidentiality.

Reliability, a high level of integrity, and punctuality are essential.

Ability to exhibit sound judgment and handle confidential matters.

Ability to follow direction and work effectively, both independently and in a team environment.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; bilingual is a plus.

Phone and computer literacy with proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, email, internet and database management software.

The ability to be a team player with a positive, can‑do and proactive approach, like working in a fast‑paced environment.

Love of animals and ability to interact with them in a calm, non‑threatening manner.

Knowledge of and ability to handle domestic, exotic, and wild animals preferred. Knowledge of restraint, handling techniques, and general animal safety practices preferred.

Ability to manage emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment in a positive professional manner.

Passion for St. Hubert’s mission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias.

Ability to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license in good standing.

Qualifications – Education & Experience

Two or more years of experience as a veterinary technician in an animal hospital or shelter. Certified or licensed Veterinarian Technician preferred.

One to two years of progressively responsible experience in an open admittance animal shelter preferred.

Where You'll Work: Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.

Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, and wildlife.

Ability to perform strenuous physical activity daily, including but not limited to lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, and bending. Regularly moves about the facilities to coordinate work. Typically stands, bends, stoops, and crouches while working special events.

Due to the nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; common allergens; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.

The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets. Additional information may be provided upon request.

Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.

HRA 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. Accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.

Seniority level Mid-Senior level

Employment type Full-time

Job function Health Care Provider

Industries Non-profit Organizations

Location Washington, DC

#J-18808-Ljbffr