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Lacey Police

Licensed Veterinary Technician (2025 Salary)

Lacey Police, Olympia, Washington, United States, 98502

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Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) is responsible for providing medical care and support to shelter animals. The LVT is responsible for animal restraint, assisting with and performing exams, administering treatments, wound care, preparing animals for surgery, assisting the veterinarian with procedures and surgery, intubating patients and monitoring patients under anesthesia, performing euthanasia, preparing medical instruments, entering and maintaining medical records, and working under the direction of the veterinarian.

Presents a positive, enthusiastic, and professional image when representing Joint Animal Services internally and externally. Models and promotes a diverse and inclusive staff culture that is friendly and outgoing, collaborative, and free of judgment.

Note The Hiring Manager reserves the right to make changes to this posting at any time.

First round interviews are tentatively scheduled for February 5, 2026.

*This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next six (6) months.*

Responsibilities

Assist with physical examinations, working daily with animals of varying sizes and temperaments, handling individual animals in a caring and respectful manner.

Perform dental cleanings and dental extractions under the supervision of a veterinarian, and the ability to take dental X-rays with a handheld unit.

Have sound mathematical knowledge of veterinary medicine in order to properly dose medications and fluids.

Perform proper and humane medical restraint techniques for multiple species.

Provide compassionate care for all shelter animals.

Ensure that animals with infectious diseases are handled safely and according to infectious medicine protocols.

Perform routine lab procedures and tests, collect urine, draw blood, and perform skin scrapings, place catheters, and administer intravenous fluids and tube feedings.

Assist in maintaining inventory of all pharmaceuticals, equipment, and supplies. Maintain drug logs in accordance with state and federal law.

Assist in cleaning of surgical suite and kennels.

Responsible for training and oversight of veterinarian assistant.

Maintain the ability to follow policies and procedures of the JAS leadership.

Assist in maintaining the surgery and exam schedule.

Maintain appropriate standard of care protocols.

Leads and provides training and guidance to veterinary assistant and clinic and shelter medicine volunteers.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Must possess and have the ability to maintain a current Washington Veterinary Technician license.

A H.S. Diploma or G.E.D. AND one (1) year of experience as a licensed Veterinary Technician AND a minimum of three (3) years of experience in clinic or shelter medicine.

Preferred Qualifications

A minimum of one (1) year of experience dealing with animals compassionately and respectfully.

Experience in animal services, animal rescue, or animal sheltering.

Training and knowledge in HQHVSN techniques and surgical flow with the ability to manage a surgery schedule of at least 25-30 animals per surgery day.

Training and knowledge in shelter medicine and the flow of animals through an animal shelter, infectious disease management in a shelter setting, and the concept of herd health management in regards to diseases and behavioral issues common in shelter animals.

Special Requirements or Licenses

Must pass a thorough background investigation and successfully complete pre‑employment medical testing for the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid Washington state driver’s license within 30 days from date of hire, and must have a driving record acceptable to the City and the City’s insurance carrier.

Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follows all required safety policies, procedures, and techniques.

Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

When necessary, this position assists and/or performs euthanasia and must be certified in euthanasia procedures or have the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year from the date of hire.

Knowledge and experience in Fear Free handling techniques and completion of the Fear Free Shelter Program within 60 days of start date.

Must possess a Veterinary Medical Clerk license or have the ability to obtain within six (6) months from date of hire.

Knowledge of

Medical conditions, terminology, transcription, and data entry.

Policies, procedures, laws (RCWs and WACs), regulations, and specialized terminology associated with veterinary medicine as governed by the state, and federal entities, appropriate for a WA licensed veterinary technician. Best industry practices as it relates to shelter medicine.

Understanding of local, state, and federal rules and regulations related to the area of work.

Program management and planning skills, clear knowledge of policies and objectives of assigned programs and activities.

Accurate, lawful, and efficient record‑keeping techniques.

Personable, communicative, patient, professional, empathetic, mature, and effective in engaging with a culturally diverse community.

Principles of business letter writing.

Knowledge of general office equipment such as computers, copies, fax machines, and telephone systems.

English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Skill in

All aspects of shelter medicine: following treatment sheets, recognizing and communicating changes in patient status, common and specialized diagnostic procedures, and alternative medicine.

All aspects of surgical patients: sterile technique, assisting the veterinarian intra‑operatively, surgical induction, postoperative care, recognizing anesthetic complications, perioperative monitoring, and operation specialized equipment.

Determining appropriate action within clearly defined guidelines.

Intermediate writing and math skills.

Professional phone etiquette.

Oral and written communication skills.

Time management with the ability to work under extreme pressure(s).

Exceptional customer service skills and genuine desire to make a positive impact in the community.

Using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Presenting a positive, enthusiastic, and professional image when representing Joint Animal Services internally and externally.

Ability to

Collect urine via cystocentesis, with and without the assistance of ultrasound technology.

Model and promote a diverse and inclusive staff culture that is friendly and outgoing, collaborative, and free of judgment.

Communicate professionally and effectively with co‑workers, leadership, volunteers, and members of the public at all times, demonstrating positive customer service and an upbeat team‑oriented attitude.

Research a variety of subjects and present information in an efficient, accurate manner.

Multi‑task and establish priorities with the ability to work in a fast‑paced office and be willing to work as a member of a team.

Prepare a variety of reports, logs, records, and files related to assigned areas of work and activities.

Be a self‑starter and an independent problem solver, with the desire to be a team contributor.

Work effectively with people in a variety of high‑stress situations.

Organize, meet deadlines, and coordinate small/large projects.

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