SPCA Dartmouth Shelter Hospital – RVT

The Nova Scotia SPCAs’ in house Veterinary Hospital is seeking a Registered Veterinary Technician to join our veterinary team working in a fast-paced shelter medicine veterinary hospital. This hospital provides full service to animals in the SPCA care, with practically no public-facing responsibilities, including discussions with clients on costs of treatment. All animals cared for at this hospital are Nova Scotia SPCA shelter animals.

The Dartmouth Shelter Hospital RVT works a weekday only schedule – That means no weekend shifts and no on-calls!

This role is a hands-on assisting role, with a wide variety of tasks and responsibility such as surgical prep and recovery of patients, diagnostics, as well as cleaning of the hospital areas. Other tasks of ensuring efficient operation of a busy shelter medicine veterinary practice will also be a part of the responsibilities of this position.
As an SPCA employee, there are also opportunities to be involved with a variety of programs that focus on giving back to the community – such as participating in our surgical mobile unit and dedicated mobile wellness days – or to focus on the technician aspect of the role, within a small but well-established team.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a busy fast paced hospital environment, with an eager to help and proactive approach to their work. The successful applicant will be expected to maintain professionalism in all team interactions, and represent the mandate and mission of the Nova Scotia SPCA while following the requirements of a Veterinary Hospital.
Please see below for more details on qualifications, responsibilities, hours of work, benefits as well as how to apply.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Completion of a Veterinary Technology program.
  • Successful completion of the VTNE and licensed with provincial licensing boards.
  • 1-2 years work experience as VT or equivalent relatable work experience.
  • Knowledge and experience in proper and safe patient restraint
  • Knowledge and in depth understanding of medical terminology in a Veterinary setting.
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to new and changing protocols, specifically in the area of Shelter Medicine.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in surgery as well as pre- and post-surgery patient care.
  • Responsible for care of hospitalized patients including keeping all wards and
    kennels properly cleaned and disinfected, exercise and enrichment, feeding,
    laundry, and keeping patients clean.
  • Prepare and sanitize surgery suites. Clean and maintain holding areas.
  • Assure all nutritional, housing, grooming and medical needs are met on a daily basis
    according to approved processes. Responsible for maintaining a safe and sanitary
    facility for animals and people.
  • Providing humane handling and care for all shelter animals.
  • General clinic cleaning and equipment maintenance duties.
  • Performing diagnostics such as radiographs, urinalysis, and faecals.
  • Maintain accurate records for animal inventory, health, medications, treatments,
    procedures and behavior history.

In addition to the duties listed above, the SPCA expects the following of each employee:

  • Adherence to policies and procedures
  • Completes work in a safe manner
  • Acts as a role model within and outside the shelter
  • Performs duties as workload necessitates
  • Reliability
  • Maintains a positive and respectful attitude
  • Demonstrates exceptional customer service when required
  • Communicates regularly with supervisor about challenges
  • Demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload
  • Participates in events and on committees as needed or required.

Physical Requirements

  • Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing,
    walking, squatting and sitting, with some heavy lifting, pushing and pulling exerted
    regularly throughout a regular work shift.

Hours of Work
Shifts required Monday to Thursday 8am to 430pm. NO WEEKEND SHIFTS, NO ON CALL.

Benefits

  • CE package and dues covered
  • Extended health and dental package after 3 months of employment
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • RRSP match after 1 year of employment
  • Veterinary services discount for employee pets
  • Pet supply and SPCA Thrift Store discounts

Nova Scotia SPCA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, race, age, sexuality, or disability. SPCA provides a competitive salary and a rewarding work environment. Preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as African Nova Scotians, racially visible persons, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal persons and persons of the LGBTQ+ community We encourage applicants to self-identify.

Interested applicants are asked to submit their resume and cover letter by email to resumes@spcans.ca. We thank all applicants for their interest in a career at the Nova Scotia SPCA, however, only those selected for interview will be contacted.
As a part of our hiring process, we require applicants to complete behavioural and cognitive assessments. You will be sent the links along with screening questions after submitting your resume.