About Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA
Since 1973, the RHSPCA has been providing compassionate animal care to help pets and people live happier, healthier lives. We offer a full range of services, including adoption options for companion pets and barn cats so that local animals can live better lives in the spaces that suit them best. We also work with a vast network of volunteers who help us care for animals in our shelter and individuals willing to foster pets in their homes. In addition to our pet matchmaking services, we partner with community members to help manage the outdoor cat population through our Community Cat Program. Across all of these services is our commitment to providing the resources and tools our community needs to improve animal welfare.
The Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA is seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented Animal
Health Technician to join our animal health team. In this critical role, you'll work hands-on to
provide medical care for the animals in our care, ensuring their health and comfort, while
preparing them for adoption.
As part of the Animal Health Team, you'll perform medical intake exams, administer treatments
and vaccinations, maintain accurate health records, and collaborate closely with staff,
volunteers, and veterinarians. You"ll play a key role in optimizing animal flow through the shelter
while upholding the highest standards of care and humane treatment.
The ideal candidate will bring experience working in a veterinary or shelter setting, a proactive
and positive attitude, and a strong commitment to improving animal welfare. If you"re passionate
about making a difference and thrive in a fast-paced, team-focused environment, we'd love to
meet you!
Compensation: $15–$17/hour, commensurate with experience.
Benefits include: Medical insurance and paid time off after a period of employment.
Schedule : five days per week 8:00-4:30. Must have weekend availability.
FUNCTION: Under direct supervision of the Animal Health Manager, the Animal
Health Technician's primary responsibility is assessing and providing for the medical needs of
the animals in the care of the RHSPCA. This position plays a critical role in optimizing the flow
of animals and ensuring their medical wellbeing while they are in our care.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
General:
● Performs duties in a manner which promotes a positive culture and encourages attainment of
RHSPCA goals.
● Ensures quality care and humane treatment for the animals in the care of the RHSPCA.
● Works courteously and cooperatively with the staff, volunteers, fosters, adopters, partners and
donors to ensure that all RHSPCA policies and procedures are followed, and new ones are
implemented successfully.
●Able to multitask, adapt and accommodate to changing demands in a fast paced environment.
Able to prioritize tasks appropriately and receive and follow instructions both verbal and written
● Performs all duties in a manner that ensures humane treatment, staff safety and minimal
stress on the animals during medical handling.
Animal Care:
● Ensures treatments, vaccines and tests are scheduled appropriately, dispensed and
administered on time.
● Performs intake exams, vaccinations, and treatments for animals within one hour of intake into
the shelter. [Except for when the shelter is closed].
● Performs medical exams, microchipping, blood draws, blood testing (Idexx SNAP Tests), and
other basic tasks safely and humanely in accordance with RHSPCA protocols.
● Performs daily ‘Tasks' as assigned in shelter management software. [These include exams,
vaccinations, treatments, diagnostic tests and miscellaneous to-dos.]
● Identifies illness and dispenses medications in accordance with medical protocols established
by the Shelter Veterinarian.
● Performs baths, nail trims and ear cleanings as needed.
● Assists with movement of animals to and from clinic areas and sick animal housing areas.
● Ability to identify illness and determine severity according to medical protocols
established by the Shelter Veterinarian.
● Responsible for daily medical monitoring and observation
● Immediately brings to the attention of Animal Health Manager medical concerns needing
prompt attention.
● Responsible for daily cleaning and sanitation of clinic areas including dog and cat intake
rooms.
● Responsible for maintaining a sanitary workspace.
● Assist Animal Care Team with kennel cleaning as needed.
Recordkeeping:
● Responsible for accurate record keeping, maintaining data integrity of animal records and
statistical reporting for all program(s) related activities.
● Maintain proper paperwork and accurate control of medical supplies.
● Assists with veterinary exams and enters veterinarian notes in shelter management software.
Transportation:
● Schedules off site veterinary appointments and transports animals for appointments as
assigned by Animal Health Manager.
● Drops off samples for off site lab testing to shipping couriers, as needed.
Communication:
● Work closely with Animal Health Manager and shelter veterinarians to ensure the health of
animals in our care and optimize flow of animals through the shelter.
● Communicate with and work closely with RHSPCA shelter staff regarding people service
(including customers, volunteers, fosters, veterinarians) and animal care.
● Communicate well in person, via email and telephone with individuals within the organization
and outside to ensure success of the programs.
Other Responsibilities:
● Utilizes volunteers effectively and as needed.
● Assists Animal Health Manager with scheduling appointments with veterinarians in house and
off site as directed.
● Responsible for daily ‘status' reviews and updates of animal records..
● Makes recommendations to the Animal Health Manager for animals in need of foster or
rescue placement.
● Responsible for restocking medical and cleaning supplies, assisting with inventory counts, and
bringing to the attention of the Animal Health Manager supplies that need to be ordered.
● Serves as primary contact for shelter operations staff regarding medical concerns and
observations in the absence of Animal Health Manager.
● Assist with restraint for euthanasia when necessary. Position is not required to perform
euthanasia.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
RHSPCA is seeking a progressive, quick thinking, dynamic individual who brings animal
handling and people skills along with passion, commitment and enthusiasm for our mission and
accountability for their work. We are seeking someone who can work well with a team.
Independent thinking and resourcefulness to overcome roadblocks are a must.
The ideal candidate will have 2 years of animal care and/or veterinary setting experience,
excellent time management, and oral and written communication skills.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The Animal Health Technician needs to be able to perform the essential duties satisfactorily. The
qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required:
● Two years experience working in a veterinary clinic.
● Familiarity with google workspace. (Gmail, Sheets and Docs)
● Ability to work independently without close supervision.
● Ability to work collaboratively with a positive and upbeat attitude.
● Knowledge of dog and cat behavior and safe handling practices is required.
● Must be available to work weekends. Available to work some holidays to administer medical
treatments. Flexibility in scheduling is a must.
● Ability to use sound judgment in all decision making while working independently in a
fast-paced environment.
● Hold a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
● Job responsibilities and opportunities may change as organizational needs change and
grow.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift 35 lbs., stand for long periods of time, move quickly, work with and around animals
(including diseased, injured and/or potentially aggressive animals), loud noises, chlorine or
other chemicals.
NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT
The Animal Health Technician is an exempt position, which generally requires a minimum of 40
hours per week and may include evening, weekend and holiday and inclement weather work
times.
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