Shelter Registered Veterinary Technician Tier 1 (Associate)

Shelter Registered Veterinary Technician - Tier 1 (Associate) Placer SPCA Roseville, CA Job Details Full-time $26.00 - $32.50 an hour 2 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Paid time off Employee discount Retirement plan Qualifications Patient comfort Companion animal handling Teamwork Microsoft Excel Veterinary software Microsoft Outlook Veterinary Technician Certification Practice management software Patient management software Company vehicle operation Driver's License Attention to detail Organizational skills Communication with pet owners Patient interaction Full Job Description Shelter Registered Veterinary Technician - Tier 1 (Associate)

Employment Status:

Full-Time, Non-Exempt Department:

Shelter Medicine Reports To:

Chief of Shelter Veterinary Services Position Summary The Shelter RVT - Tier 1 (Associate) is an early-career registered veterinary technician who provides compassionate, high-quality medical care to animals in the shelter and foster program. This role supports daily shelter medical operations including examinations, diagnostics, anesthesia support, surgery preparation and recovery, daily husbandry care, documentation, and communication with animal care staff and foster caregivers. This position practices Spectrum of Care medicine, balancing patient welfare, available resources, and population-level outcomes, while consistently applying Fear Free and low-stress handling techniques. All medical care is performed in accordance with protocols and treatment plans established by Placer SPCA veterinary and organizational leadership, including shelter medicine veterinarians and the Chief Veterinary Officer. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Patient Care, Clinical Support & Husbandry

• Assist with intake, wellness exams, treatments, and diagnostics under veterinary direction.
• Administer vaccines (including rabies under indirect or direct supervision in accordance with California law), microchips, and medications.
• Perform basic diagnostic testing and collect samples for laboratory analysis.
• Assist with anesthesia induction and support monitoring of surgical patients during procedures and recovery under supervision.
• Support surgical preparation, instrument setup, and post-operative recovery.
• Perform humane euthanasia following training and established protocols.
• Provide daily husbandry care including feeding, cleaning, bedding changes, and sanitation of animal housing and treatment areas.
• Maintain clean, safe, and low-stress environments that support animal health and welfare.
• Spectrum of Care & Clinical Judgment
• Demonstrate a foundational understanding of Spectrum of Care principles as applied within the organization.
• Follow established medical protocols and treatment plans developed by veterinary and organizational leadership.
• Recognize changes in patient condition and escalate appropriately.
• Fear Free & Low-Stress Handling
• Consistently apply Fear Free and low-stress handling techniques in all patient interactions.
• Recognize signs of fear, stress, and distress and adjust handling appropriately.
• Shelter Animal Monitoring
• Monitor daily medical rounds and communicate patient needs to RVTs and veterinarians.
• Observe and report changes in behavior, appetite, and health.
• Dentistry Support
• Assist with dental procedures including setup, preparation, monitoring, and recovery.
• Support maintenance and organization of dental equipment and supplies.
• Surgical Support, Cleaning & Sterilization
• Assist with surgical suite setup and breakdown following procedures.
• Clean, disinfect, and prepare surgical instruments, packs, and equipment in accordance with established protocols.
• Support proper wrapping and preparation of surgical packs for sterilization.
• Operate and monitor sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclave) following training and established guidelines.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of surgical and treatment areas.
• Identify and report equipment or sterilization concerns to senior staff.
• Foster Caregiver Support & Communication
• Provide clear, compassionate discharge instructions to foster caregivers.
• Demonstrate basic medication administration and care techniques.
• Communicate patient updates in an accessible and supportive manner.
• Team Collaboration & Shelter Operations
• Document medical findings and treatments accurately in shelter database.
• Assist in training veterinary assistants and animal care staff in basic clinical tasks.
• Contribute to a collaborative, respectful, and mission-driven shelter culture.
• Regular and timely attendance is required.
• Essential functions of the job Qualifications
• Must be at least 21 years of age to meet legal requirements associated with the duties of this role.
• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in the State of California.
• Minimum one year of hands-on RVT experience; shelter medicine experience strongly preferred.
• Fear Free Certified, or ability to obtain certification within 90 days of employment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain medical concepts to clients in accessible, compassionate language.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to follow structured protocols, treatment plans, and controlled-substance procedures.
• Willingness and ability to learn new practice-management (PetPoint) software required.
• Ability to safely and compassionately handle animals in accordance with Fear Free and low-stress handling principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organization, and critical-thinking skills.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the requirements of the organization's insurance provider.
• Required to operate a motor vehicle to travel between facilities, attend meetings and special events, run errands, etc. as needed.
• Must be able to safely lift and carry supplies or animals weighing up to fifty pounds with assistance. Work Environment & Compensation
• Position classification: Non-exempt, Full-time
• Starting salary range: $26.00-$30.50/hour, based on experience and demonstrated skills.
• Position salary range: $26.00-$32.50/hour with merit-based adjustments in accordance with organizational policy.
• Work schedule: 40 hours work week, including a weekend day, some holidays and evenings, and occasional overtime.
• Regular exposure to animals that may be sick, injured, aggressive, unruly, or deceased.
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, parasites, cleaning chemicals, and facility maintenance substances.
• Frequent interaction with foster, staff, and other volunteers in a dynamic, fast-paced, and at times stressful environment.
• Work performed in an emotionally charged setting that requires resilience, adaptability, and sound judgment.
• Position requires willingness to attend training programs to maintain and enhance skills as identified and needed.
• Compliance with PSPCA Employee Policy Manual required.

Acknowledgment The Placer SPCA is an equal opportunity employer. PSPCA reserves the right to revise or change this job description as necessary or as business requires. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. I understand the qualifications described above for the Shelter Medicine RVT - Associate Tier 1 position, and by signing below acknowledge that I am able to perform the essential functions of the job either with or without reasonable accommodation and I am willing to accept the working conditions herein. Applicant /

Employee Name:

____________________________ Applicant /

Employee Signature:

________________________

Date:

__________________

Pay:

$26.00 - $32.50 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person