Field Clinic Surgery Manager

Underdog Animal Rescue and Rehab located in beautiful Moab, Utah, has an opening for a Full Time Veterinary Technician to run the surgery side of our monthly field clinics on the Native American reservations of the Four Corners region. Experience in surgical field clinics, emergency and/or shelter medicine is a plus.

Our ideal candidate is enthusiastic about the opportunity to have an impact on a highly underserved community while tackling a challenging variety of tasks in a fast paced environment. If you are interested in field medicine and confident in your ability to make decisions on your feet, with and without the direction of a vet, this may be a great fit for you.

This position is more than a job, and will not suit every vet tech. A “working interview” (paid) is essential for the candidate to have a full understanding of the role.

Responsibilities at clinics include, but are not limited to:

• Attending one surgery clinic a month on the Navajo Nation - 3 days
• Ensuring that the veterinary staff is trained on the use of our equipment
• Being available to assist the surgery team with questions, concerns and emergencies
• Managing the surgery flow from check in to induction, surgery, recovery and discharge
• Communicating and training clinic volunteers (recovery, sterilization, surgical assistance, etc.)
• Troubleshooting anesthesia machines, oxygen equipment, and sterilization equipment
• Performing pre-surgical patient examinations
• Triage and emergency stabilization of dogs and cats with indirect supervision from a veterinarian
• Ensuring adherence to protocols, policies, and procedures to maintain a safe surgical environment
• Professionally communicating and collaborating with veterinarians, technicians, volunteers, support staff, and the public to ensure smooth and efficient clinic flow.

Responsibilities between clinics include:

• Managing surgery clinic inventory and ordering of supplies
• Scheduling surgery appointments and managing the surgery waitlist
• Managing post-operative patient concerns
• Packing and unpacking the mobile unit and trailer
• Driving the mobile unit to field locations
• Assisting with animal care and treatments at our shelter facility
• Confirming clinic locations
• Recruiting and scheduling veterinarians and technicians based on their skills
• Assuring that accurate medical records and statistics are kept current

Essential skill requirements:

Accurate medical recordkeeping in clinic and shelter management programs

Understanding of disease management in an area of highly unvaccinated animals

Proficient in medical terminology and be familiar with common drugs and protocols

Ability to triage medical cases quickly and appropriately

Work with individuals and colleagues from diverse communities and cultures

Ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner in all situations

Ability to explain treatments and conditions to clients in a compassionate and understandable manner

Patient restraint using principles of Fear Free animal handling

Calculate, administer and properly manage fluids and medications

Perform venipunctures and place IV catheters

Prep wounds and apply bandages

Monitor vital signs

Properly place an endotracheal tube

Induce and maintain anesthesia

Care for common urgent cases, including wound management, ear infections, and euthanasia

Must be able to lift 40# alone, or more with a team member

Handling and documenting controlled substances and knowledge of regulations related to same

Experience with dogs and cats of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status

Patient discharge and client education

Maintaining a clean and sanitary work environment

Perform routine, in-house diagnostic tests

You:

Possess a valid driver’s license and have the ability to travel, including overnight stays

Can work flexible hours outside of 3 clinic days per month

Have excellent verbal and written communication skills

Can multi-task, be self-motivated, and pay close attention to detail

Are a great team member or are able to work autonomously

Work with a sense of urgency and possess critical thinking skills

Can identify patient distress and react appropriately

Thrive in a fast-paced environment and remain cool under pressure

Are…