Registered Veterinary Technician - Large Animal Wards

Reporting to the Supervisor, Patient Care and Service Delivery and under the direction of a clinician, the RVT participates as a member of the healthcare team of the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre.   

This position will be primarily assigned to the Large Animal Ward but may be required to support other units in times of operational need. The OVC HSC has a varied patient base, thus RVTs may be assisting activities relating to both companion and large animals.   

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Excellent communication skills, ability to work independently and think critically, and problem-solving skills required  

• Ability to work in fast-paced and high stress environment.  

• Working with students, interns, residents, faculty and other staff in the hospital  

• Working primarily with large animals including horses (mares with foals, stallions, yearlings) cows, goats, pigs, sheep, llamas, alpacas, and other species.  

• Competency with IV catheter placement, blood collection, and handling of narcotics  

• Setting up, cleaning, and maintaining endoscopy equipment  

• Completing hourly treatments, medications and interacting with our patients including special feeding instructions    

• Walking animals, handling patients on IV fluids and CRI's and working with critical cases  

• Patient restraint for procedures on large animals, loading and unloading of trailers.  

• Caring for our herd of dry cows and horses for teaching as well as research animals as required   

• Ensure animal welfare by providing animal care and husbandry including, cleaning, grooming, feeding and exercising patients following safety protocols.  

• Monitor changes in animal behavior/health and report concerns to the clinical team (DVM)  

• Provide administrative support i.e. billing and organizing medical records and assist with the admission and discharge of client animals  

• Stock areas with appropriate supplies and maintain equipment logs  

• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to safety regulations and isolation protocols   

• Maintain cleanliness throughout the hospital as well as our isolation facilities.   

• This position requires heavy lifting, push/pull and working with high-stress animals  

Requirements 

• 2-year College Diploma and 3 years of relevant work experience 

• Successful completion of an accredited Veterinary Technician program recognized by the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT)  

• Full member in good standing with the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT)  

• Successful completion of the Veterinary Technician Examination (VTNE) and the OAVT mandatory ethics exam. OAVT registration is required.  

• The incumbent must have experience with and be competent in the handling and restraint of large animals and in performing a wide range of treatment procedures and techniques  

• Demonstrated proficiency in customer service: excellent communication and organizational skills particularly with respect to dealing with clients; ability to mentor students and contribute to a collaborative team environment and effective organizational skills.   

• Familiarity with common computer software including Hospital Management Information System software is preferred  

• Flexibility in scheduling availability is required. The incumbent will be required to work a variety of shifts including days, afternoons, nights, weekends, holidays and on call 

• Steel toed boots