Veterinary Specialist 2 at Yakima Valley College, WA

About the Department

Our Mission Statement:

Yakima Valley College seeks a Veterinary Specialist 2. We invite you to consider joining Yakima Valley College (YVC), an innovative and equity-focused designated Hispanic Serving Institution that is committed to the pursuit of equitable student learning outcomes for its diverse students. 

This is a cyclic, working 9 - months, full-time classified position, with Leave Without Pay (LWOP) mid-June to mid- September of each year. Beginning salary is $3,925.00  per month for 40 hours per week, with periodic increments plus a full state benefits package.

Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Healthcare Professions, the Veterinary Specialist 2 will perform a variety of tasks in support of the Veterinary Technology Program and faculty. The Veterinary Specialist 2 will demonstrate they are professionally interested in monitoring and assisting students served by the Veterinary Program to facilitate student success. Under general supervision, the successful incumbent will work in collaboration with college department faculty, administrators and staff members; and perform work that requires knowledge of lab procedures, materials, equipment and other duties as assigned. Additionally, we are seeking a candidate who demonstrates a strong promise as a contributing member of the Workforce Education Division. Duties are performed in a Veterinary Technology lab environment. Routine lifting (up to 50lbs) will be required.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions; must be organized and detail oriented.
• Work collaboratively and effectively in a college environment, and to secure institutional support.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.

Typical Office Work:

• Research, evaluate medical equipment and supplies for potential purchase as requested. Provide quotes to Program Coordinator for ordering.

• Experience working with the Microsoft Office suite or programs.
• Represent assigned program(s) accurately and positively to all constituents.

Program Specialization (Typical Work):

• Prepare materials for use in undergraduate classrooms, laboratories along with preparing equipment and apparatus.
• Maintain lab materials, existing equipment and apparatus(es) by utilizing appropriate machine tools and hand tools.

• Operate, maintain, and provide basic repair for common veterinary equipment including centrifuges, autoclaves, microscopes, automated hematology counters, blood chemistry machines, and dentistry machines.
• Set up assignments, equipment, or demonstration apparatus for classes; prepare lab samples.

• Maintain storage area to keep supplies readily available and in clean, working order.
• Maintain, modify, and service equipment, apparatus(es) and materials as required for individual instruction.
• Assist students and instructors in selecting correct tools and materials; assist in setup and operation as required along with demonstrating tools, equipment, machinery, apparatus, and materials.
• Assist all program instructors with lecture and laboratory material; confer with instructors in establishing and developing assignments as needed using various computer programs.

• Assist instructors with lab assignments to develop lab content and scheduling; may modify lab handouts and procedures for curriculum, course material development and student assessment, as needed.

• Direct the work of students, by teaching them techniques and procedures; assist students in their work; check student progress and demonstrate proper procedures to students when necessary.

• Review student entries in animal medical records for accuracy and completeness.

• Use safety procedures in handling hazardous materials such as acids, pesticides, etc.

• Advocate lab safety at all times; maintain a safe learning environment for students and instructors.
• Manage animal ward areas to comply with USDA requirements.
• Administer small animal anesthesia; operate, and maintain various gas anesthetic machines, and monitors including blood pressure, pulse oximeter, capnograph, esophageal stethoscope and ECG.
• Open and close the lab area before and after classes and labs.

• Organize and maintain all storage areas for equipment and supplies along with monitoring inventory and preparing inventory reports and perform inventory of agents, supplies, and equipment in the lab and preparing inventory reports.

• Assist with purchasing supplies and equipment, including obtaining bids and using/developing requisitions.
• Lead and direct work study students assigned to the Veterinary Technology Program.
• Direct and evaluate students in lab clean-up.
• Track animal usage to conform with USDA and AVMA requirements.
• Supervise and instruct students in safe humane animal restraints and medical procedures; demonstrate as needed.
• Supervise and evaluate students in performing various procedures including anesthesia, and in surgical preparations.
• Use essential skill criteria in student evaluations; communicate with other staff members and faculty to ensure consistency and proper understanding.
• Participate in meetings with faculty and other staff to coordinate department’s work.
• Possess knowledge in typical veterinary subject areas including restraint, common laboratory procedures, small animal dentistry, small animal anesthesia, and clinical procedures.
• Prepare, instructor and/or assist in labs with small animals, pocket pets, exotics, avians, equine, small ruminant and bovines.
• Demonstrate or perform common procedures and restraints for equine and bovine species including venipuncture, physical exams, bandaging, and aseptic preparation for common nursing, diagnostic and surgical procedures.
• Demonstrate commitment to life-long learning.
• Remain current with veterinary technology continuing education to maintain licensure.
• Perform all duties associated with both a Veterinary Specialist 1 & 2.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed Veterinary Technician in Washington state. If an LVT in another state, must be able to pass licensure in WA State within 3 months.
• One year of experience/training in a veterinary clinical environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five years of veterinary clinical experience as an LVT, working directly with small animals and equine.
• Experience working in an education environment.
• Experience working with the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
• Ability to work with a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and the public in an efficient and effective manner.

Other Qualifications

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position you MUST submit a complete YVC Online Employment Application, and include the following REQUIRED attachments:

• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (a generic cover letter will not be accepted)
• A current resume (a resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the online application)
• Three (3) professional references (personal references do not count as professional)
• Unofficial transcripts for confirmation of degree (if minimum qualifications require a degree). The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts at time of hire
• Certifications/Credentials as required for fulfillment of the minimum qualifications 
• A skills test will be required 15 minutes prior to the interview.