Community Registered Veterinary Technician – Senior (Tier 2) Community Registered Veterinary Technician – Senior (Tier 2)DEPARTMENTCommunity Veterinary ServicesACCOUNTABILITYCommunity Veterinary Hospital Manager & Community Veterinarian(s)FUNCTIONThe Community RVT – Senior (Tier 2) is an experienced California registered veterinary technician who provides skilled, compassionate patient care in a community clinic setting. This role independently supports wellness and sick visits, manages anesthesia and surgical nursing responsibilities, performs advanced diagnostics, and contributes to mentoring developing teammates. Tier 2 RVTs demonstrate sound clinical judgment, strong client communication, reliability, and help maintain calm, efficient, Fear Free, and spectrum-of-care-aligned workflows. This position is ideal for technicians with solid clinical competency who enjoy supporting clients, strengthening team skills, and promoting a collaborative learning culture. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESClinical Care & Technical Skills Independently support wellness and minor sick visits, triage, and diagnostic planning within RVT scope. *Perform anesthesia induction, adjustments, monitoring, and recovery management; recognize and promptly communicate patient status changes to DVM. *Place IV catheters, administer fluids, assist analgesic protocols, and perform pain-score monitoring. *Perform dental scaling and polishing under veterinary direction; assist with dental radiography and charting as trained. *Collect and process lab samples (fecal, urinalysis, cytology prep; support for bloodwork and send-outs). *Administer vaccines, microchips, and parasite control under veterinary supervision. *Perform humane euthanasia in accordance with organizational protocols, state regulations, and emotional-wellbeing standards, following required training and demonstrating compassion and professionalism. *Perform patient monitoring and deliver day-of-care support for animals receiving short-stay or same-day services.*Independently monitor and support animals housed in the clinic, including: Pre- and post-surgical or dental patients. *Observation case(s). *Short-stay hospitalization/medical-monitoring patients. *Assess hydration, comfort, mobility, pain levels, appetite, and elimination; implement supportive care within medical direction. *Maintain clean, safe, low-stress housing and recovery areas, including bedding changes, hygiene assistance, and kennel refresh. *Apply Fear Free methods to reduce stress and support emotional wellbeing. *Document and report changes in patient condition clearly and promptly to a veterinarian. *Client Communication & Support Support the establishment and maintenance of VCPR by conducting history, preventive-care education, and patient preparation during wellness appointments under veterinary supervision, while consistently demonstrating professional communication and Spectrum-of-Care–aligned guidance. *Deliver clear, empathetic discharge instructions and medication guidance by reviewing treatment expectations, demonstrating proper home‐care techniques, and ensuring clients feel confident and supported in conducting the recommended care plan. *Support Spectrum-of-Care decisions by providing accessible client communication and compassionate education that helps owners understand realistic options and make informed choices. *Serve as a technical resource and provide informal training to Tier 1 RVTs and Veterinary Assistants. *Model calm, professional, collaborative behavior and reinforce Fear Free approaches. *Maintain accurate medical records and controlled‐substance compliance. *Participate in inventory management, equipment maintenance, and clean/organized workspaces. *Support a positive, inclusive team culture and help ensure efficient clinical workflows. ** 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 three plus years of hands‐on RVT experience; community veterinary hospital experience strongly preferred. Demonstrated skill in diagnostic sample collection, processing, and performing RVT‐level technical procedures. 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. Experience with IDEXX Neo preferred; willingness and ability to learn new practice‐management 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. Ability to mentor others in a supportive, peer‐based manner. Must possess a valid California driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the requirements of the organization's insurance provider. Must be able to safely lift and carry supplies or animals weighing up to fifty pounds with assistance. Required to operate a motor vehicle to travel between facilities, attend meetings and special events, run errands, etc. as needed.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Position classification: Non-exempt, Full‐time
Starting salary range: $28.00 – $32.50/hour, based on experience and demonstrated skills. Position salary range: $28.00-$36.00/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 the public 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.