Technician – Emergency/Triage

We are seeking enthusiastic, registered veterinary technologists (RVTs) who would like to join our amazing animal health team!  The WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre has served as Western Canada’s only veterinary teaching hospital for more than five decades.  Our internationally-accredited center offers a wide range of primary and referral services to all western Canadian animal owners and veterinarians. 

Why work with us?  We offer access to advanced technologies and equipment; progressive supportive work environment; opportunities for job advancement and continuing education; team approach to patient care and client services; and excellent health benefits!

Primary Purpose: As an ER/Triage Technician, you will ensure that all emergency patients are triaged upon arrival – meaning the most critical patients are seen first and the most stable patients will wait.  This position also assists to support the areas of intensive care/critical care, medicine, surgery, anesthesiology, and radiology an optimum level of patient care is maintained 24 hrs./day, 7 days/week. (Note: This is a new position hence schedule and hrs. are on a trial basis and may need to be altered based on demand).

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Manager Health Services, this position functions on a rotational shift schedule providing care for emergency patients in the hospital 24/7. Animal handling and manipulations are a constant part of the position.  This position works in an animal facility with small (canine, feline, avian, and some exotics) and large animals (bovine, equine, caprine, ovine, porcine) which exposes employees to animal dander, waste, and unpredictability; and requires a substantial amount of lifting, moving, and cleaning of equipment/work area.  Subject to some unpleasant odours, dress code, and traffic pattern restrictions.

Typical Duties/Accountabilities: Manages clients and patients by triaging acuity for the emergency department or other appropriate service. Excellent communication skills are necessary to maintain an effective and efficient client service. The main focus of your shift will be triaging patients (on the phone and in person) and assisting clinicians and students with all cases. Under the direction of the clinician this includes: performing diagnostic testing, monitoring sedated patients and initiating patient treatments. Handle and restrain animals; maintains health records with accurate documentation; assists with the supervision of teaching undergraduate veterinary and veterinary technology program students; and maintains equipment, supplies, and facility. During periods of low activity or high demand this individual may be assigned to other areas, specifically the ICU department, within the Veterinary Medical Centre (i.e. caring for hospitalized patients).

Qualifications
Education: Graduate of a recognized two year veterinary technology program from an accredited program; registered or eligible for registration with Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAVT); and a member or eligible for membership with the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA).   Preference will be given to candidates who are certified or pursuing certification with the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians (AVECCT).

Experience: At least three years of experience communicating with clients and working in veterinary medicine, particularly hospital care.

Skills:  Demonstrated proficient technical skills in the various fields mentioned above; effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to prioritize in a constantly changing environment; ability to effectively work independently as well as part of a team, maintaining a professional and positive demeanor in a dynamic environment; ability to evaluate the work of others; demonstrated effective organizational and time management skills; and the ability to perform moderate physical labor and tolerate exposure to a wide variety of animals.

While applicants who meet the qualifications of a CUPE 1975 Phase 5 listed above will be given priority, we may also consider applicants who are not fully qualified but show an interest in learning and developing their skills.  Successful applicants who do not meet our full qualifications may be offered the position at a lower classification (CUPE 1975 Phase 4) and therefore a lower pay rate.   We will provide training, support, and an opportunity to move to the fully qualified level. 

A CUPE 1975 Phase 4 RVT will be under the supervision of a senior RVT, possess the education qualifications listed above, have 2 – 3 years direct experience in a veterinary practice or other veterinary college, and be able to competently perform basic and introductory duties independently. The salary range is CAD $23.35 - $30.61 per hour.

Department: Veterinary Medical Centre
Status: Term 6 months with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent
Employment Group: CUPE 1975
Shift: Hours may vary to ensure that an optimum level of patient care is maintained 24 hrs. /day, 7 days a week.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $28.72 - 37.60 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Applied Scientific Services
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 5
Posted Date: 2/14/2024
Closing Date: 3/5/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable