Employment Opportunities

We are currently hiring the following positions:

Staff Positions Available:

Registered Animal Health Technician
Cochrane and Area Humane Society

The Cochrane & Area Humane Society is accepting applications for a permanent, part-time (25 hours per week – may lead to full time) Registered Animal Health Technician.
We offer a competitive salary range, group benefits and group RRSP plan. Our new facility and internal hospital is situated in Cochrane, Alberta.

Position Description:
Reporting to the Shelter Veterinarian & Shelter Manager, the Animal Health Technician (AHT) performs duties to ensure quality care and treatment of all Cochrane & Area Humane Society animals. The AHT monitors the health of shelter animals, provides daily care to them and makes informed decisions concerning animal health and treatment. The AHT is expected to handle all animals with the utmost humane treatment, ensuring minimal stress. The AHT will assist the Shelter Veterinarian with certain aspects of animal care/treatment/procedures and perform other duties as assigned.

Position Responsibilities:

Monitor the health of all CAHS animals by a daily walk through and observations of the isolation area and intake areas and in consultation with the Animal Care staff, make referrals for veterinary treatment as required
Complete health examinations of all animals admitted in a timely manner, assessing animals, and making appointments with veterinary clinics as required
Responsible for follow-up on veterinarian’s orders regarding care/treatment of shelter animals and responsible for ensuring that complete medical records are maintained for animals under veterinary care and/or medical treatment at the shelter
Administer care and treatment as required, including that for: ear mites, parasites, small cuts and abrasions, suture checks and removals, sores and abscesses, etc.
Maintain records as assigned in Shelterlynx (i.e. euthanasia, drug usage, medicines, vaccines, controlled drugs, etc.)
Maintain, organize, and follow procedures of the surgical and exam rooms
Anaesthetize and maintain anaesthetic for all surgical cases (spays, neuters, & minor procedures)
Ensure through consultation with the Shelter Veterinarian & Shelter Manager that animals requiring veterinary attention and treatment or other special care and/or tests are provided with such care and treatment in a timely fashion
Assist with staff and volunteer education regarding animal care and treatment and disease prevention and control as requested
Monitor and order drugs (including controlled drugs), and supplies as required and approved by the Shelter Veterinarian
Perform basic lab work as required (i.e. parvovirus test, fecal’s, CBC, biochemistries, urinalysis) and ensure proper disposal of cadavers
Perform emergency first-aid to animals to stabilize for transportation to vet
Participate in decision-making regarding foster care, and euthanasia
Provide animal information for the website in a timely manner
Ensure the security & procedures of the Isolation and Holding area are followed
Assist with orientation sessions for volunteers and staff as assigned
Keep in close contact with foster homes for updates and scheduling appointments for vaccines, de-worming, and surgery dates
Adhere to Shelter Policy and Procedures
Attend staff meetings to share ideas and suggestions designed to improve animal care services as requested
Strive to keep abreast of animal welfare issues, techniques, procedures, and equipment
Responsible for performing duties in a professional, proactive manner in order to achieve and maintain the high quality care of all CAHS animals
Remain familiar with and supportive of, the goals and mission of the Cochrane & Area Humane Society,
Perform other duties as assigned by Management or the Shelter Veterinarian
Qualifications and Skills:
Valid Animal Health Technician certificate with the Alberta Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA)
Active member of the Alberta Association of Animal Health Technicians (AAAHT)
Interest in shelter medicine and a genuine love of animals
Reliable, trustworthy, able to work well in a “team” atmosphere as well as capable of working independently
Ability to recognize signs/symptoms of disease and to handle dangerous and/or injured, animals with a minimum of personal risk
Ability to recognize various companion animal breeds and species
Ability to prepare comprehensive reports as required
Valid Alberta Driver’s License and a clean driving abstract
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and demonstrated willingness to adhere to good standards of operational procedures, productivity and time management
Ability to work closely with other staff, volunteers and the public in a positive, practical manner
Knowledge of computers and common software applications

Evaluation:

The Shelter Manager will evaluate the performance of the AHT within the first year of employment at three months, six months and yearly thereafter.

If you would like the opportunity to be a part of a caring and compassionate team working for an important cause, please forward your resume to:
Cochrane & Area Humane Society
Attention: Tracy Keith, Executive Director
62 Griffin Industrial Point
Cochrane, AB T4C 0A3
Or email resume to: tracy@cochranehumane.ca

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