Registered Veterinary Technician

WHY JOIN NMDR?

Joining our team means becoming part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable dogs. At National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR), every dog deserves the opportunity to heal, trust, and thrive. As a Registered Veterinary Technician, you play a critical role in providing the medical care, monitoring, and advocacy that help rescued dogs recover and prepare for their adoptive homes.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) provides skilled medical and surgical nursing care to dogs receiving treatment through NMDR's veterinary hospital. Working under the direction of the Managing Veterinarian and Shelter Veterinarians, the RVT assists with examinations, diagnostics, anesthesia monitoring, surgery support, treatment plans, and patient recovery.

This position plays a vital role in maintaining high standards of shelter medicine while ensuring a positive experience for patients, staff, volunteers, and adopters.

THE VISION: THE NEXT MILE

Every dog who enters our care has a story. Many have endured years without adequate veterinary care. Through skilled medicine, compassion, and teamwork, we help each dog move from survival to healing. The RVT serves as an essential advocate for patient care, helping each dog take the next step on their journey toward home.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

PATIENT CARE & MEDICAL SUPPORT

• Perform patient assessments and collect medical histories.
• Administer medications, vaccines, fluids, and treatments as prescribed.
• Assist veterinarians during examinations, diagnostics, and procedures.
• Monitor patient health and communicate concerns promptly.
• Provide nursing care and treatment for medical and surgical patients.
• Assist with intake examinations and ongoing medical evaluations.

SURGERY & ANESTHESIA

• Prepare patients for surgery and anesthesia.
• Induce, monitor, and recover anesthesia patients under veterinary supervision.
• Monitor vital signs and maintain anesthesia records.
• Prepare surgical instruments, equipment, and treatment areas.
• Assist veterinarians during surgical procedures.

DIAGNOSTICS & LABORATORY PROCEDURES

• Collect and process laboratory samples.
• Perform in-house laboratory testing.
• Obtain and assist with interpretation of radiographs.
• Maintain diagnostic equipment and supplies.

SHELTER MEDICINE SUPPORT

• Assist with population health monitoring and disease prevention protocols.
• Support intake, treatment, rehabilitation, and adoption readiness efforts.
• Maintain accurate and thorough medical records.
• Ensure compliance with NMDR medical protocols and standards of care.

COLLABORATION, COMMUNICATION & TEAM SUPPORT

• Represent NMDR professionally, courteously, and compassionately in all interactions with staff, volunteers, adopters, veterinary partners, and members of the public.
• Work collaboratively with teammates across departments to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality care for the dogs in NMDR’s programs.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully regarding daily operations, animal needs, and workflow priorities.
• Maintain accurate records related to animal care, feeding, medication administration, and welfare observations.
• Support volunteers through positive engagement, guidance, and adherence to NMDR protocols.
• Participate in assigned trainings, meetings, and continuing education opportunities.

SAFETY, WORKPLACE STANDARDS & MISSION SUPPORT

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment by following established safety protocols and modeling safe practices at all times.
• Promptly report safety concerns, incidents, or operational issues to leadership.
• Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and flexibility in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Support additional tasks and responsibilities as needed to advance NMDR’s daily operations and mission.
• Uphold NMDR’s mission, values, and standards of care in all interactions and duties.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

While this position does not directly supervise staff, RVTs serve as mentors and technical resources for Veterinary Assistants, volunteers, and interns. RVTs provide guidance and support to ensure safe animal handling and adherence to medical protocols.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Current Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) credential in Missouri or ability to obtain licensure
• Minimum two years of veterinary clinical experience preferred
• Experience in shelter medicine, rescue medicine, or high-volume surgery preferred
• Strong anesthesia monitoring and surgical nursing skills
• Knowledge of canine behavior, handling, and low-stress techniques
• Ability to administer medications and perform laboratory procedures
• Strong organizational, communication, and recordkeeping skills
• Fear Free Certification or similar animal handling certification preferred

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Compassionate and patient-centered.
• Detail-oriented and accountable.
• Calm and adaptable under pressure.
• Collaborative and team-focused.
• Committed to continuous learning and professional growth.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be comfortable working in an animal welfare environment, including exposure to dogs, barking, cleaning products, and other shelter-related conditions.
• Must be able to work collaboratively as part of a team and assist with responsibilities outside of primary job duties when needed to support organizational operations and animal care efforts.
• Must be open to receiving constructive feedback and adapting within a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• While performing the duties of this position, employees may regularly be exposed to animal odors, airborne particles, allergens, cleaning chemicals, and potentially unpredictable or emotionally challenging situations involving animals or the public.
• Occasional travel between NMDR locations may be required for training, rescue support, events, or operational needs.
• Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 35 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to occasionally climb, balance, crouch, kneel, or crawl.
• Must be able to stand, walk, reach, bend, stoop, and safely operate various types of equipment throughout the workday.
• Schedule may include regular weekend and holiday work, as well as occasional flexibility in scheduling, based on facility and operational needs.

Providing exceptional patient care, supporting shelter medicine, surgery, and rehabilitation efforts through technical expertise, compassion, and attention to detail helps ensure every dog receives the highest standard of medical care possible.

Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15.0 – 25.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program

Application Question(s):

• Please explain any gaps in employment or positions held for less than one year.
• Describe situations where you feel humane euthasia is warranted.
• Describe your experience monitoring anesthesia for patients.

Experience:

• Veterinary technician: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Veterinary Technician Certification (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Humansville, MO 65674 (Required)

Work Location: In person