Animal Care Technician

Animal Care TechnicianThis posting will be open until filled. Application cut-off dates are the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. The Animal Care Technician processes intakes and outtakes; feeds and cares for impounded animals; evaluates and documents animal behavior and temperament; performs euthanasia; interacts with and trains volunteers; performs adoption counseling; participates in the rescue and transfer of animals to outside agencies; sanitizes equipment, kennels and other areas of the facility. This classification is distinguished from the Senior Animal Care Technician classification in that it is responsible for the care, treatment, maintenance, enrichment, and social and mental stimulation of impounded animals and cleaning activities of Animal Care Services; whereas the latter classification is responsible for the more difficult animal care duties such as, but not limited to, resolving escalations and complaints, signing off on euthanasia decisions, inventory control, kennel management, the operation of the City Animal Care Services, and the direct supervision of lower level personnel. This classification is distinguished from the Veterinary Assistant series in that the latter primarily assists with pre-operative and post-operative surgical care and treatment of impounded animals.The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform related duties as needed:Humanely feed, water, control and provide treatment/care for all impounded animals in accordance to safety and personal protection policies.Visually conduct inspections or evaluations and monitor animals to identify and document potential medical issues, signs of illness and abnormal behaviors/temperament; determine placement suitability; make euthanasia recommendations; and participate in behavior modification and enrichment programs.Clean and disinfect kennels, equipment, and other areas of the Animal Care Services Center to maintain a sanitary facility for shelter animals and the public.Perform humane euthanasia as directed in accordance with department policy.Process in and outcome impounded animals and maintain all related records.Under the direction of the veterinarian, provide medical treatment, prepare dosage and administer medication to animals; draw blood and obtain laboratory samples (i.e. rabies specimen) for testing; administer IV fluids; and may assist with obtaining digital X-Rays.Perform adoption counseling.Provide courteous and professional customer service.Humanely capture loose animals, control fractious animals and break up dog fights that occur at the facility.Perform behavior evaluations on animals as directed in accordance with department policy.Participate in animal behavior modification and enrichment programs.Make euthanasia recommendations for animals that are human aggressive, animal aggressive and irremediably suffering.Handle deceased animals, disinfectant chemicals, and sharps; vaccinate animals.Train and supervise volunteers.Knowledge of: Common practices, materials and methods used in cleaning and caring for animals and related facilities and equipment. Physical and behavioral characteristics of various animal species. The symptoms of common animal diseases. Occupational hazards and safety precautions of work around small and large animals. Basic math, including fractions. Ability to: Read, write, and speak English at a level necessary for efficient job performance. Safely care for and physically control domestic and exotic animals and reptiles. Recognize and identify symptoms and behaviors associated with rabies and other domestic animal diseases. Perform humane euthanasia of animals. Carry out oral and written instructions. Establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, volunteers, vendors and members of the public. Experience and education Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: One year of experience in the care and treatment of animals. Examples of qualifying experience are: Veterinary Assistant, Registered Veterinary Technician, kennel attendant in a high-volume public or private facility, SPCA, or animal shelter. OR Two years of City of Sacramento volunteer experience in animal care. AND Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Possession of an Associate or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in an animal related science is preferred. Proof of education should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment. Certification: Euthanasia certification must be obtained during the probationary period. Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP) issued by the State of California Veterinary Medical Board must be obtained during the probationary period. Some positions may be required to obtain forklift certification. Work Conditions: Must perform shift work as assigned, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Overtime may also be required. Environmental Conditions: Work outside in various types of weather. Incumbents must be able to work in or around animal fur, dander, excrement; deal with and protect against infectious and aggressive animals. Incumbents are exposed to customers who are emotionally distressed and confrontational, occasionally under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. The Animal Care Services Center is a smoke free compound. As such, incumbents are required to leave the facility property to smoke. Additionally, incumbents are exposed to euthanasia solution and tranquilizer. Physical Conditions: Must be able to regularly lift, carry, restrain, and/or capture animals up to 60 pounds, animals heavier than 60 pounds with assistance. Incumbents will be required to walk, run, stand, or climb on wet concrete surfaces; must possess the ability to reach, bend, stoop, squat, hear, perform hand movements, and repetitive motions; have finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination. Employees must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.