Surgical Veterinarian Technician (Animal Control Technician)

Surgical Veterinarian Technician (Animal Control Technician)

Anne Arundel County Animal Services is dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of animals and ensuring safe human-animal interactions. Animal Services is responsible for enforcing local and state laws, responding to animal-related complaints, conducting investigations regarding animal cruelty, investigating public safety concerns pertaining to animals and providing temporary housing for animals for a variety of reasons. As the central location in Anne Arundel County for stray domestic animals, it annually reunites hundreds of lost pets with their owners. More than 2,000 pets of many species are either adopted from the shelter or leave with one of its rescue partners every year. This posting will be used to fill a full-time, permanent, safety-sensitive Surgical Veterinarian Technician (Animal Control Technician) in the Animal Services Department for Anne Arundel County Government. This position will be providing a wide range of medical care and guidance, from basic wellness and care to surgical support for shelter animals. Ensure each patient is treated humanely and compassionately and that medical information is shared with clients in a way that is friendly, approachable, and clear, and that it complies with policies and the mission of the Anne Arundel County Department of Animal Services.

Nature and variety of work work involves responsibility for treating and assisting in the treatment of cats, dogs, and other domestic animals in accordance with prescribed procedures and regulations. Work includes working with radiology, surgical, and anesthesia equipment. This job also involves use and tracking of controlled substances as needed. Work is performed under direct and general supervision within established laws, regulations, and procedures and is reviewed by a superior through observation, records, and conferences.

Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Assist veterinarian with daily rounds, examinations and monitoring daily health of animals in shelter and in foster care. Obtaining patient history, addressing adopter or foster parent concerns, performing indicated diagnostics, administering treatments, and reviewing discharge instructions Inform and educate adopters and foster parents on animal health status, health inquiries, diseases, and proper care. Calculate, administer and record medications, complete controlled drug logs. Respond to emergency situations and begin first aid or CPR as needed. Perform nursing care such as wound care, administering medications (oral, topical, injectable), feeding special diets, checking vital signs, placing and maintaining IV, catheters and administering and monitoring IV fluid therapy under supervision of a veterinarian. Fill prescriptions. Perform and assist with release of suffering of shelter and publicly owned animals following certification. Cleans and disinfects equipment, facilities, and rooms; assists in feeding and caring for animals; handles animal remains; assists with providing customer service at the front counter and over the phone, redeeming, or adopting out animals and in dealing with the public over the phone and at the counter. Prepares lab samples for diagnostic health checks. Administers vaccinations; assists shelter managers; keeps records and makes reports. Utilize animal population software programs to keep records, make reports, and perform data input for necessary reports and documentation. Performs related work as required.

Knowledge of veterinary technology as related to the care and treatment of animals. Knowledge of the care and characteristics of domestic animals. Knowledge of laws and ordinances governing animal protection and control. Knowledge of hazards and safety practices involved in dealing with animals. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to prepare and maintain records, use a personal computer (PC), and office automation software. Ability to assist in or conduct humane treatment of designated animals.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school; and one (1) or more years of experience as a veterinary technician, including euthanizing animals. NOTE: This is a Safety Sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing. NOTE: The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation. NOTE: Longevity pay is available based on years of service. NOTE: Ability to work weeknights, weekends, holidays as needed

Supplemental Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants with the following: 1. Knowledge of vet tech and animal shelter procedures and protocols. 2. Knowledge of restraint, handling techniques, general animal safety practices, including recognizing animal behavior patterns. 3. At least one (1) year of surgical anesthesia monitoring experience, ideally gained through high-volume, high-quality spay and neuter procedures within a shelter setting.