Veterinary Health Care Technician POS # 102000058

Position Overview

The Veterinary Health Care Technician plays a critical role in supporting the health and wellbeing of animals across the organization. This position delivers skilled medical assistance and supports a broad range of veterinary procedures to help ensure safe, effective care. Key responsibilities include providing direct clinical support, monitoring the health of the animal population, and collaborating with veterinarians to address both preventive and urgent medical needs. The role requires sound clinical judgment, strong attention to detail, and the ability to act quickly and effectively in both routine and emergency situations. In addition, the technician helps maintain high medical standards, ensures accurate recordkeeping, and contributes to a clean, organized, and efficient clinical environment.

Examples of Duties

Conducts physical examinations of animals, administers vaccinations, and performs in-house diagnostic testing with interpretation of results. Prepares and administers medications in both emergency and routine situations as part of established treatment plans.

Monitors the overall health of the animal population, promptly identifying and addressing illness in accordance with established protocols and coordinating care with the veterinarian when appropriate.

Performs euthanasia by injection in compliance with regulations, and accurately maintains all required documentation, including DEA-controlled substance records.

Assists the veterinarian with sterilization surgeries by calculating drug dosages, administering and monitoring anesthesia, responding to anesthetic emergencies, and performing all pre- and post-operative procedures. Ensures surgical instruments, equipment, and the surgical suite are properly cleaned and maintained.

Transports animals to outside facilities for specialized treatment or procedures as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited two-year college or technical school with a degree in Veterinary Medical Technology and one (1) year of experience as a veterinary assistant or related field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Management Preference: Registered Veterinary Technician in the State of NC.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, including the use of current office technology, to support efficient documentation and communication.

Knowledge of drug dosage calculations to ensure accurate preparation and administration of medications.

Knowledge of animal disease recognition, general animal care, and disease management to promote and protect animal health.

Knowledge of vaccination requirements and proper administration techniques to safeguard animal populations.

Knowledge of animal shelter policies, procedures, and regulatory standards to maintain compliance and consistency in operations.

Knowledge of diagnostic testing methods and their application in assessing animal health.

Skill in performing medical treatments and procedures such as wound closure, fluid replacement, venipuncture, intubation, catheter placement, and aseptic surgical preparation to provide comprehensive animal care.

Skill in conducting thorough physical examinations to identify, diagnose, and address medical conditions or diseases.

Skill in accurately recording, maintaining, and interpreting medical and administrative records to ensure proper documentation and case management.

Skill in performing mathematical calculations necessary for medical dosing, diagnostic testing, and record-keeping accuracy.

Skill in effectively operating medical and office equipment, including microscopes, stethoscopes, anesthesia machines, centrifuges, and monitoring devices, to support treatment and diagnostic activities.

Ability to obtain and maintain certification as a rabies vaccinator and to complete certification in performing euthanasia by injection in accordance with state regulations.

Ability to handle and safely restrain a variety of animal speciesincluding dogs, cats, livestock, birds, rabbits, ferrets, and other companion animals.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle to transport animals safely and in compliance with applicable laws and policies.

Conditions of Employment:

Must obtain both the certification to administer euthanasia by injection and certification as a rabies vaccinator within one year of hire date.

A formal transcript will be required. College transcripts may be submitted on-line via the attachment feature or mailed to Cumberland County Human Resources, 117 Dick St. Fayetteville, NC 28301.

In accordance with Session Law 2025-16, candidates selected for positions involving work with children in any capacity will be required to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history check conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

Driving is an essential function of this position. To be considered, you must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. If your driver's license is from another state, you will be required to obtain and show proof of a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire.

Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.