Registered Veterinary Technician (Hourly)

Veterinary Technician

This position is assigned to the Community Spay/Neuter Veterinary Services. Please note, the recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of applications are received and may close at any time without prior notice. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

To perform animal health care services pursuant to direct, written or telephonic orders by a licensed veterinarian authorized to practice in this state; and to provide routine medical procedures, emergency life-saving procedures and/or euthanasia on impounded animals and bird, reptile, and mammal collection as allowed by the Business and Professions Code for Registered Veterinary Technicians certified in the state of California; to perform other related work as assigned. This recruitment is for a part-time, non-benefited position limited to 919 hours of employment in a fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) with an average of less than 30 service hours per work week. Hours may vary between 0 - 16 hours per week, dependent upon the daily staffing needs of the department.

Unclassified hourly employees are paid on an hourly basis and shall not be eligible for benefits nor be subject to Civil Service Rules. Although hourly employees are at-will, they are still subject to all other City policies and procedures.

Essential Functions Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: inspect, examine, and handle all species of domestic animals (impounded) at the shelter; administer emergency, lifesaving treatments on impounded strays; perform follow-up treatments as prescribed by veterinarians; determine health of potential adoption animals; provide technical guidance and training to staff; prepare animals for surgery; assist veterinarians with surgery, including inducing and monitoring anesthesia; autoclave and maintain all surgery packs; surgically implant microchips into animals; examine all animals coming to the shelter and determine if referral to veterinarian is necessary; respond to public inquiry regarding care and treatment of animals and animal health problems; conduct periodic site inspections of pet shops, kennel and other local animal care facilities to assess compliance with local and state laws; testify in court in animal neglect and cruelty cases; prepare reports and provide case management for long-term, in-custody hold and investigations; maintain animal fostering program including monitoring health of fostered animals, scheduling vaccines and treatments, spay/neuters, and return of fostered animals; maintain daily treatment log; administer daily treatments and conduct daily health assessments; maintain files, records, and department documents; administer vaccination, tranquilizers, and medications; perform euthanasia utilizing injection method; handle aggressive animals; store, log and maintain medical supply inventory including Schedule II drugs; respond to animal emergency calls as needed; perform kennel and animal enclosure duties as needed (cleaning, feeding, grooming, etc.); perform routine laboratory clinical tests; build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service; perform other duties related to this position.

Minimum Qualifications Any combination of education and/or experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be one year of responsible experience in an animal care facility and training equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade preferably supplemented by course work in animal care or a related field. Note: Experience in a high volume spay/neuter environment is highly desirable. License and/or Certificate: Possession of a valid certificate issued by the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs as a Registered Veterinary Technician or possession of a degree in Veterinary Medicine from an accredited or approved college or university may substitute for the California State Certificate. May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of: techniques and current methods of euthanasia; physical and behavioral characteristics of common breeds of dogs, cats and wild animals; proper feeding, handling and caring for animals; basic methods of animal collection, care and disposal; common disease symptoms of domestic and wild animals and methods of control and prevention; public relations and interpersonal skills; DEA required record keeping for Schedule II narcotics; City and State laws governing rabies, quarantine and euthanasia; animal control protection laws, rules and regulations; methods of cleaning and disinfecting animal housing areas of livestock, small domestic animals and some wildlife; simple record keeping methods; safe handling procedures for different species of animals; pharmaceutical supplies and equipment used in animal health care; basic animal first-aid; computer equipment and software applications related to assignment. Ability to: identify common animal diseases and methods of control and prevention; recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior, and physical conditions anatomy; administer injections and other drugs and medications; lift, move and handle live and dead animals weighing up to 80 pounds; drive a vehicle including practicing defensive driving techniques; work in varying weather conditions and around dust, fumes, animal dander, noise and unpleasant odors; restrain sick, injured and fractious animals safely and humanely; maintain records and write reports; interpret and follow directions and instructions both written and verbal; work well alone, or with others in a high stress environment; perform various methods of euthanasia on different species of animals and to conduct training for shelter staff in those procedures; cope with guilt and stress of euthanasia; work weekends for regularly scheduled shifts or necessary additional coverage; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner. Physical Demands and Working Conditions On a continuous basis walk, stand, bend, crouch or stoop, sit for varying periods of time. Must be able to lift and/or carry animals and materials weighing up to 80 pounds; able to extend arms above the shoulder to reach and retrieve materials from shelves; communicate effectively with City staff and the public; comprehend, interpret and effect written and verbal instructions and procedures in English; work rotating shifts, holidays, weekends, and be available for emergency off-duty call outs. Work around hazardous chemicals and drugs used for shelter cleaning and medical purposes; work around loud animal noises, odors, pet dander, diseases and dangerous animals.