Veterinary Technician Day Laborer

Veterinary Technician Day Laborer

The City of Everett is currently accepting applications for a Veterinary Technician Day Laborer. This position requires work at our animal shelter located in Everett, WA. This job is temporary; up to 6 months in duration. This role will begin in July and is expected to end on December 31, 2026. It is mandatory that the employee in this position contribute to the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System. This contribution is refundable upon the employee's request at the completion of employment. These positions are not provided with City of Everett benefits.

SCHEDULE AND HOURS: This position offers up to 40 hours per week, Wednesdays through Saturdays.

NATURE OF WORK:

The Veterinary Technician will work under the direction of the Shelter Veterinarian or designee in all phases of shelter veterinary care, including, but not limited to, animal "well-check" examinations, prescribed treatments, surgery assistance, vaccinations and micro-chipping animals, euthanasia, creation and maintenance of paper and computer records, and effectively communicating with co-workers and the public. Veterinary Technicians may direct the work of shelter staff and volunteers assisting in shelter or clinic activities. The Veterinary Technician must operate in a team-managed environment and must be able to take an active role in the team process by providing support and appropriate feedback to other staff members and volunteers. Veterinary Technicians must function within the legal limitations of the Washington State Veterinary Practice Act. The duties are performed under the general supervision of the Shelter Veterinarian or designee, who may review the work performed by observation, direct inspection of facilities, and conferences with employees.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Act as a sterile or non-sterile assistant to the Veterinarian in surgery, and be familiar with surgical equipment and techniques as appropriate. Prepare surgical equipment, and pass instruments and materials to veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians during surgical procedures. Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures, treatment, and euthanasia procedures.
• Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies.
• Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments and equipment.
• Administer anesthetics during surgery and monitor their effects on animals.
• Provide routine post-operative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of the Shelter Veterinarian or designee. Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify the Veterinarian or designee of any unusual changes or symptoms.
• Perform routine venipuncture, intravenous catheterization, administer injections SQ, IM, and IV, and medical treatments as directed by the Veterinarian.
• Fill medication prescriptions. Administer medication, immunizations, and blood plasma to animals as prescribed by the Veterinarian.
• Provide emergency first aid to sick or injured animals.
• Collect laboratory specimens such as blood, urine, and feces for testing. Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests such as taking radiographs, fecal analysis, and urinalysis.
• Chart medical records according to practice protocol using correct medical terminology and abbreviations. Complete and maintain records pertaining to supplies, kennels, and animals (e.g., animal genealogy, breed, appearance, behavior, feeding schedules, etc.) as required.
• Assist Veterinarian or designee in examining animals to determine the nature and extent of illnesses or injuries, behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury. May perform or assist with radiographs, fecal analysis, and urinalysis. Observe and record behavior. Isolate sick animals as required.
• Perform hygiene-related duties such as clipping animals' coats, clipping animals' claws and dental cleanings. Dust, spray, or bathe animals for flea control.
• Direct the work of shelter staff and volunteers assisting in shelter or clinic activities when needed.
• Following established procedures, clean and routinely maintain Animal Shelter facilities, including animal holding areas, examination and operating rooms, animal runs, kennels, cages, and animal loading/unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
• Perform the euthanasia of animals, including transport of animals to euthanasia area, restraint of animals during euthanasia, checking for vital signs after euthanasia, and removal of deceased animals to cooler.
• Prepare feed, feed and care for animals according to specific instructions such as diet lists and schedules.
• Respond to, or re-direct, public inquiries in person and by phone to provide assistance, direction, or explanation of shelter programs and/or policies.
• Move animals among various areas within shelter facilities as required.
• Perform other related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of: breeds, behavior, anatomy, health issues, and proper treatment of dogs, cats, and other animals.
• Common and typical dog and cat spay/neuter and other surgery procedures.
• Specialized equipment used in animal surgery, including surgical tools, automated medical equipment for the sterilization of surgical tools, monitors for an animal's vital signs during surgery, and similar equipment.
• Standard office equipment and specialized veterinary practice software.
• Skill and Ability to: assist in the performance of spay/neuter and other surgeries, at a level and volume necessary to maintain the shelter without outside support.
• Visually identify types and genders of dogs, cats, and other animals.
• Identify typical dog and cat illnesses, through contact or descriptions from staff members and determine appropriate course of action.
• Assist in training, directing, and evaluating the work activities of Shelter Attendants and volunteers; assist in educating staff and volunteers about shelter activities within the clinic.
• Create and maintain records, create reports, and ensure the accomplishment of the administrative duties and details of the shelter's medical facility.
• Use effective communication skills verbally and in writing.
• Proficiently use Word, Excel and other Microsoft Office applications and specialized veterinary practice software.
• Use superior customer service skills, including a positive customer service orientation with both internal and external contacts.
• Safely handle unruly, vicious, and dangerous animals in a humane manner.
• Make independent decisions of an animal's health and temperament.
• Calculate dosages and administer subcutaneous and intravenous injections and other medical treatments as required.
• Interpret, apply, explain and enforce rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships and deal tactfully and effectively with personnel of other City departments, other agencies, public officials, other employees, volunteers and the public.
• Relate to others in a professional, courteous and respectful manner.
• Exercise judgment under stress and solve problems in a logical and objective manner.
• Maintain a work environment free of discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
• Proactively address potential employee issues.
• Support diversity and multicultural understanding in the workplace.
• Work safely and in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, and with City laws, policies, and standards.
• Work under pressure, meet deadlines and adjust to changing priorities.
• Work independently within the standard operating procedures for the medical division of the shelter.
• Perform the euthanasia of animals and administer legend drugs.
• Learn the operation and care of various types of animal shelter and medical equipment.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• An Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology.
• Possession of and the ability to maintain a current Washington Veterinary Technician license.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience as a licensed Veterinary Technician.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in the supervision of veterinarian medical or shelter staff in the care of dogs and cats is highly desirable.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of hire, a valid Washington State Driver License.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid Washington State Drivers License by date for hire.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

• Application materials may be accessed via
• Completed applications must be submitted through the City's online application system to be considered.
• Must include a 1-2 page resume.
• INCOMPLETE, FAXED, OR EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED