Part-Time Veterinary Technician

Job Title

Animal Care Technician

Job Description

Burlington Animal Services is a department of the City of Burlington, NC. Our agency provides animal sheltering and pet support services to residents of Alamance County and its municipalities. We provide animal control/field services for residents within the corporate city limits of Burlington. Additionally, we manage the Spay & Neuter Clinic of Alamance County. This position reports to the Animal Shelter Manager and performs specialized, paramedical duties in coordination with the shelter veterinarian and full time Veterinary Health Care Staff in the care and treatment of animals in a municipal open-admission shelter. The work schedule is up to 20 hours per week that includes weekdays and Saturdays, and may include some holidays. This position is designated as non-essential under the city's inclement weather and emergency operation policy.

Examples of Duties

Animal Health Assessment and Care:

• Perform comprehensive health assessments for animals in both the shelter and foster care, including physical exams, diagnostics, and vaccinations.
• Administer medications, treatments, and vaccinations to ensure the health and well-being of animals in care.
• Conduct daily facility walk-throughs to monitor animal health and address care needs.
• Monitor the health of fostered animals, coordinating with the Foster Program Coordinator.

Medical and Surgical Assistance:

• Assist veterinarians and technicians in performing diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures.
• Support high-volume sterilization procedures for both pediatric and adult animals.

Technical and Clinical Duties:

• Manage sterilization and preparation of surgical instruments, drapes, and gowns.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization within the medical, surgery, and animal care areas.
• Handle animal care tasks such as venipuncture, blood collection, skin scraping, and fecal analysis.
• Administer wound treatments and practice proper animal restraint techniques.

Record-Keeping and Administrative Support:

• Update and maintain accurate animal records in a paperless system using computer equipment.
• Provide excellent customer service by answering phones and receiving animals at the shelter intake area.

Team Collaboration and Service Excellence:

• Foster a collaborative work environment, exhibiting professionalism, teamwork, and positive interactions with all staff and the public.
• Ensure high-quality service to the public, maintaining positive relationships and supporting the overall mission of the shelter.

Qualifications

Animal Care and Shelter Knowledge:

• Expertise in accepted animal care practices and shelter operations, including knowledge of relevant laws, codes, and regulations.
• Skilled in the care and treatment of animals, administering medications, vaccinations, and identifying symptoms of animal diseases.
• Understanding of domestic animal behavior, breed-specific care requirements, and appropriate handling techniques.
• Knowledge of commonly used animal pharmaceuticals and safety precautions within an animal shelter environment.

Veterinary Care and Safety Protocols:

• Familiarity with current industry standards and best practices for veterinary care, housing, and humane animal handling.
• Ability to manage emotional stress related to euthanasia and ensure a compassionate, professional approach.
• Proficient in identifying and implementing safety procedures to ensure a hazard-free shelter environment.

Operational and Administrative Skills:

• Skilled in using standard office equipment, including computers and software for medical record-keeping and documentation.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and self-restraint in high-pressure, emotionally charged situations.
• Capable of maintaining organized files, records, and forms in compliance with departmental policies and procedures.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Strong ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, the public, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills to engage with the public and address inquiries effectively.
• Adaptability to shifting priorities and assignments while maintaining professionalism and a positive working environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate's degree and 1 year of work experience.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification as a registered veterinary technician
• Experience in similar position.

Special Requirements:

• Eligibility for certification as Certified Euthanasia Technician (EBI) in the State of North Carolina within the first year of employment.

Supplemental Information

Physical requirements & Working Conditions:

• This employee must have the visual acuity and ability to prepare and analyze data and figures, and to operate a computer terminal.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 lbs.
• Stand, sit, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl to inspect / clean shelter enclosures; lift, carry, and restrain animals; operate vehicles and equipment.
• Handle animals which are sick or injured, frightened or dangerous, or who may display unpredictable behavior.
• Work requires exposure to potentially hazardous conditions such as aggressive animals and zoonotic diseases.
• Work in this position is primarily performed indoors.

The City of Burlington does not offer benefits to part-time positions which require less than 1000 work hours per calendar year.