Veterinary Technician

Job Title

Performs technical duties in assisting the Veterinarian.

Evaluates the health of shelter animals and assists the Veterinarian in managing the shelter population by giving vaccinations, medications, completing blood tests, and assisting with surgery and anesthesia of shelter pets.

Essential Functions:

Physically examines all incoming animals for signs of injury or illness and alerts the Veterinarian when medical treatment is necessary. Technician is able to administer medications in the form of injectable, oral, or topical as directed. Advises Veterinarian when animals should be evaluated for euthanasia due to illness or injury. Performs euthanasia of animals under direction of Veterinarian.

The technician will collect and test blood, urine and fecal samples. Must maintain all lab machines and equipment. Vaccinates animals and place microchips. Maintains medical records and drug logs. Monitors inventory of medications, surgical supplies and kennel supplies.

Performs surgical preparation and anesthesia administration and monitoring for shelter pets undergoing surgery. Cleans all surgical equipment and maintains autoclave.

Prepares specimens to be rabies tested for the Health Department.

Evaluates animal's behavior to help determine adoptability and safe handling in the shelter.

Cleans and disinfects the shelter areas, as directed. Maintains all cages and equipment in a good state of repair. Operates onsite crematory and prepares animal remains.

Assists the Animal Control Officers and function as an Animal Control Officer, when required.

May assist in monitoring and inspecting licensed kennels, in accordance with the provision of the Seminole County Code.

Monitors and documents performance of all Community Service workers.

Additional Duties:

Must be available to work holidays, weekends, and during emergency response operations.

Required to be on call (rotational) and available to respond after normal working hours.

Performs other duties, as assigned, or as may be necessary.

In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School diploma or GED and two years' experience as a Veterinarian Technician or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Veterinarian Technician Certification preferred.

A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications

Additional Requirements:

Must successfully complete Florida Animal Control Association Officer Certification, Florida Animal Control Association Euthanasia Certification, and Crematorium Certification within one (1) year of employment.

Knowledge of animal behavior, signs and severity of common animal diseases. Knowledge of medications used to prevent common communicable diseases, euthanize, and tranquilize animals.

Skilled in the use of instruments and equipment used in the medical and surgical treatment of animals.

Knowledge of the procedures used in the capture and restraint of animals.

Ability to handle animals of various sizes and demeanor in a safe and effective manner.

Must be inoculated against rabies prior to completion of probationary period.

Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with the public, Veterinarians, staff, and volunteers engaged in the care of animals.

Ability to handle emotional and difficult situations in a professional and courteous manner.

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.

All employees must attend Seminole County Required Trainings.

Department Specific trainings per position may be required.

County-paid benefits for employees:

Competitive Wages: Our compensation system includes competitive hiring salaries.

Paid Time Off: New full-time employees accrue 20 days per year of Paid Time Off (16 days for 24-hour shift personnel). New part-time employees accrue 83 hours per year of Paid Time Off. Accrual rates increase with service time.

Paid Holidays: We observe 12 paid holidays which includes an employee birthday holiday and a floating Work/Life Day. Bereavement Leave: Employees may receive up to one week paid leave per fiscal year for absence due to the death of an immediate family member.

Florida Retirement System: All employees in regularly established positions are automatically covered from the first day of employment. Seminole County makes contribution on behalf of the employee and the employee is also required to make a 3% contribution.

Employees Assistance Program: Our EAP provider can help employees and their families with issues such as personal/family matters, financial debt counseling, substance abuse, etc.

Training and Development Program: The Employee Learning Center provides training opportunities for employees which promote performance, enhance employees' work life experiences, and support the organization.

Employee Awards and Recognition: A program to reward outstanding performance and enhance service to the citizens of Seminole County.

Wellness Center: Includes exercise equipment, resource library, and educational programs.

Health Insurance: Health Insurance is effective the first of the month after completing 30 calendar days of employment. Seminole County offers a Point of Service (POS) plan. Dependent coverage is also available, the cost is split between the employee and employer. This benefit is not extended to part-time employees.

Life Insurance: Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance for employees, equal to one times annual salary. Not extended to part-time employees.

Long-Term Disability: Provides 60% of salary after 6 months of disability. Not extended to part-time employees.

Optional benefits (employee-paid) for full-time employees:

Deferred Compensation Plan (457): Employees may choose to have pre-tax payroll deductions made for deposit into this savings plan up to an IRS-established maximum.

Dental Insurance: A choice of 3 plans is available for employees and dependents at employee expense.

Additional Life Insurance: At employee expense, additional life insurance up to five times annual salary; dependent coverage also available.

Short-Term Disability Insurance: 60% of salary for the first six months of disability at employee expense.

Cancer and Specified Disease: Pays a benefit directly to the employee if being treated for this disease.

Flexible Spending Account: A pre-tax account for childcare and un-reimbursed medical expenses.

Pre-Tax Payroll Deductions: Under Section 125 of the IRS Code, certain payroll deductions for insurance coverage may be taken out prior to income being taxed.