Description
The Veterinary Technician will perform basic physical examination of animals on intake; understand infectious disease; communicate effectively with colleagues and the public; perform functions required for pre- and post-surgical care including inducing anesthesia; maintain all necessary controlled substance drug logs and patient records.
Example of Job Duties
- Evaluate animals for gender, medical conditions, age, dental condition, temperament, and breed.
- Record and maintain health and temperament information on all animals for adoption.
- Recommend animals not meeting adoption criteria for euthanasia.
- Conduct pre-adoption health evaluations for dogs, cats, and other species.
- Inoculate animals, as required with vaccines and administer medications as prescribed by a veterinarian for the treatment and prevention of animal illnesses.
- Provide paraprofessional medical care and treatment under the direction of veterinarians.
- Assist veterinarians with medical and surgical spay/neuter and other procedures.
- Conducts animal euthanasia by syringe injection or other approved method under the direction of a veterinarian.
- Maintain inventory of all pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and supplies.
- Maintain accurate and thorough records of all surgeries, drugs administered, and other information according to all mandated federal, state, local, and professional standards and procedures.
- Assist customers and coworkers with information on the condition of the animals evaluated.
- Provide technical and functional lead supervision and training to animal services staff and volunteers.
- Support any field staff as assigned.
- Actively participate in the resolution of problems encountered on a shelter-wide basis.
Requirements
Knowledge of: medical care for animals including medical protocols and vaccine procedures; principles of lead supervision; written and oral communication techniques; public relations; conflict resolution techniques; common animal types and their normal characteristics and behaviors.
Skill in: administer medication and injections.
Ability to: provide lead supervision and training; perform functions required for pre- and post-surgical care; participate as a team member in the work of the Animal Services Section by understanding and implementing assigned duties and responsibilities to support team goals and objectives, working cooperatively with other team members, receiving and sharing information, soliciting input, identifying operational and interpersonal issues, and participating in the development of medical problem solving solutions; learn, read, and interpret State of California laws and City of Fremont ordinances, policies, practices and procedures related to the administration of animal medical care and treatment; handle frightened, injured, ill and aggressive animals; respond courteously and tactfully to customers in the shelter; represent the City in cases of violation of animal control laws; communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacities to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.
Education/Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience which has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be: two years of college preferably in veterinary science and one year of experience working in an animal shelter, clinic, veterinary hospital or kennel under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Experience in euthanasia or high volume spay/neuter is highly desirable. Experience in interpreting and enforcing animal related laws is desirable.
Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements
Registration as a Registered Veterinary Technician by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Veterinary Medical Board is required at time of appointment.
Willingness to respond to emergency animal services assignments during off-duty hours, and may be subject to a mandatory on-call rotation.
