Registered Veterinary Technician
Date Adopted by City Manager
11/15/11
Comp. Code
9420
Job Title:
Animal Care Technician
Definition
Under general supervision, work independently to perform a variety of technical and routine work with an emphasis on animal care in a shelter operation; Employees in this classification supervise, coordinate and perform a combination of kennel and animal care work; deal tactfully and effectively with the public; responsible for carrying out the direction of a licensed veterinarian in providing paramedical treatment to animals in accordance with federal, state and local law including humane euthanasia of animals according to established procedures; work with volunteers and rescue groups; may handle monies generated; perform related work as required.
Typical Duties
Typical duties may vary from routine animal care to more complex duties of a similar nature; Employees
in this classification will assist with the planning, scheduling, assigning, and monitoring of daily activities
of shelter staff and volunteers; provide training, task supervision and evaluation of staff assigned; assists
with training of volunteers and work crews; oversee the daily operation of the shelter in the absence of the
supervisor; assess animal health and temperament on arrival; conduct general health checks, administer
medicine and vaccines; provide care to animals requiring treatment and/or special needs; clean and
maintain building and grounds areas at the shelter; monitor and ensure availability of animal care
supplies, food and equipment; perform compassionate and humane euthanasia and disposal of animals
according to department protocols; maintain detailed records and security of federally controlled drugs in
compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; safely handle and transport animals from the
shelter to the veterinary hospital or another shelter as needed; update computer files when receiving,
treating, moving or determining disposition animals; handle animals humanely and effectively under
stressful situations; observe and monitor animal shelter population and report behavior irregularities and/
or disease symptoms; assist in responding to disaster situations; operate office equipment; keep accurate
records and logs; manage multiple tasks and prioritize work; perform other related duties as required.
Tools and Equipment Used
Various veterinary equipment including needles, syringes and x-ray machines. Various equipment and tools used in the operation of an animal shelter; animal capture equipment, scales, telephone, computer terminal, copy and facsimile equipment, first aid equipment, motor vehicle, two way radio, pager.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk on a variety of surfaces, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, squat, crouch or crawl; use hands to finger, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; taste and smell. The employee must frequently lift, pull, push and/or move more than 50 pounds; carry and restrain animals weighing up to and in excess of 50 pounds. Employee may occasionally lift, and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
Work is predominantly performed in a kennel/shelter environment; exposure to excessive noise (barking dogs) animal waste and dead animals, dust, chemicals from cleaning agents/disinfectants, sewage and zoonotic diseases. Tasks require frequent exposure to adverse environmental conditions (extreme heat/cold, wet conditions), foul odors, dangerous animals, euthanasia equipment and chemicals, moving mechanical parts and traffic.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of
Animal behavior, anatomy and physiology; diseases and their symptoms common to domestic animals and wildlife; methods for safe, effective and humane handling of domestic and wild animals; basic diagnostic procedures; animal emergency and first aid procedures; techniques for administering medications and treatments to animals; laboratory testing procedures; procedures for safe and humane euthanasia; pharmaceuticals and equipment used in an animal health facility; work-related safety standards and procedures.
Ability to
Observe, evaluate and effectively respond to the condition of animals; interpret and implement rules, policies and procedures governing the care, treatment, impoundment, release and euthanasia of animals; effectively prioritize and complete tasks and assignments with minimal oversight and within established timeframes; clearly and accurately document and maintain work-related information and records; use a computer to access, input and retrieve information and produce written reports; speak clearly and effectively to communicate technical and work-related information in a manner that is understandable to the listener; deal courteously and effectively with staff and the public, including individuals who may be angry or distraught; handle dangerous, aggressive, sick or injured animals.
Experience/Education
High School graduation supplemented by knowledge of animal husbandry and shelter practices. Education, training and/or experience that demonstrates skills necessary would be three years of experience working with domestic animals in a veterinary hospital, humane society or other animal facility. A community college or college level degree related to the specialty area may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis.
Valid current certification as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) issued by the Veterinary Medical
Board of the State of California.
Additional Requirements
Possession of a valid California Driver License.