Animal Health Technician

Jersey City, City of•Jersey City, NJ

About The Position

The City of Jersey City is seeking an Animal Health Technician to support the Department of Health and Human Services – Division of Animal Care & Control. Under the direction of a Veterinarian, the technician cares for and treats sick or injured animals and performs related work as required. The position may require morning, evening, and weekend shifts and is subject to the residency requirements set forth by the NJ First Act. The City of Jersey City is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations relating to anti-discrimination and anti-harassment.

Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 60 college credits, including 18 credit hours in veterinary science/technology, animal science technology, zoology, biology, animal husbandry, or related fields, from an accredited college or university.
At least one year of experience in a veterinary office, animal hospital, or animal shelter performing vaccinations, diagnostic tests, euthanasia, and/or other medical treatment on animals, or in work involving animal nutrition, taxonomy, animal behavior, parasitology, or bacteriology.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability preferred.
Possession of a valid New Jersey driver’s license preferred.

Responsibilities

Treat sick or injured animals as directed by a veterinarian.
Administer prescribed medication and prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or other treatment as prescribed by a veterinarian.
Observe animal behavior and condition, monitor clinical symptoms, and report findings to the veterinarian.
Perform preliminary examinations to identify symptoms of disease or injury and report findings to the veterinarian.
Operate x-ray equipment and restrain animals during examinations or procedures.
Administer emergency first aid, including resuscitation or other life-saving procedures.
Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing, cultures, or microscopic examination; perform laboratory tests to assist in diagnosis and treatment.
Prepare operating areas and animals for surgery; assist the veterinarian during procedures by sterilizing instruments, securing supplies, providing requested instruments, and cleaning and disinfecting work areas and equipment.
Care for and monitor animals recovering from surgery; when directed by a veterinarian, administer anesthesia and monitor animals’ responses.
Assist with animal euthanasia and authorized disposal of remains.
Perform dental work, including cleaning, polishing, or extracting teeth; dress wounds and apply splints or other protective devices.
Clean and disinfect kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, examination rooms, and animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
Schedule appointments and procedures.
Provide information about animal health care, behavior problems, or nutrition.
Maintain controlled drug inventories and related log books, and establish and maintain essential records and files.
Perform other duties as assigned; duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.