Veterinary Assistant / Veterinary Technician

Wake County Government • Raleigh, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wake County Animal Center is seeking a Veterinary Assistant or Registered Veterinary Technician to support the health and well-being of homeless animals in its care. The position assists with medical treatments, vaccinations, diagnostics, surgery support, and daily animal care in a fast-paced, mission-driven shelter environment. The team works to treat and rehome animals received as strays, abandoned pets, and surrendered pets in Wake County.

Veterinary Assistants support veterinarians and veterinary technicians with patient care and examinations; safely handle and restrain animals; feed, exercise, bathe, and monitor animals; clean and disinfect clinical and animal-care areas; prepare equipment and treatment rooms; administer treatments as directed; maintain health information and medical records; assist with laboratory testing, specimen collection, and diagnostics; and maintain medical-supply inventory. Registered Veterinary Technicians also perform shared duties, directly assist staff veterinarians, train and mentor Veterinary Assistants, measure and administer medications, and manage controlled substances.

The position is based at Wake County Animal Control in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is a regular, 40-hour-per-week position with a varying schedule Monday through Friday. The hiring range is $26.51–$33.55 per hour. In an emergency, the employee may be expected to participate in preparedness and response operations, including temporary assignments with different duties, hours, or work locations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; equivalent education and experience are accepted.
• Nine months of experience in animal care and control is listed in the required education and experience section.
• Veterinary Assistant pathway: high school diploma/GED and nine months of experience in a veterinary setting.
• Registered Veterinary Technician pathway: an AVMA-accredited degree, current credentials through VTNE or NCVMB, and one year of experience in a veterinary setting.
• Must pass the Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET) test/exam and become certified within six months of employment.
• Must pass the Certified Rabies Vaccinator (CRV) test/exam and become certified within six months of employment.
• Knowledge of basic animal care, behavior, and safe, humane handling techniques.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, infection control, and sanitation procedures.
• Knowledge of animal health and nutrition.
• Ability to work with all types of domesticated animals.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptability and ability to work as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

• Preference is given to candidates who are Registered Veterinary Technicians or eligible to sit for the RVT exams.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with patient care and examinations.
• Safely restrain and handle animals during procedures and treatments.
• Feed, exercise, bathe, and monitor animals in the clinic or kennel.
• Clean and disinfect examination rooms, cages, kennels, and surgical areas.
• Prepare equipment, instruments, and treatment rooms for procedures.
• Administer treatments as directed by a veterinarian.
• Collect and record animal health information and maintain medical records.
• Assist with laboratory testing, specimen collection, and diagnostic procedures.
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies and keep the facility clean and organized.
• As a Registered Veterinary Technician, directly assist staff veterinarians, train and mentor Veterinary Assistants, measure and administer drugs, and manage controlled substances.
• Participate in emergency preparedness and response operations when required, potentially including temporary assignments and relevant exercises or training.

Benefits

• Registered Veterinary Technicians have their annual license fee covered and receive $500 toward their continuing education requirement every two years.
• 5% contribution to a 401(k), with no match required.
• Membership in the LGERS Pension Plan after five years.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid family illness leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• Annual leave and sick leave.
• Healthcare benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED