Veterinary Assistant / Veterinary Technician

County of Wake, NC • Raleigh, NC

16h • $27 - $34 • 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. This fast-paced shelter medicine role includes helping with medical treatments, vaccinations, diagnostics, surgery support, and daily animal care alongside a team focused on animal welfare and community impact.

Veterinary Assistants assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with patient care and examinations, safely handle and restrain animals, provide routine animal care, prepare treatment areas and equipment, administer treatments as directed, maintain health information and medical records, assist with laboratory and diagnostic work, and help maintain supplies and facility cleanliness. Registered Veterinary Technicians perform shared duties and also directly assist staff veterinarians, train and mentor Veterinary Assistants, measure and administer drugs, and manage controlled substances.

The Wake County Animal Center is an open-admission shelter operated by Wake County Government. It receives stray, abandoned, and surrendered pets from Wake County and works with fosters, volunteers, and local rescues to treat and rehome animals. The position is based at Wake County Animal Control in Raleigh, North Carolina. The work schedule is 40 hours, Monday through Friday, with a varying schedule. In emergencies, the employee may be expected to participate in preparedness and response operations, including temporary assignments with different duties, hours, or work locations, and related exercises and training.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; equivalent education and experience are accepted.
• Nine months of experience in animal care and control is required for the general position listing.
• Must pass the Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET) test or exam and become certified within six months of employment.
• Must pass the Certified Rabies Vaccinator (CRV) test or 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.
• For the Veterinary Assistant pathway, the posting specifies a high school diploma/GED and nine months of experience in a veterinary setting.
• For the Registered Veterinary Technician pathway, an AVMA-accredited degree and current credentials through VTNE or NCVMB are required, along with one year of experience in a veterinary setting.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with patient care and examinations.
• Restrain and handle animals safely during procedures and treatments.
• Feed, exercise, bathe, and monitor animals in the clinic or kennel.
• Clean and disinfect exam 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 medical-supply inventory and keep the facility clean and organized.
• As a Registered Veterinary Technician, directly assist staff veterinarians.
• As a Registered Veterinary Technician, train and mentor Veterinary Assistants.
• As a Registered Veterinary Technician, measure and administer drugs to patients and manage controlled substances.
• Participate in emergency preparedness and response operations, exercises, or training when required.

Benefits

• Registered Veterinary Technicians will have their annual license fee covered.
• Registered Veterinary Technicians 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