About the position
The Animal Care and Protective Services Division is actively seeking one (1) Veterinary Technician. This is technical work in the maintenance of kennel facilities to include: care and feeding of sheltered animals, performance of related clerical and customer support work, providing support to veterinarians and veterinary technician supervisor in routine medical, surgical, and/or necropsy procedures. Work requires knowledge of techniques, methods, and procedures used in the care of animals and maintenance of kennel facilities which involves the use of specialized skills which are acquired through a combination of training and considerable on the job experience. Contacts with others require skills in understanding and influencing people, which are important as it relates to animal care issues. Skills of persuasiveness, assertiveness, and sensitivity to others point of view are often required to influence behavior, change an opinion, or turn a situation around. Work schedule involves some weekend, holidays, and rotating shifts. Work is semi-routine in that tasks are covered by procedures or precedents, but some latitude is permitted to consider the most appropriate method, technique, or procedure to follow. Work is performed in field, kennel, and office environments, where there are some risks and hazards due to the handling of ill and infectious animals, and exposure to offensive odors, chemicals, and other airborne nuisances but the hazards are known, somewhat predictable and mostly controllable.
Responsibilities
- Administers basic medical treatments under the direction of a veterinarian
- Takes vital signs of animals
- Cleans and disinfects different areas of the shelter to ensure the health and well-being of the animal population
- Feeds and cares for critical animals in the medical areas
- Retrieves, restrains, and assists with medical examinations of animals
- Utilizes and maintains laboratory equipment
- Performs radiographs
- Prepares, maintains, and retrieves records, reports and detailed and accurate medical histories of animals housed at facility using a personal computer
- Maintains inventory of medications, medical equipment, medical supplies, food, cleaning, and care supplies
- Performs euthanasia as taught by the FACA (Florida Animal Control Association) approved class and in compliance with the ACPS euthanasia protocol
- Provides customer assistance and information concerning animals and adoption policies
- Collects redemption and adoption fees and maintains records of monies collected as required
- Draws blood, prepares, and handles lab specimens and performs routine lab tests
- Reports to work location during emergency circumstances such as actual and anticipated natural and man-made disasters
- Operates laboratory and standard office equipment such as personal computer using word, spreadsheet, database and other related software, two-way radio, euthanasia equipment, animal restraint equipment and cash register
- Operates a motor vehicle
- Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville's competencies
- Performs related work as required
Requirements
- Two years of education and/or technical experience in biology, animal husbandry, herd management, animal handling/care, veterinary technician, pre-med or pre-veterinary, medical, phlebotomy or laboratory technician experience
- Successfully passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to become certified as a Veterinary Technician may be substituted for six months of experience
- Euthanasia Technician Certification must be obtained prior to completion of probation
- A valid driver's license is required prior to appointment and must be maintained during employment in this class
Benefits
- Four weeks off during the first year of employment
- 12 paid holidays and a personal leave day
- Low and no cost health insurance options
- Dental, vision, life insurance and flexible spending plans
- Eligibility for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after 10 years of public service and on-time payments
