Veterinary Technician

Alachua County • Gainesville, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This is responsible technical work providing professional and humane care to animals in the custody of the County Animal Shelter. This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work. An employee assigned to this classification performs a variety of animal care duties including assisting a veterinarian in medicine and surgery, feeding and watering animals, routine cleaning and disinfection and administering humane euthanasia for population management. Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports and observation of results obtained.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or equivalent and two years of shelter medicine or veterinary clinic experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience.
• Applicants within six months of meeting the education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.
• As a condition of employment incumbents must meet all Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) requirements/ prerequisites to handle controlled substances and successfully pass the Euthanuna Technician Certification Course, valid in the State of Florida, within six (6) months of the date of hire.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen & physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.
• Knowledge of the proper care and handling of companion animals; including those that are aggressive, hostile, sick and/or injured.
• Knowledge of humane euthanasia procedures.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory testing, sample collection, and venipuncture.
• Knowledge of companion animal anesthesia, including intubation (emergency and non-emergency), administration of injectable and inhalant induction agents, intraoperative monitoring, and recovery management.
• Knowledge of basic medical triage, emergency procedures, and medical management/support of in-house patients.
• Knowledge of radiographic techniques and positioning.
• Ability to administer vaccinations, parasite preventatives, and medications (oral, topical, and injectable).
• Ability to perform lab tests and operate related equipment.
• Ability to assist with animal surgeries, monitor animals following surgical procedures, and perform humane euthanasia when necessary.
• Ability to deal effectively with the public and co-workers, especially during emotional or stressful situations.
• Ability to educate the public about spay/neuter, vaccination, heartworm prevention, return to field of community cats, and other medical issues/diseases that affect shelter patients.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete medical records and input data into shelter management software.

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of a state-certified Veterinary Technician program may substitute for the required experience.

Responsibilities

• Assists veterinary staff in preparation, handling, monitoring, recovery, and post-operative care of surgical patients with a potential caseload of over 15 patients a day.
• Handles and restrains companion and exotic animals for intake and veterinary examinations.
• Administers a variety of medications and vaccinations via a number of different routes.
• Performs venipuncture and laboratory testing in-house for companion and exotic animals.
• Bathes, shaves, clips, and grooms animals as needed.
• Cleans and disinfects animal kennels and facilities, medical and surgical areas and equipment as necessary.
• Performs humane euthanasia of designated animals in accordance with department policy, applicable laws and regulations, and best practices.
• Updates animal records in shelter management software to ensure efficient shelter operation.
• Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

What This Job Offers

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