Veterinary Technician

City of Everett • Everett, WA

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About The Position

The City of Everett is accepting applications through an open, competitive Civil Service examination process for a Veterinary Technician. Under the general supervision of the Veterinary Manager or attending Veterinarian, the Veterinary Technician provides shelter veterinary care, including surgical assistance, animal examinations, prescribed treatments and procedures within the scope of a licensed veterinary technician, vaccinations, microchip implantation, and euthanasia. The role also includes maintaining paper and electronic records and communicating effectively with coworkers, volunteers, and the public. The technician may direct shelter employees and volunteers who assist with clinic activities and is expected to contribute actively to a team-managed environment by supporting others and providing appropriate feedback. Work must comply with the legal limitations of the Washington State Veterinary Practice Act. The Veterinary Manager or attending Veterinarian may review work through observation, inspection, and conferences with employees.

The position involves clinical care and laboratory work, animal handling and husbandry, maintaining shelter and clinic facilities, recordkeeping, and responding to public inquiries. It also requires operating shelter vehicles as needed. The City requires an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology, a current Washington Veterinary Technician license, and at least two years of experience as a licensed Veterinary Technician. A valid Washington State Driver License is required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire. Work may involve shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as off-hour call outs.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology.
• Possession of and ability to maintain a current Washington Veterinary Technician license.
• At least two years of experience as a licensed Veterinary Technician.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire, a valid Washington State Driver License.
• Ability and willingness to work shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and to respond to off-hour call outs.
• Ability to lift and handle objects and animals weighing up to 60 pounds and restrain and handle animals weighing up to 150 pounds.
• Ability to walk and stand for long periods; climb stairs; bend, reach, hold, grasp, and turn objects; feel the size, shape, and temperature of items; and operate computers and listed clinic and office equipment.
• Ability to safely and humanely handle unruly, aggressive, and otherwise dangerous animals using appropriate handling equipment.
• Ability to work within the legal limitations of the Washington State Veterinary Practice Act.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience in an animal shelter caring for dogs and cats, or in a high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinic.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Veterinarian during surgery as a sterile or non-sterile assistant; prepare equipment and pass instruments and materials.
• Restrain animals during veterinary procedures, treatment, and euthanasia.
• Prepare examination and treatment rooms; clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments and equipment.
• Administer anesthetics during surgery and monitor their effects; provide post-operative care and monitor recovery, reporting unusual changes or symptoms to the Veterinarian.
• Perform routine venipuncture and intravenous catheterization; administer injections, medications, immunizations, and fluids as directed or prescribed by the Veterinarian; fill medication prescriptions.
• Provide emergency first aid to sick or injured animals and collect blood, urine, feces, and other laboratory specimens.
• Perform routine laboratory and diagnostic tests, including radiographs, fecal analysis, and urinalysis.
• Create and maintain medical records using correct terminology and abbreviations, as well as records relating to supplies, kennels, and animals.
• Assist the Veterinarian in examining animals and identifying illnesses, injuries, behavioral changes, and clinical symptoms; observe and record animal behavior.
• Isolate sick animals as required and follow established infectious disease protocols.
• Perform animal hygiene duties, including clipping coats and claws, bathing or dipping animals, dental cleaning, and treating external parasites.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to shelter staff and volunteers assisting in clinic activities.
• Clean and routinely maintain shelter facilities, including animal holding areas, examination and operating rooms, runs, kennels, cages, and loading and unloading areas, to help control disease spread.
• Perform euthanasia procedures, including transporting and restraining animals, checking vital signs afterward, and moving deceased animals to storage areas.
• Prepare feed and feed and care for animals according to specific instructions, diets, and schedules.
• Respond to or redirect public inquiries in person, by phone, or by email about shelter and clinic programs or policies.
• Move animals among shelter areas and operate shelter vehicles to deliver or retrieve animals or complete other errands.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• City-paid pre-employment physical.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree