Animal Care Technician

Columbia County Georgia; North Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia County Georgia is seeking a Shelter Medicine Veterinary Technician to provide daily care for stray and in-house animals. You will manage vaccines, medications, and shelter medical records while coordinating services with veterinarians.

The role requires handling diverse animals, lifting up to 50 pounds, and complying with sanitation and biosecurity protocols in a county animal services facility.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of shelter-medicine principles and vaccines.
• Skill in animal restraint, injections, venipuncture, and sample collection.
• Ability to maintain medical records and coordinate veterinary services.

Responsibilities

• Manage medical inventory and ordering of vaccines, meds, and supplies.
• Administer vaccines, dewormers, medications, and treatments per shelter protocols.
• Coordinate veterinary services including spay/neuter, dental, and specialty appointments.

Skills

Shelter medicine

Animal handling

Vaccinations

Medical coordination

Recordkeeping

Education

High School Diploma

CVT/LVT/RVT certification preferred

Tools

Chameleon software

Job description

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This position provides specialized shelter-medicine support and daily care for stray, quarantined, and adoptable animals housed at the County’s animal services facility. Responsibilities include administering vaccinations and medications, performing intake exams and ongoing health assessments, collecting diagnostic samples, maintaining medical inventories, and coordinating all veterinary services, including scheduling and transporting animals for spay/neuter, diagnostics, and other medical appointments. The role requires safe handling of fractious or aggressive animals; maintaining sanitation and biosecurity; and performing physical labor such as lifting over 50 pounds, bending, stooping, and standing for extended periods. Work directly impacts animal well-being, public safety, and disease control, with regular contact involving co-workers, animal owners, volunteers, the public, and veterinary partners.

• Manages medical inventory, including ordering, storage, and tracking of vaccines, medications, supplies, and equipment.
• Administers vaccinations, dewormers, medications, and treatments (oral, topical, injectable) in accordance with shelter protocols.
• Coordinates veterinary services, including scheduling spay/neuter, surgical, dental, and specialty appointments, and transports animals to and from veterinary providers.
• Conducts intake exams, routine health assessments, and ongoing medical monitoring; documents findings and communicates concerns to supervisors or veterinary staff.
• Collects diagnostic samples (blood, fecal, urine, skin scrapings) and performs basic laboratory tests.
• Provides intermediate medical care for sick, injured, or post-operative animals, including wound care and supportive treatments.
• Maintains accurate medical records and controlled-substance documentation in Chameleon or similar shelter software.
• Implements and monitors isolation, quarantine, and biosecurity protocols to prevent disease transmission.
• Performs daily husbandry, including feeding, watering, cleaning, grooming, and providing enrichment.
• Supports behavioral health through appropriate socialization and handling.
• Safely restrains and handles animals of varying temperament, including fearful or aggressive animals.
• Scans for and assists with microchip implantation as needed.
• Cleans and disinfects kennels, medical rooms, and quarantine areas using approved chemicals and protocols; maintains a sanitary and safe environment for animals, staff, and the public.
• Performs or assists with humane euthanasia in accordance with County policy and state law.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES.

• Knowledge of shelter-medicine principles, common animal diseases, zoonotic risks, vaccinations, treatments, and pharmaceuticals.
• Skill in animal restraint, injections, venipuncture, sample collection, and basic laboratory procedures.
• Knowledge of veterinary scheduling, medical coordination, and accurate recordkeeping practices.
• Ability to evaluate animal health, recognize signs of illness or distress, and triage appropriately.
• Ability to administer medications accurately, including dosage calculations.
• Ability to safely handle fractious, fearful, or injured animals.
• Ability to maintain sanitary conditions and properly use disinfectants and medical chemicals.
• Ability to provide enrichment and support animal behavioral health.
• Ability to maintain accurate electronic and written records, including use of Chameleon or similar systems.
• Ability to interact professionally with the public, staff, volunteers, and veterinary partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, employees, volunteers, veterinary offices, and the general public.
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic mathematical calculations.

DESIRABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Certification as a Veterinary Technician (CVT/LVT/RVT) strongly preferred.

Prior experience in shelter medicine, veterinary clinics, or animal shelter operations preferred.

Experience using Windows-based systems and Chameleon software preferred.

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver’s license required

A combination of education and/or work experience may be substituted for minimum requirements.

Job ID #2512 Category Animal Services Status Open Full Time/Grade 17 Salary $18.72 Per Hour/Cell Allowance, $720.00 Annually Posted September 4, 2026 11:05 AM Closing Open Until Filled