Veterinary Assistant

Contra Costa College; Martinez (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a forward-thinking animal services department, where you'll play a vital role in caring for animals in need. As a Veterinary Assistant, you'll assist veterinarians with medical procedures and ensure the well-being of shelter animals. This fast-paced position offers opportunities for career advancement and the chance to make a real difference in the community. If you're passionate about animal welfare and thrive in a collaborative environment, this role is perfect for you. Embrace the challenge and join us in our mission to protect and enhance the lives of animals and their human companions.

Benefits

Career Advancement Opportunities

Team Environment

Hands-On Experience

Community Impact

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; veterinary assistant training preferred.
• Experience with animal care and veterinary procedures is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians with surgical procedures and animal care.
• Maintain cleanliness of clinic and shelter facilities.
• Communicate with the public about animal care.

Skills

Animal Care

Communication

Compassion

Flexibility

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Veterinary Assistant/Technician Training

Job description

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The Position

The Animal Services Department is committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all people and animals in our community. We prioritize lifesaving as our guiding principle. We shelter homeless, abandoned, and lost animals and provide them with medical care when needed. We work to keep and place animals in safe, caring homes. We also provide education and services to enhance the lives of people, their animal companions, and to strengthen the human-animal bond.

Why join the Contra Costa Animal Services Department?

Shelter jobs at Contra Costa Animal Services! - YouTube

We are currently looking to add one (1) Veterinary Assistant to our dedicated team. The position will be challenging and fast-paced, but never boring!

Individuals in this role are responsible for assisting Veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians in surgical pre-operative and post-operative procedures, identifying and treating sick and injured shelter animals, and keeping the clinic and/or shelter facilities clean and sanitary.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Is

• A team player. We have a strong group and are looking for others who will work hard alongside us.
• A great communicator. We have a big team, and communication is key to success.
• Flexible. Things can change quickly, and you will need to adjust.
• Willing to learn. We work with several different breeds and animals, and we would like you to learn more about them.
• Honest. You may work independently often and will be responsible for sharing details of situations with your supervisor.
• Compassionate. There are a lot of animals that will need your care.

What You Will Typically Be Responsible For

• Preparing the operating rooms and treatment rooms, surgical instruments, medical equipment
• Medicating/Treating sick/injured animals within the shelter
• Prepping, monitoring, and recovering animals for various types of surgery
• Assisting Veterinarians during veterinary procedures
• Monitoring, triaging, and relaying important medical notes to RVTs and/or Veterinarians
• Starting/following protocols for sick/injured animals in our care regarding their treatment plans
• Husbandry and medical treatment of animals housed in our isolation wards and treatment rooms
• Feeding, cleaning, medicating, and caring for healthy, sick, or injured animals in our care
• Communicating with the public regarding post-operative care or care for sick/injured animals in our Foster Program
• Assisting in the feeding, care, and disposal of animals

A Few Reasons You Might Love This Job

• You will be helping animals and people in the community
• Opportunity for career advancement
• You will work cohesively with a team of passionate individuals

A Few Challenges You Might Face In This Job

• You will work in a busy, fast-paced environment
• You do not always have control over the outcome of the animals you are helping

Competencies Required

• Fact Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Environmental Exposure Tolerance: Performing under physically demanding conditions
• General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
• Manual Dexterity: Using senses, hands, and fingers in manipulating objects quickly and efficiently
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on their completion for the wellbeing of the animals under your care.
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace

To read the complete job description, please click here. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or high school proficiency certificate.

Experience: Either: One (1) year of experience as a Veterinary Technician (unlicensed) in a veterinary practice, clinic, or hospital; or one (1) year of experience as an Animal Center Technician in Contra Costa County or the equivalent in another agency, which included performing duties to handle, move and treat sick and injured animals.

Substitution: Completion of a Veterinary Assistant/Technician training program may be substituted for six (6) months of the required experience.

Certification: Appointees must obtain a valid Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP) required by the Department of Consumer Affairs Veterinary Medical Board within nine (9) months of hire. Employees are required to maintain this certification throughout the duration of their employment.

Selection Process

• Application Filing and Evaluation: Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
• Veterinary Assistant Multiple-Choice Test: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the Veterinary Assistant multiple-choice assessment. The assessment will measure competencies such as reading comprehension, attention to detail, ethics, customer focus, and teamwork. (Weighted 100%)
• Final Selection Interviews: To be determined.

TENTATIVE EXAM DATES

Multiple Choice Test: Tentatively scheduled via computer (remotely) from May 28th through June 2nd, 2025.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps as needed.

For questions, contact Lauren Ludwig at [e-mail]. For technical issues, contact the applicant support team at [phone].

CONVICTION HISTORY

After a conditional offer, you will be fingerprinted and your conviction history will be reviewed. Having a conviction does not automatically disqualify you. The Human Resources department will contact you to schedule fingerprinting if you accept a conditional offer.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and must complete related training and return to work during emergencies.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Contra Costa County considers all applicants without regard to legally protected categories.

For more benefits info, visit here.