Veterinary Assistant – Per Diem

County of Riverside; California; On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to animal welfare as a Temporary Veterinary Assistant. In this entry-level position, you will support the Department of Animal Services by assisting in the surgical sterilization of small animals and providing care and treatment. Your role will involve preparing instruments, monitoring animals during surgery, and ensuring their well-being post-operation. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in a supportive environment while contributing to the health and safety of animals in the community. If you are passionate about animal care and eager to learn, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in care and treatment of small animals under a veterinarian's supervision.
• Knowledge of humane methods for animal care and clinic procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist Veterinary Surgeon with physical examinations and sterilization surgeries.
• Monitor animals during and after surgery, reporting any abnormal behavior.

Skills

Animal Care

Veterinary Assistance

First Aid for Animals

Handling Small Animals

Communication Skills

Education

30 semester or 45 quarter units in animal health, animal science, zoology

Tools

Surgical Instruments

Medical Supplies

Job description

The County of Riverside’s Human Resources Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) is seeking a Temporary Veterinary Assistant Per-Diem to support the Department of Animal Services throughout Riverside County.

*Work schedules are based on department needs and can be Monday- Friday or Tuesday- Saturday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

Under supervision, assists Veterinary Surgeon by performing routine and para-professional duties involved in the surgical sterilization of small animals at a County Spay and Neuter Clinic; assists in the care and treatment of animals; and performs other related duties as required.

The Veterinary Assistant is an entry-level classification and reports to a Supervising Registered Veterinary Technician. The County Spay and Neuter Program and shelter functions as part of the Veterinary Services Division of the Riverside County Department of Animal Services. Sterilization surgeries are performed on small animals (e.g., dogs, cats and rabbits), and shelter animals are examined and treated for minor illnesses or injuries.

The Veterinary Assistant is distinguished from the Registered Veterinary Technician class in that the latter is registered by the California Veterinary Medical Board and performs the more complex pre-surgery and post-surgery care of animals as allowable under their certification. Instruction, guidance, and supervision is received from a Veterinary Surgeon or Supervising Registered Veterinary Technician. Upon obtaining a valid Registered Veterinary Technician certificate, incumbents may promote to the Registered Veterinary Technician class with a satisfactory performance evaluation.

HIGHLY IMPORTANT – ALL CANDIDATES MUST HAVE A COPY OF THEIR TRANSCRIPT(S) UPLOADED BEFORE SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION.

Meet the Team!
The County of Riverside Animal Services Department's Mission is "Working together to improve Riverside County for people and animals."

TAP Benefits:

https://www.rc-hr.com/Find-A-Job/Job-Searching/Temporary-Medical-Assignment-Program/TAP-Benefits

• Assist a Veterinary Surgeon in the administration of physical examinations to determine surgical fitness of animals by handling animals during the examination.
• Prepare instruments and medical supplies for Veterinary Surgeon's use; prepare animals for sterilization surgery and assist with anesthesia procedures.
• Provide the Veterinary Surgeon with supplies needed during the sterilization surgery of animals; provide support for any emergencies that might arise.
• Monitor animals during surgery as needed; observe animals after surgery to detect any abnormal behavior or physical symptoms and report findings to the Veterinary Surgeon.
• Clean and prepare surgical packs and instruments for sterilization prior to surgery; provide general care for and feed animals.
• Under direction, render first aid, medical treatment, and therapy as required for hospitalized animals.
• Assist with admittance and discharge of animals to and from clinic.
• Assist in training clinic personnel; order necessary materials and medications required by the Spay and Neuter Facility and Shelter.
• Assist with filling prescriptions; assist spay and neuter staff with daily operations.
• Observe general shelter population for illness and/or injury.
• Assist veterinarians in treating shelter animals, including a variety of exotic animals, through the restraining and managing of many different species.

OPTION I

Education: None required.

Experience: Two years of experience in the care and treatment of small animals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian at a veterinary clinic or small animal hospital. (Completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units in animal health, animal science, zoology, or a related field to the assignment may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience.)

OPTION II

Education: None required.

Experience: Three years of experience in the care and handling of animals with a public or private agency. (Completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units in animal health, animal science, zoology, or a related field to the assignment may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience.)

ALL OPTIONS

Knowledge of: Safe, humane, and efficient methods for the care and treatment of small animals, particularly dogs and cats; equipment and procedures used at a veterinary clinic; physical and behavioral characteristics of small animals; substances and methods used to clean and disinfect animal habitats.

Ability to: Care for small animals; recognize abnormal behavioral and physical symptoms in small animals; safely handle and maintain clinic medical instruments and equipment; deal tactfully and effectively with the public; maintain simple records and make reports as necessary.

Other Requirements:

License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required.

A series of three Rabies vaccines is required within 30 days of employment.

Contact Ahjah Davis Solomon at [e-mail] with any questions regarding this recruitment.