Veterinary Technician

City of Fremont, CA; California; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Technician to provide exceptional care for animals at a municipal shelter. This role involves assisting veterinarians with medical procedures, ensuring the wellbeing of animals, and delivering outstanding customer service. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in veterinary science, experience in animal handling, and a passion for animal welfare. Join a reputable department committed to community service and animal care, and make a significant impact in the lives of pets and their owners. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a vital public service while developing your skills in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in veterinary care and customer service is essential.
• Knowledge of animal diseases and medical protocols is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the care of animal patients at the shelter.
• Perform pre- and post-surgical care and evaluations.
• Provide lead supervision and training to staff and volunteers.

Skills

Veterinary care

Customer service

Animal handling

Medical protocols

Conflict resolution

Communication

Education

Two years of college in veterinary science

Experience in animal shelter or veterinary clinic

Tools

Medical care equipment

Job description

The Fremont Police Department - Animal Services Division is recruiting for the position of Veterinary Technician.
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About the Fremont Police Department:
Fremont Police Department is the law enforcement agency for the City of Fremont, California. The Fremont Police Department was first established under the direction of Chief Richard E. Condon on July 1, 1958. At that time, it was staffed by one Lieutenant, three Sergeants, two investigators, one juvenile officer, 17 patrol officers, a secretary, and a clerk. By the end of 1958, there were a total of 25 officers serving a population of 29,000 people in the City of Fremont. In 1966, Fremont PD grew to 82 officers, serving a population of 88,000. The department continues to grow as demand for services increased. Today, Fremont Police Department is one of the most reputable police agencies in the State, serving the 4th largest city in the Bay Area. The Animal Shelter is part of the Fremont Police Department, and is responsible for protecting lost and injured animals as well as protecting the public from animal-carried diseases.

The Position:
The Veterinary Technician will assist in the care of animal patients at the City’s animal shelter. Additional key responsibilities include use of medical care equipment, as well as moving and handling domestic animals and wildlife. The Veterinary Technician reports to the Shelter Veterinarian and is responsible for Fear Free treatment of all animals in the care of the Tri-City Animal Shelter. This is an excellent leadership opportunity to provide high quality care for animal patients.
The Ideal Candidate:
The Fremont Police Department Animal Services Division is seeking a motivated candidate with experience working in a veterinary or shelter environment and ensuring all animals' physical and emotional wellbeing using Fear Free techniques. The ideal candidate should have proficient computer abilities, be proactive in task initiation and completion, and excel in working independently. Furthermore, they should have a proven track record of delivering outstanding customer service and possess knowledge of infectious diseases within both shelter and community environments. Moreover, the candidate should possess expertise in delivering Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return services for community cats.
First Review of Applications:
The first review of applications is April 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM (PT). Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. A resume must be submitted with the completed online application. Applications submitted without a resume may not be considered. Only online applications will be accepted.

Selection Process:
The selection process may include individual and/or panel interviews, professional reference checks, fingerprint check for criminal history, and other related components. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.
Tentative Timeline:
Oral Board: Week of May 5, 2025
Reasonable Accommodation:
Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling [phone] or emailing [e-mail].
Contact Us:
For additional information, please contact Human Resources Department at: [e-mail].
Veterinary Technician - Class Specification:
Under general direction, provides paraprofessional medical care and treatment to animals; assists a veterinarian with medical and surgical pre-operative and post-operative procedures; monitors general health of animal population at the shelter; administers medication, emergency treatment, first aid, and follow up care; provides lead supervision to animal services staff and volunteers; performs related duties as required. Class Characteristics This is an advanced journey level classification reporting to the Animal Services Manager in the Animal Services Section of the Police Department. Assignments, objectives, and work methods are established by policy and procedure and incumbents assume responsibility for accomplishing work within those parameters. Work review is not continual but is conducted periodically; checks are integrated into work processes. The incumbent of this classification will work in the animal shelter office and the shelter’s animal care area. Assigned duties require extensive use of the medical care equipment; moving and handling domestic animals and wildlife.
Job Responsibilities:
The Veterinary Technician will perform basic physical examination of animals on intake; understand infectious disease; communicate effectively with colleagues and the public; perform functions required for pre- and post-surgical care including inducing anesthesia; maintain all necessary controlled substance drug logs and patient records.
Example of Job Duties:

• Evaluate animals for gender, medical conditions, age, dental condition, temperament, and breed.
• Record and maintain health and temperament information on all animals for adoption.
• Recommend animals not meeting adoption criteria for euthanasia.
• Conduct pre-adoption health evaluations for dogs, cats, and other species.
• Inoculate animals, as required with vaccines and administer medications as prescribed by a veterinarian for the treatment and prevention of animal illnesses.
• Provide paraprofessional medical care and treatment under the direction of veterinarians.
• Assist veterinarians with medical and surgical spay/neuter and other procedures.
• Conduct animal euthanasia by syringe injection or other approved method under the direction of a veterinarian.
• Maintain inventory of all pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and supplies.
• Maintain accurate and thorough records of all surgeries, drugs administered, and other information according to all mandated federal, state, local, and professional standards and procedures.
• Assist customers and coworkers with information on the condition of the animals evaluated.
• Provide technical and functional lead supervision and training to animal services staff and volunteers.
• Support any field staff as assigned.
• Actively participate in the resolution of problems encountered on a shelter-wide basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of: medical care for animals including medical protocols and vaccine procedures; principles of lead supervision; written and oral communication techniques; public relations; conflict resolution techniques; common animal types and their normal characteristics and behaviors.
Skill in: administering medication and injections.
Ability to: provide lead supervision and training; perform functions required for pre- and post-surgical care; participate as a team member in the work of the Animal Services Section by understanding and implementing assigned duties and responsibilities to support team goals and objectives, working cooperatively with other team members, receiving and sharing information, soliciting input, identifying operational and interpersonal issues, and participating in the development of medical problem solving solutions; learn, read, and interpret State of California laws and City of Fremont ordinances, policies, practices and procedures related to the administration of animal medical care and treatment; handle frightened, injured, ill and aggressive animals; respond courteously and tactfully to customers in the shelter; represent the City in cases of violation of animal control laws; communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacities to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.
Education/Experience:
Any combination of education and/or experience which has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be: two years of college preferably in veterinary science and one year of experience working in an animal shelter, clinic, veterinary hospital or kennel under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Experience in euthanasia or high volume spay/neuter is highly desirable. Experience in interpreting and enforcing animal related laws is desirable.
Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements:
Registration as a Registered Veterinary Technician by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Veterinary Medical Board is required at time of appointment. Willingness to respond to emergency animal services assignments during off-duty hours, and may be subject to a mandatory on-call rotation.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
Rare = < 10%, Occasional = 11-33%, Frequent = 34-66%, Constant = >66% Sitting: Frequent Walking: Occasional Standing: Occasional Bending (neck): Frequent Bending (waist): Occasional Squatting: Occasional Climbing: Rare Kneeling: Occasional Crawling: Never Jumping: Never Balancing: Rare Twisting (neck): Rare Twisting (waist): Rare Grasp - light (dominant hand): Frequent Grasp - light (non-dominant): Frequent Grasp - firm (dominant hand): Occasional Grasp - firm (non-dominant): Occasional Fine manipulation (dominant): Occasional Fine manipulation (non-dominant): Occasional Reach - at/below shoulder: Occasional Reach – above shoulder level: Rare Push/pull: Up to 10 lbs. Rare 11 to 25 lbs. Rare 26 to 50 lbs. Never 51 to 75 lbs. Never 76 to 100 lbs. Never Over 100 lbs. Never Lifting: Up to 10 lbs. Occasional 11 to 25 lbs. Occasional 26 to 50 lbs. Rare 51 to 75 lbs. Never 76 to 100 lbs. Never Over 100 lbs. Never Carrying: Up to 10 lbs. Occasional 11 to 25 lbs. Occasional 26 to 50 lbs. Rare 51 to 75 lbs. Never 76 to 100 lbs. Never Over 100 lbs. Never Coordination: Eye-hand: Required Eye-hand-foot: Required Driving: Required Vision: Acuity, near: Required Acuity, far: Required Depth perception: Required Accommodation: Required Color vision: Required Field of vision: Required Talking: Face-to-face contact: Required Verbal contact w/others: Required Public: Required Hearing: Normal conversation: Required Telephone communication: Required Earplugs required: Required Work environment: The incumbent of this classification will work in the animal shelter office and the shelter’s animal care area. Assigned duties require extensive use of the medical care equipment; moving and handling domestic animals and wildlife; working in a variety of weather exposed to pollens, fumes and other airborne irritants; bending, stooping, squatting and crawling to care for animals in the shelter; and stepping, climbing and jumping over physical barriers described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position. Class Code: 6745 FLSA: Non-exempt EEOC Code: 3 Barg. Unit: CFEA Probation: 12 months Rev.: 11/15