Veterinary Technician

Louisville Metro Government; Fort Thomas (KY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisville Metro Government seeks a skilled Veterinary Technician responsible for examining and treating animals, maintaining medical records, and assisting in surgeries. Work under a licensed veterinarian in various animal care environments, including the Metro Animal Services and the local zoo. Candidates must have relevant education, licensure, and be prepared for physical demands and unpredictable duty hours.

Qualifications

• Licensed Veterinary Technician by the Kentucky Board.
• Experience in animal care preferred.
• Must be on call and work varied schedules.

Responsibilities

• Examine and treat animals under supervision.
• Maintain medical records and inventories.
• Administer vaccines and anesthetics as directed.

Skills

Animal Care

Veterinary Procedures

Euthanasia

Record Keeping

Communication

Education

Associate's degree from an AVMA accredited program

EBI Certification

Job description

Summary Objective

The purpose of this position is to examine, administer medications and treat animals under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. Maintain animal medical records.
This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Examines animals to determine illness, injury, disease, shock or trauma, and obtains temperature, weight and other vital signs of animals.
• Records medical history, condition and treatment of animals.
• Consults with licensed veterinarian concerning animal health care treatment, and transports animals to veterinary offices for treatment and care.
• Researches publications and educational materials, and recommends and assists in the development and implementation of animal health care programs, policies and procedures under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.
• Prepares vaccines and serums and inoculates animals to prevent rabies, viruses and other animal disorders.
• Performs physical examinations and laboratory examinations of animals.
• Cleans and sanitizes the animal medical treatment, recovery and laboratory units.
• Performs euthanasia by injection under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.
• Monitors inventory levels and orders animal food, vaccines, pharmaceuticals and other veterinary supplies and equipment.
• Administers anesthetic agents during medical procedures and monitors the effects on anesthetized animals.
• Performs quality control and routine maintenance and upkeep of hospital equipment.
• Performs related work.

METRO ANIMAL SERVICES

• Maintains records on treatment and animal inventories.
• Provides relief supervision and assists in supervising the kennel, animal care and incinerator staff.
• Advises and instructs staff concerning disinfecting procedures, special diets and feeding, proper methods to restrain and house animals, and transmission and prevention of animal diseases.
• Explains animal treatment, animal care, housebreaking, diet, vaccinations and adoption procedures to the public.
• Cares for, feeds, bathes and groom small animals to be adopted or in quarantine.
• Transports animals to veterinary office.

ZOO

• Conducts examinations and performs laboratory tests in specialized areas of hematology, microbiology, biochemistry or serology.
• Performs various examinations on tissue, body fluids and body exudates.
• Assists the veterinarian in all forms of animal husbandry, surgery, routine health care procedures and the administration of medicine and anesthetics.
• Prepares, packages and ships diagnostic samples according to federal shipping regulations.
• Prepares medications and treatments and dispenses to keepers.
• Contributes to research and publication of appropriate issues in zoological medicine.
• Captures and restrains zoo animals for veterinary procedures.
• Performs related work as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Associate's degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited program.

OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Must be on 24-hour call.

• Must work a varied schedule.

• Must be a licensed Veterinary Technician by the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners.

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing and raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT)
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:

• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.

• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.

• Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.

METRO ANIMAL SERVICES

• Must be 21 years of age or older.

• Must possess EBI (Euthanasia By Injection) certification by the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners or obtain within six (6) months of employment.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.
Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

Shift is 10 hour days; 4 days a week.