Veterinary Technician

Indian River County Board of County Commissioners; Vero Beach (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Indian River County's Animal Services department seeks a dedicated Veterinary Technician to support veterinary care in field, clinic, and shelter settings. Under the Veterinarian, you will assist with exams, radiographs, and basic medical treatments while maintaining records and ensuring animal welfare.

The role requires handling ill and infectious animals, some weekend shifts, and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with two years of related education/experience.
• VTNE may substitute for six months of experience.
• Euthanasia Technician Certification must be obtained prior to completion of probation.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Administers basic medical treatments under the direction of a veterinarian.
• Takes vital signs of animals.
• Cleans and disinfects shelter areas.
• Feeds and cares for critical animals in medical areas.
• Retrieves, restrains, and assists with medical examinations.
• Utilizes and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Performs radiographs.
• Maintains records and medical histories.
• Maintains inventory of medications and supplies.
• Performs euthanasia as taught and in compliance with protocols.
• Provides customer assistance and information on animal adoption policies.
• Draws blood and performs routine lab tests.

Skills

Vital signs

Animal handling

Customer service

Laboratory skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

VTNE eligibility/certification

Tools

Radiography

Lab equipment

Job description

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Indian River County

The Veterinary Technician works under the direction of the Animal Services Veterinarian, providing support in routine medical, surgical, and/or necropsy procedures. Work requires knowledge of techniques, methods, and procedures used in the care of animals which involves the use of specialized skills which are acquired through a combination of training and considerable on the job experience. Work schedule involves some weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts. Work is performed in field, clinic, and office environments, where there are some risks and hazards due to the handling of ill and infectious animals, and exposure to offensive odors, chemicals, and other airborne nuisances but the hazards are known, somewhat predictable and mostly controllable. Operates laboratory and standard office equipment such as personal computer, two-way radio, euthanasia equipment, animal restraint equipment and cash register.

• Administers basic medical treatments under the direction of a veterinarian
• Takes vital signs of animals.
• Cleans and disinfects different areas of the shelter to ensure the health and well-being of the animal population.
• Feeds and cares for critical animals in the medical areas.
• Retrieves, restrains, and assist with medical examinations of animals.
• Utilizes and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Performs radiographs.
• Prepares, maintains, and retrieves records, reports and detailed and accurate medical histories of animals housed at facility using a personal computer.
• Maintains inventory of medications, medical equipment, medical supplies, food, cleaning, and care supplies.
• Performs euthanasia as taught by the FACA (Florida Animal Control Association) approved class and in compliance with the ACPS euthanasia protocol.
• Provides customer assistance and information concerning animals and adoption policies.
• Draws blood, prepares, and handles lab specimens and performs routine lab tests.
• Reports to work location during emergency circumstances such as actual and anticipated natural and man-made disasters.
• Operates laboratory and standard office equipment such as personal computer using word, spreadsheet, database and other related software, two-way radio, euthanasia equipment, animal restraint equipment and cash register.
• Operates a motor vehicle.

Education/Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by two years of education and/or technical experience in animal husbandry, herd management, animal handling/care, veterinary technician, pre-med or pre-veterinary, medical, phlebotomy or laboratory technician experience.

Successfully passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) may be substituted for six months of experience.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations:

• Euthanasia Technician Certification must be obtained prior to completion of probation.
• A valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

Knowledge of techniques, methods, and procedures used in the care of animals and maintenance of kennel facilities

Knowledge of medical terminology, abbreviations, and orders.

Knowledge of the drug names, classes, and general uses.

Knowledge of euthanasia practices and procedures.

Skill in the use of animal care equipment and materials.

Ability to draw blood, take temperature and other vitals in a low stress manner.

Ability to administer medication orally, intravenously, subcutaneously.

Ability to perform euthanasia as taught by the FACA (Florida Animal Control Association) approved class and in compliance with the ACPS euthanasia protocol.

Ability to read, comprehend, and follow written and verbal instructions in English.

Ability to make careful visual observations including clinical signs of illness, behavior concerns, age, and spay/neuter status of animals.

Ability to collect and record technical data relating to animal care using a personal computer.

Ability to perform basic arithmetical calculations, including whole numbers and decimals.

Ability to safely and humanely lift, handle, or restrain animals, including injured, fractious, and non-socialized animals, weighing 50 pounds or more which may be of an unpredictable, potentially dangerous nature.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to operate laboratory and standard office equipment such as person computer using word, spreadsheet, database and other related software, two-way radio, euthanasia equipment, animal restraint equipment, and cash register.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Work is primarily performed indoors but requires moderate exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, warehouses, garages, etc.), extreme noise, odors, fumes or airborne particles; dangerous animals, toxic and caustic chemicals, heights and/or dust.
This position requires some exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, etc.). This position may require the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and may include completing and successfully passing medical evaluations or clearances.

This position requires stooping, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, visual acuity (i.e. seeing up close, seeing far away, depth perception), kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, climbing, finger movement, repetitive motions. This position requires dealing with animals, alive or dead, capturing, restraining, handling, lifting up to 50 lbs. and carrying up to 50 lbs.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

County employees are essential in providing services to our community and continuing services following a disaster or emergency. To maintain services during and/or following a disaster or emergency, and as a requirement of County employment, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. ________initial.

JOB DESCRIPTION / ADA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ATTESTATION

I understand that a qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

I have read the job description for the above position and understand the job duties, requirements, and responsibilities for the position. I attest that I am able to perform the essential functions as outlined in the job description either with or without accommodation. I understand that if I require accommodation, I will contact the Human Resources Department to request accommodation.

I have discussed any questions I may have had about this job description prior to signing this
form.

_______________________________ ____________________________

Employees Signature Date

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Employees Name (Please Print) Employee Number