Veterinary Technician I

Pasco County; Land O' Lakes (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Pasco County’s Animal Services Department seeks a Veterinary Technician I to assist in medical procedures and screen adoptable animals. The role includes preparing animals for surgery, administering vaccines and anesthesia, and maintaining accurate medical records.

The technician may perform euthanasia as part of duties and must manage controlled substances securely. Minimum requirements include a high school diploma and two years of veterinary hospital experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of veterinary hospital experience preferred.
• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license; ability to obtain State certification in euthanasia within six months; Florida Veterinary Technician Certification or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare animals for surgery and monitor pre- and post-op conditions.
• Administer medications, vaccines, anesthesia and injections.
• Maintain records and securely store controlled substances.
• Answer public questions about animal care and laws.
• Perform laboratory tasks and blood draws.
• Educate citizens on pet care and shelter operations.
• Clean kennels, cages and perform daily sanitation.

Skills

Animal restraint

Veterinary procedures

Radiology positioning

Anesthesia techniques

Laboratory tests

Record keeping

Public communication

Inventory management

Urinalysis/Cytology

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalency

Job description

JOIN OUR TEAM AS A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN I

This is skilled technical work assisting in medical procedures, as well as screening adoptable animals in the Animal Services Department. Duties include performing euthanasia on animals.

Prepares animals for surgery, performs pre-op and post-op surgical observations of animals and reports condition changes, maintains surgical records and records surgical data. Administers oral medications, vaccines, anesthesia and intra-muscular, subcutaneous and intravenous injections. Records, controls and maintains security of federally restricted drugs and barbiturates. Answers questions from the public concerning medical problems and laws relating to Animal Control in the community. Evaluates and observes kennel population daily for injuries and illnesses and reports incidences to shelter veterinarians. Performs assigned laboratory tasks and draws blood. Educates citizens and pet owners in care and control of their companion animals. Performs feeding and watering of animals, cleaning and disinfecting cages, kennels as needed in the veterinary section. Ability to handle animals and equipment of up to 80 pounds. Performs related work as assigned or required.

• Knowledge of humane methods of care, restraint and handling of animals and the techniques used in the care and feeding of animals.
• Knowledge of the basic procedures used in animal control and of animal control regulations.
• Ability to recognize and identify breeds and behavioral characteristics of animals.
• Knowledge of Intubation (Dogs, cats), radiology positioning and use of radiology safety equipment, sterile utensil techniques, Anesthesia techniques and usage, and veterinary medical, surgical and laboratory practices and procedures.
• Ability to run and read urinalysis, perform ear cytology, perform skin cytology, and run tests (PCV, AZO, BG, Snap, Fecal, Eye Stain, Tear, Skin Scrape).
• Ability to perform male urinary catheter placement and cephalic IV catheter placement.
• Knowledge of Cystocentesis.
• Ability to recognize abnormal heart and lung sounds during auscultation.
• Ability to deal effectively and courteously with the public.
• Ability to maintain records and compile statistical reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain inventory of supplies.

PHYSICAL SKILLS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Ability to handle animals and equipment of up to 80 pounds. Extended periods of bending, stretching, stooping, kneeling, reaching and climbing. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Two (2) years experience working in a veterinary hospital or clinic performing duties outlined above. Experience handling animals in a shelter environment preferred.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:

Must possess a valid Florida driver's license. Ability to obtain State certification in euthanasia procedures within six (6) months of hire. Valid Florida Veterinary Medical Technician Certification or equivalent out-of-state Veterinary Technician Certification preferred. Must have phone in service 30 days after employment.

ADA STATEMENT:

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.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE:

Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

All employees will be required to work before, during or after an emergency. During an emergency, 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.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:

Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7 , Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP WORKPLACES FOR 2021