DEFINITION

Assists the Animal Shelter Supervisor with the daily operational duties of the shelter; provides direct animal care and feeding; assists in medical care procedures including surgery, temperament evaluation, maintaining cleaning protocols, euthanasia and foster programs; performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Animal Health Technician is primarily responsible for carrying out the direction of a licensed veterinarian in providing routine medical treatment and care to animals, assisting the veterinarian in performing health exams and surgical procedures, and assisting the Animal Shelter Supervisor with the daily operational duties at the City's Animal Shelter. The incumbent is responsible for the smooth operation of the Animal Shelter in the absence of the Animal Shelter Supervisor.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Direction on medical procedures is provided by a veterinarian and general supervision is provided by the Animal Shelter Supervisor. Assists the Animal Shelter Supervisor with daily personnel administration, including planning and directing the daily work and work schedules of part-time staff and volunteers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Coordinates animal health care at the animal shelter; monitors the health of the animals on a daily basis and confers with the veterinarian about any animals which may need medical treatment.

Conducts basic medical examinations of animals entering the shelter to determine health care needs and reports findings to the veterinarian and supervisor.

Performs treatments/procedures on animals such as administering vaccines/medications, de-worming, bathing, grooming, flea and tick removal, FeLV/FIV & Heartworm testing, skin scrapes, and lab work.

Schedules veterinarian appointments, transports animals, and assists veterinarian with health checks and surgical procedures.

Performs euthanasia as necessary.

Completes and updates animal health related records; ensures adequate medical and health care supplies are on-hand; maintains inventory of all pharmaceuticals, equipment, and supplies.

Assists with front counter operations, including adoptions, redemptions, animal intake and customer service; evaluates the temperament of animals for adoption; determines ownership of animals brought to the shelter; coordinates the foster care program.

Assists the Animal Shelter Supervisor with daily operations and oversees shelter in absence of supervisor; keeps supervisor informed; provides guidance and technical support such as training part-time staff and volunteers; handles complaints and difficult customers.

Assists staff in the care and feeding of animals and the cleaning and maintenance of shelter facilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience/Education

Sufficient experience and education to successfully perform the duties of the Animal Health Technician. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to have the equivalent of two years' progressively responsible experience performing routine medical tasks in an animal shelter or veterinary office or possessing a certificate as a Registered Veterinarian Technician. Euthanasia Certification is required or must be obtained during the first 6 months of employment.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

Knowledge of techniques for properly handling and caring for animals; state and local laws and ordinances relating to the proper treatment and sheltering of animals; basic medical protocols for the treatment of animals; principles of supervision; basic understanding of pharmaceuticals commonly used in the treatment of animals; sterile surgical procedures, proper methods to restrain animals, methods of administering anesthetic, monitoring animals while under anesthesia, and monitoring animals post-surgery.

Skill at using an autoclave, making surgical packs, prepping animals for surgery, handling animals in a safe way, and able to restrain a variety of animals.

Ability to assist in the operation of an animal shelter; prioritize and handle emergency, stressful situations, handle a variety animals safely and in a humane fashion; performs a variety of basic medical and emergency protocols in the treatment of animals, including euthanasia; objectively evaluate animals for adoption based on their health and temperament; deal effectively and tactfully with the public; communicate effectively with supervisor, staff, volunteers and the public; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and a team spirit with staff, volunteers, and with other shelter and animal groups.

Working Conditions

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in preparing statistical reports and data, using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near, far, and color vision in performing medical procedures and using the computer, and hearing is required when providing phone and counter service. While performing medical procedures, the incumbent is working with needles and other sharp instruments. The incumbent is frequently around animals that are agitated or injured that may attempt to bite or scratch. The need to lift and carry animals weighing in excess of 50 pounds also is required.

Work Schedule

This is forty hour per week position. Incumbent will be required to work a changing schedule, including weekends.

License/Certificate

Possess a current Class C California Driver's License by date of appointment. Possession of Registered Veterinary Technician License issued by the California State Department of Consumer Affairs is preferred. Euthanasia Certification is required or must be obtained within 6 months of employment.