I. Position Identification: A) Title: Registered Veterinary Technician B) Bargaining Unit: Public Employees Union, Local #1 C) Customary Work Hours: As outlined in the department schedule. D) Customary Work Days: Monday through Friday and weekends as outlined in the department schedule. E) Reports To: Animal Services Manager F) Directs the Work Of: None G) Provides Technical Direction To: Animal Services staff and volunteers H) Educational and/or Experience Requirements: Any relevant combination of education and experience that would demonstrate the knowledge and skills outlined below is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills is: Education: Successful completion of the equivalent of a high school diploma from an accredited institution supplemented with designated coursework in animal care and treatment. An Associates Degree from an accredited college or university is highly desirable. Experience: At least one (1) year of progressively responsible work experience providing para-medical and humane care and treatment of animals as a Registered Veterinary Technician. Must be comfortable and skilled at venipuncture, induction of surgery, intubation, preparation, and support during surgical procedures. Including anesthesia and recovery procedures. License: Possession of a valid and appropriate California state driver s license. Registration as a Registered Veterinary Technician by the state of California Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine. II. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
PAGE 2 OF 6 III. Position Summary: Incumbents allocated to this journey level classification are responsible for carrying out the directions of a licensed veterinarian to provide paramedical treatment for animals in accordance with applicable federal, state and local law. Incumbents allocated to this position may also train and oversee other employees and volunteers in the application of a licensed veterinarian s treatment and care directives for impounded animals. Incumbents in this job class perform a full range of duties and responsibilities. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Incumbents allocated to this job class must work independently and possess the ability to prioritize assignments in an effective and productive manner. Incumbents allocated to this classification must work effectively and tactfully with diverse individuals as well as handle and control animals in a safe and humane manner. IV. Essential Functions: Incumbents will be assigned to varying work schedules including weekend work. The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below in order to address business needs and changing business practices. 1. Performs a variety of routine to paramedical animal care and treatment duties under the direction of a licensed veterinarian such as physically examining animals, evaluating overall health and behavioral status upon arrival at the City s Animal Shelter and on an ongoing basis, and make referrals to veterinarian as necessary. 2. Conducts general health check-ups, changes dressings and bandages, administers and oversees the administration of pharmaceuticals such as medications and vaccines in a safe and effective manner and according to a licensed veterinarian s directives. 3. Conducts animal temperament assessments to promote successful adoptions; assists in the development of behavior modification plans, when practical, for those animals with undesirable behaviors or temperaments; trains staff and volunteers in applying approved behavior modification plans for designated animals. 4. Maintains appropriate inventory levels of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals; orders medicine and supplies as necessary and upon request; stores and restocks medical supplies and related equipment for animal shelter operations. 5. Collects, processes, and analyzes samples for the detection of intestinal and/or dermatologic parasites, feline leukemia, parvo virus, rabies and other conditions related to public health and animal welfare; prepares laboratory specimens outside testing as ordered by the veterinarian; ensures specimens are handled, transported, and disposed of in a safe and timely manner and in accordance with all applicable procedures and protocols. 6. Euthanizes designated animals according to Animal Services policies and procedures and in a humane manner; prepares and restrains animals as necessary; may remove and dispose of dead animals as necessary.
PAGE 3 OF 6 7. Maintains and updates detailed written medical records for animal shelter and ensures security of federally controlled drugs in strict compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; updates computer/manual files and records to document the receiving, treating, moving, and/or disposing of animals. 8. Acts as a resource to Animal Services staff and volunteers in the recognition and prevention of animal illnesses and conditions; communicates and updates the medical status of shelter animals to staff and volunteers; may train staff and volunteers in the appropriate care and handling of designated animal species. 9. Performs compassionate and humane euthanasia and disposal of animals according to department and divisional protocol. 10. Organizes, oversees, and participates in public vaccination and microchip clinics to promote humane and responsible pet ownership. 11. Handles and transports animals from the animal control shelter to a veterinary hospital or another shelter in a safe and humane manner as necessary; assists in responding to disaster and emergency situations in a timely and effective manner. 12. Assists veterinarian in the care and treatment of animals; observes and monitors the animal shelter population reporting all animal behavioral irregularities and/or disease symptoms to appropriate personnel immediately; trains and oversees other staff and volunteers in the performance of routine medically related tasks as assigned. 13. Assists the public in claiming impounded animals; answers questions concerning age, breed, characteristics, care and treatment of animals per knowledge base; explains animal control laws, regulations, procedures and policies and/or refers inquiries to appropriate resources. 14. Participates in the day to day operations of the animal control facilities; works with assigned volunteers and staff during routine operations regarding kennel care and operations; maintains records on special feeding instructions for animals needing unique care; takes in stray and owner released animals from the public and maintains appropriate records and documentation. 15. Interacts with the public in a professional and knowledgeable manner to maintain public confidence and safety; provides brochures, flyers, and other informational data to schools and other community groups concerning animal control services, animal control operations, and the proper care and treatment of animals. 16. Performs related duties as assigned. V. Job Related and Essential Qualifications: A. Knowledge of: Standard and accepted care and control of both domestic and wild animals in a safe manner to avoid injury to persons and animals. Common breeds of domestic animals as well as animal anatomy and physiology and appropriate practices for their care, handling and special treatment needs.
PAGE 4 OF 6 Basic diagnostic protocols; animal emergency and first-aid procedures; and appropriate methods and techniques for safely administering appropriate medications and treatment including surgical procedures to animals. Appropriate methods and procedures for safe and humane animal euthanasia including appropriate dosages. Procedures and protocols used to control, administer, and document a variety of pharmaceuticals including designated federally controlled substances. Safe and effective use of basic animal control and treatment equipment and supplies. Standard and accepted physical and behavioral characteristics which may indicate common animal diseases and/or conditions. Standard and accepted English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Standard and accepted principles and practices of positive customer service. Basic office methods and equipment including filing and recordkeeping. Basic mathematical calculations. B. Skills at: Read and comprehend the laws and regulations pertaining to animal control and animal care and treatment. Understand, interpret, and carry out both oral and written instructions in an independent manner. Standard and accepted care and control of both domestic and wild animals in a safe manner to avoid injury to persons and animals. Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relating to animal control, care, treatment, and facility operations. Recognize symptoms of rabies and other animal diseases; apply appropriate techniques involved in restraining and isolating animals suspected of having rabies in a safe manner for self, others, and the animals. Utilize designated personal computer, and office equipment necessary for successful job performance. Utilize designated animal care and treatment equipment and supplies in a safe and effective manner. Work effectively in stressful situations, exercise good judgment; make informed recommendations and implement sound decisions in an effective and timely manner. Effectively perform duties as required by law including disposal of carcasses and euthanasia.
PAGE 5 OF 6 Communicate clearly, tactfully, and concisely, both orally and in writing. Prepare and maintain accurate records and forms including legally required documents. Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner. Perform routine mathematical calculations to include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. C. Ability to: Work effectively in stressful situations; act quickly and calmly in emergencies. Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner. Work evening, week-end, and/or extended hours as necessary. Prioritize assigned work in an effective and timely manner. Meet the physical requirements necessary to perform required duties in a safe and effective manner for self and others. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties. VI. Physical Demands/Qualifications: 1. Requires the ability to walk and stand during assigned Animal Services operations and related activities. 2. Requires the ability to exert moderate amounts of physical effort to stoop, bend, squat, kneel, twist, and lift while caring for animals. 3. Requires the ability to perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation. 4. May require the ability to lift and carry weight up to 50 lbs. 5. Requires the ability to hear and speak to communicate in person and by telephone. 6. Requires the ability to manage physical confrontations with injured, angry or scared animals. VII. Environmental Conditions: 1. Working conditions in the office are clean, well lit and free from extremes of temperature and humidity. 2. Working conditions in animal control facilities may be subject to uncomfortable working conditions including exposure to dust, noise, unpleasant odors, heat or cold.
PAGE 6 OF 6 VIII. Other Duties and Requirements: This class description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all inclusive. Not all duties are necessarily performed by each incumbent. Incumbents may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.