Registered Veterinary Technician

The Position

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This is a limited continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5 : 00 pm on : 1 / 16 / 24, 2 / 27 / 24, 4 / 9 / 24, 5 / 21 / 24, 7 / 2 / 24, 8 / 13 / 24, 9 / 24 / 24 (final)

The Registered Veterinary Technician assists the veterinarian in performing surgeries and performs other animal health care tasks in support of the animal hospital at the County Animal Shelter.

Incumbents in this class may perform other duties involved in the care and feeding of animals at the County Animal Shelter.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Aseptic surgical techniques, animal care and husbandry
• Anesthesia techniques
• Sterilization and surgical pack preparation procedures
• Disease symptoms of domestic animals
• Euthanasia techniques
• Procedures to perform prophylactic evaluations, cleanings, and uncomplicated tooth extractions
• Procedures used to control and administer pharmaceuticals
• State and local codes, ordinances and regulations governing quarantine, impounding, care, and disposal of animals

Ability to

• Prepare animals for surgery, assist with surgery, and care for animals post-surgery
• Induce and monitor animals given anesthesia
• Sterilize equipment used in the animal hospital
• Identify normal and abnormal animal behavior and symptoms of rabies and other animal disorders
• Euthanize animals
• Control and safely handle pharmaceuticals used in the care and handling of animals and disinfectants in the cleaning and disinfecting of animal habitats
• Microchip animals
• Perform prophylactic evaluations, cleanings, and uncomplicated tooth extractions
• Read, interpret, and apply applicable rules, regulations, codes, laws and ordinances governing the control and humane treatment of animals
• Use a computer to prepare and maintain written records
• Speak English and communicate clearly, confidently and persuasively to a variety of audiences from different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds
• Explain legal requirements accurately and tactfully
• Maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, County constituents, and animal welfare organizations

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Registration as a Registered Veterinary Technician by the California Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine.

AND Six months of experience assisting a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment to animals, including surgical procedures and medical examinations, in a veterinary hospital or shelter clinic setting.

Note : Failure to complete any required continuing education units and to maintain this registration in good standing may constitute cause for termination in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.4.

Note : If the word experience is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable.

Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Note : If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate / license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application.

Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here (Download PDF reader) or speak to someone in our office before the cut-off date listed in this notice.

General Qualifications

Driver’s License : A valid Driver’s License, Class C or higher, is required prior to appointment to this class. Failure to maintain the appropriate California Driver’s License may constitute cause for termination from this class in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.

4. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Note : Failure to maintain a Driver’s License, Class C or higher, may constitute cause for termination from this class in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.4.

License Requirements : Incumbents in this class may be required to obtain and maintain Drug Enforcement Administration licensure.

Note : If required, failure to obtain and maintain this license is cause for termination in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.4.

Physical Requirements :

Lift 20 to 40 pounds without assistance and occasionally lift greater weights with assistance

Individuals who are unable to pass physical requirements due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Working Conditions :

• Exposure to infectious, poisonous and threatening animals
• Work outdoors in all types of weather conditions and in unsanitary environments
• Work in and around animal fur, dander and excrement
• Work holidays, shifts, and weekends, fluctuating hours and after hour call-outs
• Exposure to chemicals
• Wear a uniform that conforms to departmental standards

Criminal History Check : The County may access criminal history information on all candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment for this class consistent with the provisions of Board of Supervisors Resolution No.

82-602, Personnel Policies and Procedure, and applicable Federal and State law. The County shall not consider for employment any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the candidate's ability to perform the job duties of this class unless it is determined that mitigating circumstances exist.

For purposes of accessing criminal history information, the candidate will be fingerprinted. A subsequent arrest notification may be obtained.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.