Under general supervision, assists the veterinarian in the performance of medical procedures including surgical preparation, monitors patient vitals, and assists in recovery of animals; evaluates the health of animals housed at the City's Animal Shelter; maintains and updates medical records; assists with euthanasia process; and performs related duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from supervisor title or assigned management or supervisory personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing technical duties in support of animal care, treatment, and overall welfare. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserve the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Lifts, moves, and/or carries animals, applies restraints as needed; handles frightened, fractious, and injured animals; conducts health evaluations of animals; perform routine testing for disease as needed; clean and medicate for ringworm; administers injections of medication, vaccinations, tranquilizers, or other drugs; performs nail trimmings and implants microchips.

• Prepares clinic to perform medical procedures including ordering medical supplies; sterilizing and maintaining surgical packs; performing routine cleaning and general maintenance of medical equipment, facilities, and animal enclosures; conducts routine cleaning of medical instruments and laundered items.

• Prepares animals for surgery; administers anesthesia induction by inhalation or intravenous injection; assists veterinarian with surgery; performs post-surgery monitoring.

• Performs physical examination of animals and makes preliminary determination of the nature of an illness or injury; sutures wounds and performs minor medical procedures; takes and records temperature, pulse, and respiration.

• Collects and labels samples and specimens for culture, microscopic examination, and laboratory testing.

• Performs euthanasia of animals, in accordance with established laws and departmental policy; disposes of euthanized animals in accordance with established departmental procedure.

• Provides food and water for each animal under care; observes food consumption to ensure animals' overall health; administers medication as directed; maintains proper drug logs in accordance with established laws and departmental policy.

• Assists with the cleaning of cages and kennels; exercises animals; replaces bedding, toys, and litter pans; maintains animal health in medical areas including isolation and intensive care unit (ICU). 

• Maintains documentation related to animal's health, treatment, and suitability for adoption; updates surgical or procedural records.

• Orders and receives controlled drugs; maintains controlled drug logs in accordance with established laws and department policy.

• May render emergency animal health care at the scene of an emergency.

• Provides information and assists members of the public, including individuals who may be angry, hostile, or distraught, in search of lost or adoptable pets according to established laws and departmental procedures.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Animal breeds, species, illnesses, vaccines, conditions, terms, behaviors.

• Animal related codes and laws pertaining to care and welfare.

• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

• Physical and behavioral characteristics of various animal species.

• Practices, methods, and materials used in cleaning animal facilities.

• Aseptic surgical techniques, animal care and husbandry. 

• Principles and procedures of record keeping.

• Procedures to perform prophylactic evaluations, cleanings, and uncomplicated tooth extractions.

• Procedures used to control, administer, and provide proper dosage of pharmaceuticals.

• Safe and humane animal handling principles and practices.

• Sterilization and surgical pack preparation procedures.

• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.

• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.

• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 

• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Provide affection and concern for animals.

• Utilizes public relations techniques to interact with internal and external customers, including responding to general inquiries and complaints.

• Effectively represent the City to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit.

• Utilize sterile technique and prepare animal aseptically.

• Proper storage, control, and disposal of pharmaceuticals.

• Independently handle and care for animals housed in the City's Animal Shelter.

• Learn to euthanize animals in a humane manner.

• Learn to operate the equipment used in handling various types of animals.

• Techniques of safe practices for transporting, lifting, and carrying sedated animals of all sizes.

• Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.

• Proper restraint of fractious, dangerous, aggressive, or otherwise feral animals.

• Recognize symptoms of common animal health concerns and disease.

• Work safely with aggressive animals and hazardous chemicals.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.

• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Education and Experience:

Equivalent to an associate degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in veterinary technology or a directly related field and one (1) year experience assisting a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment to animals in a veterinary hospital or shelter clinic setting. 

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. This requirement may be waived for individuals who are unable to obtain a driver's license due to a disability.

• Possession of registration as a Veterinary Technician by the California Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment: