JOB DESCRIPTION

ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN
(VETERINARY ASSISTANT)

PARKS, RECREATION, AND TOURISM

Human Resources

Newport News, VirginiaDepartment

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, this position assists with routine medical care and with surgical procedures
for animals housed at the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter. This position is also responsible for
assisting with diagnostic procedures, administering medications and creating and maintaining record
keeping associated with animal medical care. Reports to the Shelter Veterinarian.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists with performing routine medical evaluations and diagnostic procedures to include taking
digital and dental radiographs, collecting blood, urine or stool samples, providing nursing care or
emergency first aid to injured or recovering animals, assisting with preparing animals for surgery, and
may assist with euthanasia when necessary.
Assists with maintenance of daily log sheets and treatment histories, assists with completion of related
animal care reports, and assists with other record keeping as assigned. May assist patrons with
inquiries into animal health issues.
Feeds animals and monitors food and water intake as appropriate Arranges for and/or facilitates
bathing and exercise for animals as needed/directed. Assists the veterinarian and licensed veterinarian
technician with lab work and other duties.
Cleans, sterilizes and maintains kennels, operating rooms, examining rooms, cages and surgical
equipment.
Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected toeffectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE


Animal Services - Knowledge of basic animal care standards to include safe animal handling
procedures for domestic and wild animals. Knowledge of applicable state and city laws, codes, and

PC# 39517, 39979
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ordinances relevant to animal care. Knowledge of the proper use, secure storage and disposal of
lethal chemicals, syringes and related equipment.

Safety - Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safety regulations related to
effective animal handling and other work related precautions. Knowledge of proper sanitation for
animal housing, chemical hazards and general welfare precautions necessary when working with
animals.

Customer Service - Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer
service. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of
customer satisfaction.

REQUIRED SKILLS


Judgement/Decision Making – Uses logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate
situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions.

Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships
with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations.

Computer Skills – Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet and related
software with reasonable speed and accuracy.

REQUIRED ABILITIES


Communication – Excellent ability to communicate complex ideas and proposals effectively so
others will understand to include preparation of reports, agendas, and policies. Excellent ability to
listen and understand information and ideas presented through spoken word or writing. Ability to
handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.

Time Management – Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the
completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a High School diploma or equivalent, with any combination of education, experience or
training that equates to proven knowledge, skills and abilities (generally obtained through experience
in caring for animals).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check, sex offender
registry check.

Requires a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

This position requires satisfactory results from a pre-employment medical evaluation and substance
abuse testing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS


Tasks require the regular and, at times sustained, performance of moderately physically demanding
work.

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Some combination of climbing and balancing to include climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling,
crouching, and crawling.

May involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and
materials (20 – 50 pounds).

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS


Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds, depth, texture, and visual cues
or signals.

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as
dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, and temperature extremes, hazardous materials,
bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal bites, disease, pathogenic substances,
zoonoses, or rude/irate customers.

PC# 39517, 39979
Page 3 of 3 Revised: 8/01/2022