VETERINARY TECHNICIAN - PART-TIME

This is the second of five levels in the Animal Care series.   

This position is responsible for assisting the shelter veterinarian with examination and treatment of animals confined in the shelter. Provide and administer basic veterinary procedures in the absence of the veterinarian. Assist with spay and neuter surgeries.

ESSENTIAL CLASS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

(The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.   Other duties may be assigned.)

• Assist as necessary in examining all animals brought into the shelter.  Insure animals are scanned, tagged with proper identification, separated into appropriate kennels and treated for parasites.
• Assist in the kennels as needed. Assist with cleaning and disinfecting in kennels, as needed. 
• Responsible for detecting diseases and to insure proper hygiene is completed on animals to prevent infestation by parasites in the shelter facility.   Equipment sterilizing, disinfecting, and preparation for surgeries.
• Coordinate and assist with surgeries and health checks on specified days at the shelter and any other related jobs.  
• Communicate with the veterinarians about the physical needs and disease recognition found in the shelter environment.
• Maintaining of surgery room and surgical instruments including instrument sterilization and changing of oxygen tanks.  
• Set-up and read of fecal and in-house tests including parvo, leukemia, and heartworm.
• Drug log requirements including dispensing of medications and providing medications for weekend dosages as required. Minor knowledge of drugs and usages required.   Keep supplies stocked and requisition supplies as needed.
• Assist in coordinating medical care for injured animals and special treatments sponsored by the humane "auxiliary" when needed.
• Provide counseling and advice on adoptions.  Assist the public.  Provide and prepare manual and computerized reports and documents pertaining to work and insure pet adoptions comply with mandatory spaying and neutering.
• Counsel owners with humane recommendations for keeping their animals in their home by making problem solving recommendations.
• Participate in school fairs, parades, school carnivals, shopping mall exhibits, with volunteer manpower possible, to educate the public and improve the Animal Services image., and work under the direction of the PROC, at both on and off site events, when needed.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
May occasionally supervise volunteer workers, Pre-Trial Diversion/Community Service Workers and temporary employees.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Parish's policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include training employees; and planning, assigning and directing work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) and two years of experience with health checks and surgeries as a veterinarian assistant in an established veterinary hospital.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS 

• Valid driver’s license as per State law or requirement
• Prefer Veterinary Technician Certification
• CAET – Certified Animal Euthanasia Technician Certification

KNOWLEDGE 

• Customer service principles;
• Basic animal handling techniques and applications;
• Basic animal care and nutrition requirements;
• Basic animal anatomy;
• Cleaning and sanitizing methods;
• Recordkeeping practices;
• Computers and related software applications.

SKILLS 

• Caring for animals;
• Cleaning and sanitizing animal holding areas;
• Observing and documenting animal behavior;
• Identifying sick animals;
• Handling animals;
• Preparing and maintaining records and reports;
• Using computers and related software applications;
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Salary : $16 - $22