What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Veterinary Assistant (Frs, Part-Time) position at Palm Beach County?
ISSUED: 06/10/2026
CLOSES: 06/24/2026
Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
Will be required to complete a "Willingness to Work" Acknowledgment with application. Selected candidate must successfully complete the pre-exposure rabies treatment/vaccination.
Florida Retirement System (FRS) benefits are offered for temporary positions.
THIS IS AN AT-WILL POSITION.
Use the Job ID based on the Position Location as follows
Must be able to collaborate as part of a dynamic veterinary team, upholding the highest standards of medical care, professionalism, and interpersonal communication. Responsible for reliable, high-quality work with exceptional standards of animal care and compassion illustrated through work performance. Maintains a strong work ethic, punctual attendance, and professionalism in all responsibilities. Committed to maintaining proper sanitation practices, with a strong emphasis on disease prevention, animal comfort, and overall well-being. Works with a variety of animal species and temperaments, including but not limited to companion animals, livestock, horses, and exotic and small mammals. Performs precursory assessment of newly impounded animals, which includes blood draw, application of preventatives, administering vaccines, and performing any necessary grooming. Handles complex paperwork and precise data entry of medical records into a computerized system using shelter-specific software. Performs routine medical procedures and treatments (e.g., administering oral/injectable/topical medications, calculating medication dosages appropriately, performing blood draws, IV catheter placement and fluid therapy, bandaging, radiology, laboratory testing, and diagnostic testing). Provides triage and emergency care treatment to sick and injured animals and administers follow-up treatment as advised by a veterinarian. Prepares surgery room for high-volume, high-quality surgeries; performs all pre- and post-operative procedures for spay/neuter surgery, including but not limited to precursory assessment, induction of anesthesia, placement of endotracheal tube, insertion of microchip, administration of vaccinations and other medications, bladder expression, preparation of surgical site using aseptic practices, monitoring anesthesia continuously for proper responses to intraoperative emergencies and performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) efforts during emergencies; assists the Veterinarian during and throughout surgical procedures. Monitors patients during post-operative recovery to ensure safe and smooth recovery from anesthesia. Provides specialized care for neonate kittens, including feeding, warming, and monitoring. Performs humane and compassionate euthanasia for various animal species. Prepares specimens for rabies testing (includes decapitation). Supports the attending Veterinarian by safely restraining and assisting with bleeding horses for Coggins testing; prepares blood samples for Coggins testing using a centrifuge. Attends various training courses to enhance skills and professional development. Provides ongoing supportive mentoring, training, and explanations for newly hired staff and colleagues. Provides professional and compassionate customer service and public education to support community relations and animal welfare goals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school or an equivalent recognized certification; minimum of one (1) year of experience working with animals in a veterinary office, kennel, animal shelter, or similar facility.
Necessary Special Requirements: Must obtain and maintain Florida Animal Protection and Advocacy Association (FAPAA) Euthanasia Technician Certification AND RECOVER Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) Training within one (one) year of hire. Must successfully complete Fear Free Shelter Training within six (6) months of hire.
PREFERENCE FOR EXPERIENCE: Assisting a Veterinarian with examinations, treatments, and surgical procedures (e.g., drawing blood, administering injectable medications, anesthesia induction, tracheal intubation, etc.) (must specify on Profile/resume); performing/assisting with humane euthanasia; performing veterinary lab testing/diagnostic testing procedures and using related equipment (must specify on application). Also desirable: Veterinary Technician Certification issued by the State of Florida; related Associate’s degree; two (2) years of medical experience working with animals as a Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician in a veterinary office, animal shelter medical clinic, or similar animal medical care facility.
CREATE USER PROFILE in PBC Online Application System at www.pbcgov.jobs. PC Kiosks are available to create user profiles during business hours, at PBC Human Resources, 100 Australian Avenue, WPB, FL 33406.
Submit PDF/printout of Profile or resume directly to:
Anna Moreno, Administrative Assistant
Public Safety/Animal Care & Control
7100 Belvedere Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33411
Telephone (561) 233-1251
Email: Amoreno@pbc.gov
NOTE: It is not necessary to submit another application for this position if you applied 2/24/26 – 3/10/26.
All employees of Palm Beach County may be required to work before, during and/or after a natural or man-made disaster or hurricane.
In accordance with Affirmative Action requirements of Sec. 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the County provides reasonable accommodation. If you need a reasonable accommodation for interviewing or initial employment, please notify the Palm Beach County BCC Human Resources Department. EO/AA Employer M/F/D/V; (Drug Free Work Place).
Benefits:
Vacation & Paid Time Off, Health Insurance, Pension PlanSalary : $22