Description

Under direction, provides routine paramedical services to animals in the care of Kern County Animal Control.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This classification is responsible for providing paramedical treatment to animals. A Registered Veterinary Technician monitors the general health of the animal population at the shelter, administers emergency treatment, first aid and follow-up care to those animals in need.

Duties

• Checks and monitors the general health of all shelter animals.
• Receives injured or sick animals brought to the shelter and makes preliminary assessments of their condition for veterinarian.
• Assists the Veterinarian with medical procedures; administers medications and immunizations.
• Assists the Veterinarian with surgical procedures; ensures that all equipment and instruments are operable and properly disinfected.
• Coordinates necessary medical information and assists staff in selecting animals suitable for adoption.
• Assists in training shelter staff on appropriate medical and euthanasia procedures.
• At the direction of the Veterinarian, assists or is responsible for collecting necessary laboratory or necropsy specimens for medical evaluation.
• At the direction of the Veterinarian, performs routine laboratory tests.
• Maintains medical records and files.
• Maintains inventory of all pharmaceuticals, equipment and necessary supplies.
• Provides expert witness testimony in court cases related to animal cruelty and neglect.
• Assists the public in claiming, obtaining and licensing animals.
• Maintains effective working relationships with other staff, county departments, agencies and the public.
• Performs other duties of similar nature as required.

Employment Standards

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

A valid Class C California driver's license is required upon appointment.

Knowledge of: The Veterinary Practice Act with respect to designated tasks to be performed by an RVT; principles and practice of current veterinary medicine; animal diseases and their prevention, control and eradication; current veterinary practices and techniques relating to the treatment of injured animals; County, state and federal animal health laws and regulations; animal regulation procedures and problems; County customer service objectives and strategies.

Ability to: Assist in providing surgical and medical services and care for a variety of well, sick and injured animals; assist in a high volume of sterilization surgical procedures; provide state-of-the-art, high quality animal medical services in the most efficient manner; establish and maintain cooperative and effective relations with those contacted during the course of work; prepare written reports, correspondence and other documents using a personal computer; communicate effectively orally and in writing; establish effective working relationships with management, employees, employee representatives and the public representing diverse cultures and backgrounds; treat County employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public with courtesy and respect; exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information; analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations.

Supplemental

A background check may be conducted for this classification.

All Kern County employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec.3100-3109 and Ordinance Code Title 2-Administration, Ch. 2.66 Emergency Services).  As Disaster Service Workers, all County employees are expected to remain at work, or to report for work as soon as practicable following a significant emergency or disaster.