Veterinary Technician

The Animal Care and Protective Services Division is actively seeking a Veterinary Technician to provide technical support in the care, feeding, and examinations of animals, maintain kennel facilities, and assist veterinarians with routine medical, surgical, and necropsy procedures.

• Administers basic medical treatments under the direction of a veterinarian
• Takes vital signs of animals
• Cleans and disinfects shelter areas to ensure the health and well‑being of the animal population
• Feeds and cares for critical animals in the medical areas
• Retrieves, restrains, and assists with medical examinations of animals
• Utilizes and maintains laboratory equipment and performs radiographs
• Prepares, maintains, and retrieves records and detailed medical histories of animals using a personal computer
• Maintains inventory of medications, medical equipment, supplies, food, and cleaning materials
• Performs euthanasia in compliance with the FACA approved class and the ACPS euthanasia protocol
• Provides customer assistance and information concerning animals and adoption policies
• Collects redemption and adoption fees and maintains records of monies collected
• Draws blood, prepares, and handles lab specimens and performs routine lab tests
• Responds to emergency circumstances such as natural or man‑made disasters
• Operates laboratory and standard office equipment, two‑way radio, euthanasia equipment, animal restraint equipment, and cash register
• Operates a motor vehicle
• Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville’s competencies
• Performs related work as required

• Knowledge of techniques, methods, and procedures used in the care of animals and maintenance of kennel facilities
• Knowledge of medical terminology, abbreviations, and orders
• Knowledge of drug names, classes, and general uses
• Knowledge of euthanasia practices and procedures
• Skill in the use of animal care equipment and materials
• Ability to draw blood and take temperature and other vitals in a low‑stress manner
• Ability to administer medication orally, intravenously, and subcutaneously
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow written and verbal instructions in English
• Ability to make careful visual observations including clinical signs of illness, behavior concerns, age, and spay/neuter status of animals
• Ability to collect and record technical data relating to animal care using a personal computer
• Ability to perform basic arithmetical calculations, including whole numbers and decimals
• Ability to safely and humanely lift, handle, or restrain animals weighing 50 pounds or more which may be unpredictable or dangerous
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to operate laboratory and standard office equipment, two‑way radio, euthanasia equipment, animal restraint equipment, and cash register
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle

• Two years of education and/or technical experience in biology, animal husbandry, herd management, animal handling/care, veterinary technician, pre‑med or pre‑veterinary, medical, phlebotomy, or laboratory technician experience. Successfully passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to become certified as a Veterinary Technician may be substituted for six months of experience.

• Euthanasia Technician Certification must be obtained prior to completion of probation
• A valid driver’s license is required prior to appointment and must be maintained during employment
• Must qualify for and maintain a City of Jacksonville certification as a public driver

• The probation period for this class is six months
• This classification performs safety‑sensitive functions and is subject to pre‑employment, random, and other drug/alcohol testing programs as set forth in the City of Jacksonville’s Drug Free Workplace Policy (0401)
• ACPS is part of the City of Jacksonville’s emergency response operations. When pet‑friendly emergency shelters are open, all full‑time employees are required to report and carry out duties as assigned for the duration of the emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice

Veterans and certain service members and their spouses and family members receive preference and priority. Veterans who are claiming preference must attach a DD‑214 (Member Form‑4 copy) or military discharge papers, or equivalent certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs listing military status, dates of service and character of discharge. They must also attach the Veterans Preference Certification Form and any additional required forms.

A fully completed online application is required. Apply ksonville.gov.