Veterinary Assistant – Per Diem

About the Position

The County of Riverside’s Human Resources Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) is seeking a Temporary Veterinary Assistant Per‑Diem to support the Department of Animal Services throughout Riverside County.

Work schedules are based on department needs and can be Monday‑Friday or Tuesday‑Saturday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

• Assist a Veterinary Surgeon in the administration of physical examinations to determine surgical fitness of animals by handling animals during the examination.
• Prepare instruments and medical supplies for the Veterinary Surgeon’s use; prepare animals for sterilization surgery and assist with anesthesia procedures.
• Provide the Veterinary Surgeon with supplies needed during the sterilization surgery of animals; provide support for any emergencies that might arise.
• Monitor animals during surgery as needed; observe animals after surgery to detect any abnormal behavior or physical symptoms and report findings to the Veterinary Surgeon.
• Clean and prepare surgical packs and instruments for sterilization prior to surgery; provide general care for and feed animals.
• Render first aid, medical treatment, and therapy as required for hospitalized animals.
• Assist with admittance and discharge of animals to and from clinic.
• Assist in training clinic personnel; order necessary materials and medications required by the Spay and Neuter Facility and Shelter.
• Assist with filling prescriptions and support daily operations of spay and neuter staff.
• Observe general shelter population for illness and/or injury.
• Assist veterinarians in treating shelter animals, including a variety of exotic animals, through restraining and managing many different species.

• Option I: Two years of experience in the care and treatment of small animals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian at a veterinary clinic or small animal hospital. (Completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units in animal health, animal science, zoology, or a related field may substitute for up to one year of required experience.)
• Option II: Three years of experience in the care and handling of animals with a public or private agency. (Completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units in animal health, animal science, zoology, or a related field may substitute for up to one year of required experience.)
• All Options: Knowledge of safe, humane, and efficient methods for the care and treatment of small animals, particularly dogs and cats; equipment and procedures used at a veterinary clinic; physical and behavioral characteristics of small animals; substances and methods used to clean and disinfect animal habitats.
• Ability to care for small animals; recognize abnormal behavioral and physical symptoms; safely handle and maintain clinic medical instruments and equipment; deal tactfully and effectively with the public; maintain simple records and make reports as necessary.

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License may be required.
• A series of three Rabies vaccines is required within 30 days of employment.

HIGHLY IMPORTANT – ALL CANDIDATES MUST HAVE A COPY OF THEIR TRANSCRIPT(S) UPLOADED BEFORE SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION.

The Veterinary Assistant is an entry‑level classification and reports to a Supervising Registered Veterinary Technician. The position is distinct from the Registered Veterinary Technician class, which is registered with the California Veterinary Medical Board and manages more complex pre‑surgery and post‑surgery care.

Veterans’ Preference:
Upload a copy of your (or your spouse’s) DD‑214 and, if applicable, a spouse’s letter of disability. Remove social security information for privacy.

Reasonable Accommodations:
Contact the recruiter for assistance. For more details, visit https://rc‑

Proof of

Education:

Upload any relevant license(s), transcript(s), or degrees to your Neo Gov account before the closing date.

Work Authorization:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County does not sponsor H‑1B or other employment‑based visas.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

The County of Riverside is…