Registered Veterinary Technician

THIS POSTING WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Application cut-off dates are bi-weekly on the 15th and the last day of each month.

Under direct supervision, the Registered Veterinary Technician assists the Veterinarian in the medical care and treatment of impounded animals; provides medical and surgical pre‑operative and post‑operative procedures for shelter animals; maintains sanitary condition of medical caging equipment and facilities; administers medications, drugs, tests and vaccines to the City’s Animal Care Services shelter animals.

This is an advanced journey‑level classification. The Registered Veterinary Technician classification is primarily distinguished from the Animal Care Technician by its responsibility for assisting licensed Veterinarians in providing medical and surgical pre‑operative and post‑operative procedures to animals. The Animal Care Technician is responsible for feeding and caring for impounded animals, cleaning kennels, equipment and other areas at the City Animal Care Services shelter.

The Registered Veterinary Technician is distinguished from the Senior Animal Care Technician in that the latter provides direct supervision of Animal Care Technicians.

Direct supervision is received from the Veterinarian. Indirect supervision is received from other management staff. The Registered Veterinary Technician does not supervise.

• Examine animals and make referrals to Veterinarian as needed; prepare animals and assist Veterinarian with surgery; apply casts or splints as necessary; staple or suture existing skin incisions.
• Induce and monitor anesthesia using either injectable or inhalant anesthetics; perform euthanasia by injection, as directed; supply post‑surgical and treatment information to the public; microchip animals.
• Responsible for the control and use of euthanasia drugs, including Drug Enforcement Administration log maintenance; maintain inventory of medical supplies.
• Perform dental care including prophylactic evaluations, cleanings, and uncomplicated tooth extractions, as directed.
• Autoclave and maintain all surgical packs; perform routine cleaning and general maintenance of medical equipment, facilities and caging; order medical supplies.
• Communicate with animal owners regarding post‑operative care and other medical conditions of their animals; assign and oversee medically related duties to volunteers and Animal Care Technicians; participate in community events involving Animal Care Services.
• Enter data and produce computer‑generated reports relating to surgeries, treatment of shelter animals, and medical supply inventory; write memos and letters as necessary.
• Assist the Veterinarian with the development of policies and guidelines pertaining to the care, medical treatment and medical screening of animals at the shelter, including euthanasia by injection, handling and restraint, vaccination and microchipping, and medical screening and provide training to Animal Care Staff in these areas as necessary.
• Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual.
• Knowledge of aseptic surgical techniques, animal care and husbandry; autoclaving and surgical pack preparation; disease symptoms of domestic animals; physical behavior characteristics of common breeds of dogs, cats, exotics, livestock and wildlife; euthanasia techniques; kennel and cage protocols;
  Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) required record keeping for Schedule II narcotics; SHARPS biohazard waste requirements; laboratory analysis and emergency aid techniques.

• Preparing animals for surgery.
• Inducing and monitoring animals given anesthesia.
• Providing technical guidance and training, monitoring, and certifying staff on euthanasia procedures.
• Removing tissues from dead animals to aid in the diagnosis of pathology.
• Micro‑chipping animals.
• Performing follow‑up treatments.
• Prophylactic evaluations, cleanings, and uncomplicated tooth extractions.
• Restraining fractious animals.
• Catheterizing animals.
• Computers, computer applications, and software.

• Obtain and maintain the Drug…