Veterinary Technician

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Provide care for the health and well-being of shelter animals, including performing general health exams; examine animals for health concerns and apply required treatments, and conducting daily health checks.
• Assist veterinarian with daily medical and surgical procedures; administer medications and preventative vaccinations; follow-up on exams and emergencies and carry out treatments as needed.
• Collect specimens and perform other laboratory procedures; perform basic first aid; apply and remove wound and surgical dressings, casts, and splints; provide pre- and post-surgical exams, evaluations, medications, and preparations of animals for surgery.
• Clean and disinfect dog and cat kennels; follow strict protocol for contagions; maintain kennel inventory and accurate records on each animal; maintain inventory of veterinary supplies and orders; feed and clean animals as necessary.
• Observe health and behavior of animals to assess adoptability of animals; handle incoming found and surrendered animals; implant micro-chips; provide minimum mental health requirements for shelter.
• Assess animals for euthanasia based on health; determine safest and most humane method to perform euthanasia; remove animals from euthanasia list and maintain drug log; provide euthanasia training for staff and animal care professionals; dispose of deceased animals according to shelter procedures.
• Provide information and assist the public and veterinarians; counsel grieving pet owners; mentor shelter volunteers; provide advice in animal care and animal health topics to the county and the general public.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

LEVEL AND TYPE OF WORK AND/OR SUPERVISION:

Veterinary Technician

• Journey level
• Technical
• Perform the full range of duties, working independently, applying well developed subject knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative.
• Receive occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise.
• Fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.
• Work is reviewed based on compliance, appropriateness, and effectiveness in meeting goals and deadlines.
• Receive general supervision from manager or staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  Requirements are determined at the time of recruitment based on responsibilities of the individual position and business needs of the department.

Veterinary Technician

Training and experience for this journey level, technical classification is typically equivalent to an associate's degree and up to four (4) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.  (Equivalency 2-6 years of qualifying training and/or experience).

Depending upon assignment, candidates may be required to pass a criminal background check, have a valid driver license, and /or additional training, licenses, or certificates.

REQUIRED TRAINING, LICENSES, AND/OR CERTIFICATES:

• Possession of a Euthanasia Technician Certificate issued by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Board within 6 months per (OAR) 875-040-0010.
• Possession of a Certified Veterinary Technician Certificate issued by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Board (OAR) 875-030-0010.