Veterinary Technician

Work Location: Bishop Animal Shelter, st Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34209

Work Hours: 40 hours per week, including variable daytime, evening and some weekend hours/holidays based on operational needs

Expected Starting Hourly Range: $ $24.38

This classification performs medical assistance by administering injections and medication; post-operative observation; administering medical treatments and monitoring the health and care of impounded animals in a shelter facility; medical testing and test results interpretation, inventory control and security of drugs; laboratory work and related clerical duties. Directs sanitation and feeding protocols, determines whether animals are treated or euthanized as a last resort. This position reports to the Shelter Veterinarian and is responsible for implementing all medical protocols as directed by the Shelter Veterinarian.

Working Conditions

Indoor/outdoor environment. High noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting objects and animals up to 50 lbs. alone; up to 100 lbs. with assistance.

Note: Manatee County Animal Services is working toward becoming a No-Kill facility.

Essential Functions

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Applying knowledge of veterinary technology as related to the care and treatment of animals, examining, and evaluating impounded animals to determine health and potential adoptability; working with veterinary Medical Director to establish routine health and medical protocols, daily observations of shelter population for injuries and illness, and reporting of incidents.

Applying knowledge of veterinary medical practices, administers medication, vaccines, anesthesia, and oral, intra-muscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous injections; safely and humanely handles and restrains large and small animals.

Applying knowledge of veterinary practices and procedures and laboratory procedures, performs pre-surgical examinations including physical exam and evaluation, animal history, blood work and vaccines; performs pre-and post-surgical observations of animals and reports condition changes; maintains complete and detailed surgical records.

Safely and humanely assists with, or euthanizes sick and injured, or unwanted animals of a variety of sizes and breeds, in accordance with regulations and standard veterinary procedures.

Responsible for records, controls and maintaining security of federally-restricted drugs and barbiturates in accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations including biohazardous waste disposal related to the treatment of animals.

Establishes and maintains courteous and effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public. Serves as primary liaison between veterinarian Medical Director and Animal Services Chief and his staff.

May serve as Animal Care Supervisor determined by the division Chief.

May transport animals to contracted veterinarian and/or alternate shelters.

Performs other related work (including weather or extreme emergency duties) as required.

Associate's degree in veterinary technology.

Minimum of two (2) years' experience in private veterinary or shelter medicine practice assisting in surgery, medical treatments and performing diagnostic procedures.

Florida State Certification in Euthanasia or must obtain within six (6) months of hire.

Incinerator Operation certification within six months of hire.

Valid driver's license required with valid Florida driver's license required within 30 days of hire.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Valid certification as a veterinary technician desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to safely and humanely pick up and handle animals, alive and deceased, up to and over 100 pounds, with assistance when needed.

Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.

Veterans Preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at x 3865.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.