ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN

• VET

ASSISTANT PENINSUA REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER

(FULL-TIME) City of Newport News

• 3.

7 Newport News, VA Job Details Full-time 16 hours ago Qualifications Report preparation Companion animal handling Pet care sanitation protocols Chemical handling safety procedures Word processing Spreadsheets Professional ethics In-person customer service Employee relationship building High school diploma or GED Driver's License Exotic animal handling Desktop applications Productivity software Sharps disposal Local ordinances Industrial chemical handling Chemical safety protocols Full Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN

(VETERINARY

ASSISTANT

)

PARKS, RECREATION, AND TOURISM

Human Resources Newport News, Virginia Department

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, this position assists with routine medical care and with surgical procedures for animals housed at the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter. This position is also responsible for assisting with diagnostic procedures, administering medications and creating and maintaining record keeping associated with animal medical care. Reports to the Shelter Veterinarian.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists with performing routine medical evaluations and diagnostic procedures to include taking digital and dental radiographs, collecting blood, urine or stool samples, providing nursing care or emergency first aid to injured or recovering animals, assisting with preparing animals for surgery, and may assist with euthanasia when necessary. Assists with maintenance of daily log sheets and treatment histories, assists with completion of related animal care reports, and assists with other record keeping as assigned. May assist patrons with inquiries into animal health issues. Feeds animals and monitors food and water intake as appropriate Arranges for and/or facilitates bathing and exercise for animals as needed/directed. Assists the veterinarian and licensed veterinarian technician with lab work and other duties. Cleans, sterilizes and maintains kennels, operating rooms, examining rooms, cages and surgical equipment. Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City's Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

 Animal Services

• Knowledge of basic animal care standards to include safe animal handling procedures for domestic and wild animals.

Knowledge of applicable state and city laws, codes, and PC# 39517, 39979 Page 1 of 3

Revised:

8/01/2022 ordinances relevant to animal care. Knowledge of the proper use, secure storage and disposal of lethal chemicals, syringes and related equipment.  Safety

• Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safety regulations related to effective animal handling and other work related precautions. Knowledge of proper sanitation for animal housing, chemical hazards and general welfare precautions necessary when working with animals.  Customer Service
• Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service.

This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

REQUIRED SKILLS

 Judgement/Decision Making

• Uses logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions.  Interpersonal Relationships
• Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations.  Computer Skills
• Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet and related software with reasonable speed and accuracy.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

 Communication

• Excellent ability to communicate complex ideas and proposals effectively so others will understand to include preparation of reports, agendas, and policies. Excellent ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented through spoken word or writing. Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.  Time Management
• Ability to plan and organize daily work routine.

Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a High School diploma or equivalent, with any combination of education, experience or training that equates to proven knowledge, skills and abilities (generally obtained through experience in caring for animals).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check, sex offender registry check. Requires a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. This position requires satisfactory results from a pre-employment medical evaluation and substance abuse testing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

 Tasks require the regular and, at times sustained, performance of moderately physically demanding work. PC# 39517, 39979 Page 2 of 3

Revised:

8/01/2022  Some combination of climbing and balancing to include climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.  May involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20

• 50 pounds).

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

 Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, and temperature extremes, hazardous materials, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal bites, disease, pathogenic substances, zoonoses, or rude/irate customers. PC# 39517, 39979 Page 3 of 3

Revised:

8/01/2022