REGISTERED VET TECH

General Definition of Work
The Registered Veterinary Technician is a paraprofessional class within the Animal Services department. Broadly, this position is responsible for providing limited medical care to animals; assisting staff veterinarian with monitoring the health of shelter animals; the analysis of animal disease; treatment of sick or injured animals; and surgical procedures. Work is performed under the direction of licensed veterinarians and includes routine medical and emergency procedures; euthanasia of sick, injured, or aggressive animals; and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed and supervised under the Shelter's Veterinarian. Position reports to the Assistant Animal Services Director. The normal work schedule consists of weekdays from 8am-5pm with an occasional weekend day as necessary, or an alternate forty-hour schedule as best meets the needs of the Department.

Essential Functions
Prepares animals for surgery; induces and monitors anesthesia.
Assists veterinarians with sterilizations and other surgical procedures.
Performs routine clinical laboratory tests and applies laboratory analysis techniques.
Autoclaves and maintains surgical packs.
Renders emergency treatment in life-threatening situations to sustain life.
Properly store and maintains inventory of medical supplies, including Schedule II narcotics, and administers medications, vaccines, and treatments prescribed by a veterinarian.
Provides technical guidance to departmental staff on euthanasia techniques.
Maintains records and files using a computer. Stores and maintains inventory of medical supplies. Prepares reports and other written material in a logical, concise, and accurate manner.
Assists with the caring, feeding, and safe handling of animals to avoid injury to persons/animals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of Federal, State, and County laws, regulations, and ordinances governing rabies quarantine, impounding, releasing and destruction of animals; euthanasia techniques; ability to read, understand, interpret and apply departmental policies and procedures; ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with a variety of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds and establish working relationships with management, employees, and the public; ability to make informed and appropriate decisions; ability to work calm in situations; ability to work with a high degree of sensitive, tack and diplomacy; must provide prompt, and efficient customer service; ability to identify normal and abnormal animal behavior and symptoms of rabies and other animal disorders; knowledge of physical and behavioral characteristics of common breeds of dogs, cats, livestock and wildlife; knowledge of disease symptoms in domestic animals; knowledge of current technology and trends in the profession.

Education and Experience
High School Diploma or equivalent GED and Graduation from a 2-year AVMA accredited program for Veterinary Technicians. Prior experience in municipal or private animal shelters preferred.

Physical Requirements
Frequent: sitting, walking, standing, bending, and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and lifting and carrying of animals weighing up to 50 pounds. Continuous: upward and downward flexion of the neck; sufficient manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination in assisting with surgical operations. Ability to react quickly to external threats to prevent injury. Exposure to animal hair, dander, and waste.

Special Requirements
Current registration with the State of North Carolina as a Registered Veterinary Technician at time of appointment. Must be maintained throughout employment.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Cleveland County application must me submitted to the Cleveland County Human Resources Department at www.clevelandcounty.com

SELECTION PROCESS:
Selection will be by structured interview. Applications will be reviewed to select the best qualified applicants for admission to a structrued interview.

Cleveland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer