Veterinary Technician

Job Overview

The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is seeking compassionate and dedicated Veterinary Technicians, who strive to make a better impact for the animals in our community. Skilled Veterinary Technicians are a hard-working team and work closely with our Veterinarians to provide rewarding care to the homeless animals in our community. 

This position is responsible for performing duties administering medical treatments and vaccinations, assisting a Veterinarian in performing small animal surgery, assessing the health, well-being and temperament of animals upon impound and on an ongoing basis in a shelter environment.

The ideal candidate:

• Will be responsible, punctual, accountable, and has the desire to learn and grow within the department. 
• Maintains a judgement-free, empathetic understanding of members in the community that may be experiencing challenges in their lives and with their animals. 
• Works well with a team, but also is confident and comfortable enough to work independently, including under pressure and changing conditions. 
• Is proficient in safe animal handling and restraint. 

Starting Salary

$41,600 - $47,756, with room for growth

Benefits

Click HERE to view our Benefits at a glance

Core Competencies

• Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provide the highest standards of service.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
• Organizational Excellence - Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
• Success through Teamwork - Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below.

• Evaluates and treats impounded animals for illnesses, diseases and injuries.
• Vaccinates, deworms and assesses animal health and temperament at impound.
• Conducts a wide range of veterinary laboratory tests including, but not limited to, heartworm tests, blood chemistry, fecal examination and FeLV/FIV tests.
• Enters and maintains computerized medical and treatment records in accordance with department policy and record keeping requirements.
• Performs pre surgical evaluations of animals including the review of medical and shelter records to determine their capability and legality to undergo surgery.
• Prepares animals for surgery, prepares surgical packs, monitors patients under anesthesia, and assists Veterinarians during surgical procedures.
• Observes animals post surgically for signs of complications and records findings in surgical records.
• Administers medications, vaccines, anesthetic agents, intramuscular, subcutaneous and intravenous injections in accordance with Veterinarian instructions, established policies and in accordance with laws and regulations.
• Performs the euthanasia of animals in accordance with established policies and humane guidelines for the treatment of diseased, injured or sick animals.
• Provides oversight and checks the work of Certified Animal Care Assistant.
• May work as a team lead.
• Prepares drugs for administration and properly records in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Prepares specimens for shipment to outside laboratories including associated paperwork.
• Provides training to staff and volunteers on veterinary-related topics.
• Supports the department in mandated ESF-17 (Emergency Support Function 17) responsibilities in the event of a disaster or during an activation of the County’s Emergency Operations Center.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Specifications

• Knowledge of Florida laws and Hillsborough County ordinances pertaining to the treatment of small animals.
• Knowledge of routine medical procedures for the care and treatment of small animals.
• Knowledge of common animal diseases and health requirements.
• Knowledge of drug use regulations, euthanasia programs, and biohazardous waste disposal related to the treatment of small animals.
• Knowledge of routine veterinary medical and laboratory procedures.
• Working knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology.
• Skill in administering animal medications and medical treatments.
• Ability to maintain files and prepare work related reports.
• Ability to use animal handling equipment to control and move animals weighing up to 50 pounds including specialized handling of dangerous or suspected rabid animals.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.

Physical Requirements

• Walk and stand for at least ten minutes at a time, multiple times per hour.
• Lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds from floor to waist level or higher at least several times per day.
• Lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds to a height of one meter or higher and carry the object or animal for a distance of two meters.
• Handle, install, position and move materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Handle, position, and restrain live animals of small and large animal species.
• Have sustained contact with multiple species of animals and learn the safe handling, restraining, and working with these animals. An individual should not be allergic to any species of animals to the extent that would prohibit working in a facility that has them.
• Must be able to be inoculated against the threat of Rabies.

Work Category

• Heavy work - Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds or force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Graduation from an accredited 2- year or 4-year veterinary technician program; AND
• Successfully passing the Certified Veterinary Technician examination for the state of Florida, or being a Licensed Veterinary Technician from another state; AND
• Two year of experience working in an animal shelter or under the supervision of a Veterinarian, assisting in surgery, medical treatments, and performing diagnostic procedures; OR
• An equivalent combination of education (not less than a high school diploma/GED), training, and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job‐related competencies noted above; AND
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License; AND
• Must be able to perform euthanasia in the state of Florida, or to pass the examination for a Euthanasia Technician within six months of employment.

Emergency Management Responsibilities

In the event of an emergency or disaster, an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee’s department, the County’s Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration. Such assignments may be for before, during or after the emergency/disaster.