This is skilled medical assistance work supporting a veterinarian in the care and treatment of animals in an animal control program.

Work involves administering limited medical care to impounded animals, as well as feeding, handling and custodial care. Employees in this class exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative in the care and treatment of animals within the shelter.

Work is performed under general supervision and is reviewed through conferences, written reports, and observation of results obtained.

This classification is distinguished from a Veterinary Technician by the ability to work independently with limited supervision, and by the increased experience requirements.

Assists a superior in the supervision of daily clinic functions.

Assists a veterinarian in the examination, diagnosis and treatment of animals.

Provides oversight of daily wellness checks for the impounded and adoption eligible animals housed in the shelter facility.

Performs pre and post-surgical exams and reports changes in condition; prepares animals for surgery  and assists veterinarian during surgical procedures; cleans and prepares surgery room for the performance of surgical procedures.

Performs or assists in performing humane euthanasia under the direction of a veterinarian.

Performs microchip insertions to permanently identify animals.

Participates and assists in scheduled rabies prevention vaccination clinics.

Performs emergency treatment upon sick and injured animals and administers follow-up treatment as advised by veterinarian; performs routine medical procedures upon adopted, incoming, and redeemed animals; administers oral and injectable medications; checks temperature; uses a microscope and other diagnostic equipment for the purpose of identifying parasitic conditions and diseases.

 

Operates an autoclave or cold sterilization apparatus.

Cleans and disinfects kennels and cages in order to provide a suitable environment for the animals; makes routine inspections of animals and their cages for their health, welfare, safety, and cleanliness; cares for and feeds impounded animals.

Maintains electronic records on animals noting all actions taken.

Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of local and state laws pertaining to animal welfare, control and regulations.

Considerable knowledge of the remedial and custodial care of animals.

Considerable knowledge of basic veterinary medicine and the care and treatment of animals.

Knowledge of surgical and laboratory practices, medical equipment, materials and instruments.

Knowledge of techniques and procedures for proper cleaning and sterilization of instruments and medical facilities.

Ability to handle or restrain large and sometimes aggressive animals.

Sufficient physical strength and ability to perform tasks assigned.

Ability to operate laboratory testing equipment.

Ability to apply scientific and technical knowledge with accuracy and judgment in the completion of laboratory tests and examinations.

Ability to comprehend and follow instructions, both orally and in writing.

Ability to communicate with co-workers and customers effectively.

Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Ethics and Conflict of Interest policies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.

Graduation from high school or an equivalent recognized certification; four (4) years of experience in the care and treatment of animals in a kennel, animal shelter or similar facility; or any equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.

Certification in euthanasia.

Bargaining Unit:  White Collar
FLSA Status:  Non-exempt
Financial Disclosure Required:  No
Class Spec. Estab./Revised:  E  10/2011   R  02/2012