County of Alameda

Under the direct supervision of the Animal Services Supervisor and contracting veterinarian, the Registered Veterinary Technician assists the veterinarian by providing paraprofessional medical care and treatment to animals housed at the East County Animal Shelter; monitors the general health of shelter animals; administers emergency first aid treatment, assists with surgery, medical examinations and providing follow-up care; and other related duties as assigned.     

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES   

Incumbents in the Registered Veterinary Technician classification provide care and treatment to shelter animals under the direct supervision of a qualified and licensed veterinarian and reports directly to the Animal Services Supervisor on a part-time or intermittent basis in the Animal Services Division of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. This class is distinguished from Sheriff’s Technicians assigned to the Animal Services Division in that the latter performs non-medical related shelter or field animal control duties. Unlike the latter class, the Registered Veterinary Technician is registered by the California Veterinary Medical Board.

NOTE:     The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Administers IV, IM and SQ medications.
2. Prepares and maintains a surgical area/suite for spay/neuter.
3. Prepares the surgical site on animals scheduled to undergo surgery.
4. Intubates cats and dogs for surgery and monitors anesthesia for all animals during surgery.
5. Monitors animals during post-operative recovery.
6. Records drug usage in accordance to requirements set by the State of California and the DEA.
7. Cleans, autoclaves and repacks surgical packs and drapes.
8. Restrains, transports, moves, and otherwise handles cats, dogs and rabbits of varying temperament.

Education:   

Completion of the education necessary to obtain the required certification issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board. 

AND

Experience:   

The equivalent of two (2) years’ full-time experience working in an animal shelter, veterinary hospital or kennel assisting with spay/neuter procedures and other surgeries, administering anesthesia and providing medical care to animals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.     

License and Certification:   

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's license.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Registered Veterinary Technician Certificate (RVT) issued by the State of California Veterinary Medical Board.  

Special Requirement:   

All candidates must successfully pass a complete background investigation.   

NOTE:    The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination. 

NOTE:    The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Example of Duties” section of this specification.   

Knowledge of:

• Pre-medication and induction drugs.
• Sterile techniques used in the veterinary field.
• Anesthetic depth and animal needs dependent on that depth.
• Animal CPR/emergency procedures.
• Surgical pack and instrument preparation and maintenance.
• Spay/neuter surgical preparation and assistance.
• Animal behavior and handling technique.     

Ability to:

• Follow oral and written directions.
• Communicate effectively both in writing and orally.
• Properly document and maintain inventory of and utilize controlled substances in compliance with federal guidelines.
• Read and understand veterinary terms and abbreviations.
• Work well with others and alone.
• Work in an environment with exposure to infectious animal diseases, animal waste, animal bites, aggressive animals, allergens and industrial cleaning chemicals.
• Learn laws and ordinances pertaining to animal care.
• Adapt to stressful situations. 
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays. 

NewSpec  

EB:sa 04/29/2020 

CSC Date: 05/20/2020

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.