Registered Veterinary Technician

The County of Riverside’s Animal Service Department has an opportunity for a Registered Veterinary Technician located at the Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto and Coachella. 

The Registered Veterinary Technician will be responsible for performing routine animal checkups and providing support during emergencies, may assist with the euthanasia of animals and/or the lifting of animals for disposal and impounding. Duties include communicating with pet owners to determine changes in their pet's health and well-being, for example, changes in activity levels and/or diet, checking an animal’s weight, heartbeat and other vitals to record in patient files, drawing blood samples or administering medications. Registered Veterinary Technicians may be required to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays.

Examples of Essential Duties (may include but not limited to)

• Assist a Veterinary Surgeon in the administration of physical examinations to determine surgical fitness of animals by handling animals during the examination.

• Prepare instruments and medical supplies for Veterinary Surgeon's use; prepare animals for sterilization surgery and assist with anesthesia procedures.

• Provide the Veterinary Surgeon with supplies needed during the sterilization surgery of animals; provide support for any emergencies that might arise.
 
• Monitor animals during surgery as needed; observe animals after surgery to detect any abnormal behavior or physical symptoms and report findings to the Veterinary Surgeon.
 
• Clean and prepare surgical packs and instruments for sterilization prior to surgery; provide general care for and feed animals.

• Under direction, render first aid, medical treatments, and therapy as required for hospitalized animals.

• Assist with the admittance and discharge of animals to and from clinic.
 
• Assist in training clinic personnel; order necessary materials and medications required by the Spay and Neuter Facility and Shelter.

• Assist with filling prescriptions; assist spay and neuter staff with daily operations.

• Observe general shelter population for illness and/or injury.

• Assist veterinarians in treating shelter animals, including a variety of exotic animals, through the restraining and managing of many different species.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education: Successful completion of the education necessary to obtain the required certification issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board.
 
Required Experience: One year of paid or voluntary experience working in a kennel, veterinary or animal shelter facility.

Required Certification: Possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Veterinary Technician issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board.