Veterinary Technician

The City of Everett is accepting applications on an open/competitive basis for the Civil Service examination process for a Veterinary Technician. 

The Veterinary Technician will work under the direction of the Veterinary Manager or attending Veterinarian in all phases of shelter veterinary care, including, but not limited to, surgery assistance, animal examinations, prescribed treatments and veterinary procedures within the scope of a licensed veterinary technician, vaccinations and microchip implantation, euthanasia, creation and maintenance of paper and computer records, and effectively communicating with coworkers, volunteers and the public. Veterinary Technicians may direct the work of shelter employees and volunteers assisting in clinic activities. The Veterinary Technician must operate in a team-managed environment and must be able to take an active role in the team process by providing support and appropriate feedback to other staff members and volunteers. Veterinary Technicians must function within the legal limitations of the Washington State Veterinary Practice Act. Duties are performed under the general supervision of the Veterinary Manager or attending Veterinarian, who may review the work performed by observation, direct inspection of facilities, and conferences with employees.

For a full description of this position, please see the class specification on the City’s website.

 Click here for the AFSCME Benefit Guide

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Act as a sterile or non-sterile assistant to the Veterinarian in surgery and be familiar with surgical equipment and techniques as appropriate. Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments and materials to veterinarian during surgical procedures. Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures, treatment, and euthanasia.
• Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies. 
• Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments and equipment.
• Administer anesthetics during surgery and monitor their effects on animals.
• Provide routine post-operative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of the attending Veterinarian. Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify the Veterinarian of any unusual changes or symptoms.
• Perform routine venipuncture, intravenous catheterization, administer injections SQ, IM, and IV, and medication treatments as directed by the Veterinarian. 
• Fill medication prescriptions. Administer medication, immunizations, and SQ and IV fluids to animals as prescribed by the Veterinarian.
• Provide emergency first aid to sick or injured animals.
• Collect laboratory specimens such as blood, urine, and feces for testing. Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests such as taking radiographs, fecal analysis, and urinalysis.

 

• Chart medical records according to clinic and shelter protocol using correct medical terminology and abbreviations. Complete and maintain records pertaining to supplies, kennels, and animals (e.g., breed, appearance, behavior, feeding schedules, etc.) as required.
• Assist Veterinarian in examining animals to determine the nature and extent of illnesses or injuries, behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury. Observe and record behavior. Isolate sick animals as required and follow established infectious disease protocols.
• Perform hygiene-related duties such as clipping animals' coats, clipping animals' claws, bathing or dipping animals and dental cleanings. Treat animals for fleas and other external parasites.
• Provide guidance, training, and support for shelter staff and volunteers assisting in clinic activities.
• Following established procedures, clean and routinely maintain Animal Shelter facilities, including animal holding areas, examination and operating rooms, animal runs, kennels, cages, and animal loading/unloading areas to control the spread of disease.
• Perform the euthanasia of animals, including transport of animals to euthanasia area, restraint of animals during euthanasia, checking for vital signs after euthanasia, and removal of deceased animals to storage areas.
• Prepare feed, feed and care for animals according to specific instructions such as diet lists and schedules.
• Respond to, or redirect, public inquiries in person, by phone or email to provide assistance, direction, or explanation of shelter and clinic programs and/or policies.
• Move animals among various areas within shelter facilities as required.
• Operate shelter vehicles to deliver/retrieve animals or complete other errands as required.
• Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• An Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology.
• Possession of and the ability to maintain a current Washington Veterinary Technician license.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience as a licensed Veterinary Technician.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in an animal shelter in the care of dogs and cats or high quality, high volume spay/neuter clinic is highly desirable.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of hire, a valid Washington State Driver License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

• Lift and handle objects and animals weighing up to sixty (60) pounds; ability to restrain and handle animals up to 150 pounds. Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp, and turn objects; feel the size, shape, and temperature of items; and operate computers, surgical and dental equipment, microchip scanners, autoclave, instrument sanitizer, x-ray machine, copy machines, and fax machines.
• Handle unruly, aggressive, and otherwise dangerous animals safely and humanely using appropriate handling equipment.
• Must be able and willing to work shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and to respond to off-hour call outs.

HOW TO APPLY

• Application materials may be accessed via the City’s Website.
• All applicants are required to complete and submit the following:

1. The standard City of Everett Application Form.
2. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire for Veterinary Technician.
3. Must attach a 1–2-page resume. 
4. Must attach a cover letter.

• Applications must be submitted through the City’s online application system by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 30^th, 2026, to be considered. 
• LATE, INCOMPLETE, FAXED, OR EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

EXAMINATION STEPS

• There will be a pre-screening of all applications.
• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire and a redacted version of the application or resume will be reviewed together to generate a single combined score, which will be blind-rated and weighted at 10%.
• Top-scoring applicants will be called to an oral panel interview/practical (weighted 90%) Oral board interviews will be tentatively scheduled for Mid- December. 
• All vacancies in this job class will be filled from the ranked Civil Service register established from the examination process for 12 months.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• A passing grade of 70.00 or higher is required on all parts of the screening process for placement on the ranked Civil Service eligible register. 
• The examination process is designed to sample and measure the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities. 
• Applicants claiming veterans’ preference points in accordance with RCW 41.04.010 as amended and meeting eligibility criteria must submit form DD214 or other United States department of defense discharge document DD form 214, NGB form 22, or their equivalent or successor discharge paperwork, that characterizes his or her service as qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005.
• Extensive background checks will be conducted. 
• Hiring offers are contingent upon successful completion of a city-paid pre-employment physical.
• New hires begin employment at the first step of the salary range. 
• This job classification is represented by Everett Municipal Employees Local 113, AFSCME.

 

Filing Opens: November 2, 2026

 Filing Closes: November 30, 2026

Open/Competitive 

A26067