Animal Health Technician

The City of Jersey City is seeking an Animal Health Technician to support the Department of Health and Human Services – Division of Animal Care & Control. Under the direction of a Veterinarian, the Animal Health Technician cares for and treats sick or injured animals and performs related work as required.JobDuties:

• Renders treatment of sick or injured animals as directed by the Veterinarian.
• Administers prescribed medication as directed by the veterinarian. 
• Observes the behavior and condition of animals, monitors their clinical symptoms and reports findings to the veterinarian. 
• Performs preliminary examinations of animals to determine symptoms of disease or injury, and reports findings to the Veterinarian.
• Operates x-ray equipment. 
• Restrains animals during exams or procedures. 
• Administers emergency first aid, such as emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures. 
• Collects, prepares, and labels samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination. 
• Performs laboratory tests to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems. 
• Prepares and administers medications, vaccines, serums, or other treatment, as prescribed by the veterinarian. 
• Prepares the operating area for surgical procedures.
• Assists the veterinarian in the preparation of animals for surgical procedures.
• Assists the Veterinarian during surgical procedures by sterilizing instruments, securing supplies, providing requested surgical instruments, and disinfecting and cleaning operating areas, and equipment.
• Cares for and monitors the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
• May administer anesthesia, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to the anesthetics.
• Provides assistance with animal euthanasia and the authorized disposal of remains. 
• Performs dental work, such as cleaning, polishing, or extracting teeth. 
• Dresses wounds and applies splints or other protective devices.
• Cleans and disinfects kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, examination rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
• Schedules appointments and procedures. 
• Provides information regarding issues such as animal health care, behavior problems, or nutrition. 
• Maintains controlled drug inventory and related log books. 
• Establishes and maintains essential records and files.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Required Education: Satisfactory completion of sixty (60) college credits, including eighteen (18) credit hours in veterinary science/technology, animal science technology, zoology, biology, animal, husbandry or related fields, at an accredited college or university.

Required Experience: At least one (1) year of experience in a veterinary office, animal hospital or animal shelter performing vaccinations, diagnostic tests, euthanasia, and/or various other medical treatment on animals or in work involving animal nutrition, taxonomy, animal behavior, parasitology or bacteriology.

Preferred Experience & Licenses:

• Bilingual Prefered.
• Possession of a valid NJ driver’s license. 

This is a Civil Service Job, and you must eventually pass and qualify for the applicable Civil Service title  (please see the job description here: https://info.csc.nj.gov/jobspec/05341.htm). 

The City of Jersey City is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations relating to anti-discrimination and anti-harassment.

To apply for this job with the City of Jersey City, please fill out our Employment Application at https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/jobs/jerseycityjobs

Please note that this role is subject to the residency requirements set forth by the NJ First Act.