Veterinary Assistant I, (B272931-10), 204, Animal Control

The Veterinary Assistant I is responsible for the overall care and treatment of animals in the shelter, assisting with patient care, monitoring animal health, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring adherence to protocols under the direction of veterinarians and supervisors.  ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Documenting all medical records in shelter’s software.
• Performs basic medical tasks (administering medications, vaccinations under supervision.)
• Observes and reports animal behavior and health changes.
• Cleans and disinfects kennels, cages, and equipment.
• Assisting veterinarians in surgery/ procedures.
• Assisting with emergency calls.
• Must obtain Euthanasia administration certification within the time established.  
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of the recordkeeping software (e.g.,PetPoint).
• Knowledge of basic veterinary pharmacology (type of medications and vaccines).
• Knowledge of normal and abnormal animal behavior.
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical preparation.
• Knowledge of animal handling and restraint techniques to ensure safety.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
• Knowledge of protocols and legal requirements.
• Knowledge of basic computer and typing skills.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills for entering treatment records.
• Knowledge of dosage calculation and administration under supervision.
• Knowledge of documentation requirements for administered treatment.  
• Knowledge of basic understanding of animal health and common conditions.
• Knowledge of documentation protocols for recording observations.
• Knowledge of shelter cleaning protocols and disease control measures.
• Knowledge of anesthesia monitoring and recovery.
• Knowledge of basic surgical instruments and their uses.
• Knowledge of post-operative care instructions.
• Knowledge of proper procedures for communicating critical information to supervisors and veterinarians.
• Knowledge of basic animal first aid procedures (stabilizing animals until the veterinarian arrives).
• Knowledge of documentation and communication requirements during emergencies.
• Knowledge of key contact procedures (who to notify in case of an emergency).  
• Knowledge of euthanasia protocols under supervision.
• Knowledge of ethical standards and considerations associated with euthanasia practices.
• Knowledge of shelter procedures for euthanasia.
• Knowledge of emergency response protocols.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in entering accurate and detailed medical records.
• Skill in proper preparation and handling of medications.
• Skill in restraining animals safely during procedures.
• Skill in effective communication to clarify information with supervisors.
• Skill in reporting observations clearly and accurately.
• Skill in identifying when additional sanitation is needed.
• Skill in monitoring vital signs during procedures.
• Skill in relaying information to supervisors or veterinarians.
• Ability to demonstrate attention to detail to ensure accuracy and completeness of records.
• Ability to follow instructions for updating and maintaining records.  
• Ability to follow protocols and instructions accurately.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail to prevent errors in dosage or administration.
• Ability to recognize signs of illness, injury, or distress. Strong observation skills to detect subtle changes.
• Ability to work under supervision.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and patience when handling stressed or sick animals.
• Ability to work as part of a team to share concerns with vet technicians II, supervisors, and veterinarians.
• Ability to maintain physical stamina for repetitive cleaning tasks.
• Ability to demonstrate strong attention to detail to ensure thorough and effective cleaning and disinfection.
• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively to ensure tasks are completed in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ability to work under supervision, follow instructions accurately, and complete assigned tasks as directed.
•  Ability to follow established safety protocols and procedures for the safe handling and storage of chemicals.
• Ability to assist in preparing animals for surgery (e.g., shaving, cleaning).
• Ability to demonstrate clear and effective communication with veterinarians and team members.
• Ability to anticipate needs during surgery.
• Ability to maintain physical stamina and dexterity for handling surgical instruments and animals.
• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
• Ability to follow instruction quickly and accurately.
• Ability to recognize signs of distress or pain in animals.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions closely.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
 Seldom

• Construction site
• Warehouse environment

Sometimes

Frequently

• Street environment (near moving traffic)

Often

• Outdoor environment

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Seldom

Frequently

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Often

• Communicable diseases
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• National travel
• International travel

Seldom:

• Regional travel

Sometimes:

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma or G.E.D. 
• At least one (1) year of experience working with animals in a clinic/shelter setting.

Foreign Education:

• Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States must submit a foreign credential evaluation completed by a professional credential evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). The evaluation must verify the U.S. equivalency of the degree and identify the comparable U.S. degree level. Applicants are responsible for obtaining and submitting the required evaluation documentation.

Note: The City of Laredo is not responsible for any fees associated with obtaining a foreign credential evaluation or educational equivalency documentation.

Valid Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Drivers License. If applicant hold an out-of-town license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
• Euthanasia Certificate must be completed within one (1) year of employment.
• Veterinary Assistant Certificate must be completed within one (1) year of employment.

**Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated above from time of hire.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.