What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinary Assistant position at City of Rochester, NY?
General Description
The incumbent in this position supports the shelter veterinarian and veterinary technicians in ensuring quality care for all pets in the Rochester Animal Service Shelter. The employee in this position performs tasks to assist with a variety of animal health activities to ensure a safe and effective hospital environment. Direct supervision is received from the shelter veterinarian or veterinary technicians. Related work is performed as required.
This is a Competitive Class position. The individual selected to fill this vacancy will be given a provisional appointment and will be required to participate in the next Civil Service Examination for this title.
A qualified applicant may be provisionally appointed and serve in the position until a Civil Service Examination is administered and an appropriate eligible list can be established to make a permanent appointment in accordance with the Civil Service Rule of Three. (See "http://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589935786" Provisional Appointment - FAQ's) If you are already a City employee and have permanent, competitive status in your current position and appointment to this title would result in a provisional appointment in another department, you will lose your previous permanent competitive rights.
"CITY RESIDENCY IS PREFERRED"
Typical Work Activities
- Holds or restrains animals during examinations and veterinary procedures;
- Prepares animals for and assists veterinarians in surgery;
- Assists the Veterinary Technician in monitoring animals during surgery and recovery from surgery;
- Restocks surgical and examination rooms with appropriate supplies and equipment;
- Cleans, repackages and sterilizes surgical instruments and gowns;
- Administers medication and immunizations (excluding rabies vaccine);
- Provides care for animals including bandaging, nail clipping, ear cleaning, etc.;
- Cleans and disinfects cages and runs, animal holding areas, etc., as needed;
- Feeds animals as directed by the medical staff or as described in policies and procedures;
- Performs data entry to maintain a medical history on each animal in computerized records, as needed;
- Maintains a surgical log and prepares spay/neuter and Rabies certificates in the computerized record system;
- Performs office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or rechecking appointments, answering the phones, and helping clients as needed;
- Assists with euthanasia, as needed;
- May testify in court, if needed;
- May operate a vehicle to transport animals and pick up shelter supplies.
Minimum Qualifications
High School diploma or G.E.D. PLUS:
- One (1) year of animal health care experience under the supervision of a veterinarian; OR
- Completion of a veterinary assistant/technician training program.
Possession of a valid New York State Class D Operator’s license at time of appointment.
This must be maintained throughout employment with this job.
May be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
For full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
For less-than full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers numerous growth opportunities to include the potential to transition into full-time, permanent employment.
