What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinary Technician position at St. Clair County, MI?
POSITION SUMMARY
Responsible for the general health and care of the animals confined at the St. Clair County's Animal Control.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Receives incoming animals and provides initial assessments.
- Inspects all incoming and housed animals for disease and/or injury and determines which animals need to be seen by a veterinarian.
- Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms. Communicate with Animal Control staff on findings.
- Perform physical examinations such as obtaining temperature, pulse, and respiration data.
- Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
- Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments.
- Dress wounds and apply splints or other protective devices.
- Bathe animals, clip nails or claws, and brush or cut animals' hair.
- Assist veterinarians with surgeries; care for and monitor the condition of animals during recovery.
- Administer emergency first aid.
- Maintain laboratory and treatment records.
- Maintain medical equipment, supplies and medication inventory.
- Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.
- Provide information such as animal health care or nutrition.
- Provide assistance with animal euthanasia and the disposal of remains.
- Maintains high standards of cleanliness and sanitation.
- Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Work is performed under the general direction of the Animal Control Director or designee.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
N/A
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION:
- A high school diploma (GED acceptable).
- Graduation from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program, with certification as a Licensed Veterinary Technician in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan required.
- Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
- Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.
- Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.
ESSENTIAL ABILITIES FOR ALL ST. CLAIR COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATIONS:
- Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
- Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
- Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
- Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgment.
- Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
- Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
- Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
- Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
- Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required. Proficiency may be tested.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
- Must possess a valid State of Michigan operator license and maintain this license throughout employment in this position.
- Veterinary Technician license must be maintained throughout employment in this position as a condition of continued employment.
- Maintain required certifications and successfully complete required training to maintain professional knowledge as mandated by the department and state regulations.
- Willingness to further credentials by attending additional education, training and workshops.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
- Speak to others to convey information effectively.
- Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
- Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.
- Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
- Reach with hands and arms.
- Push or pull carts, reach with hands and arms forward, above and below shoulder level.
- Good physical condition which will mean the fitness to be able to restrain, lift, move, push, pull or carry objects, equipment and animals during exams or procedures.
- Lift, move or carry objects, equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner.
- Stand, walk for significant periods of time and climb stairs.
- The employee works in areas where universal precautions are required and is frequently exposed to risk from bodily fluids.
- Normal office hours are from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., however due to the nature of the work hours may include overtime, evenings or weekends.
- Generally works in a normal office environment.
- The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions.
Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran.
