Surgical Veterinary Assistant - Animal Control (Finance)

NOTICE TO APPLICANT
This position will close at 12:00AM MST on the End Date.

You must ensure your application reflects the correct and current information for your work experience, hours worked per week per position, education, personal information, etc.

Only the information provided on this application is evaluated when determining compensation.

**This is a Bargaining Unit Position**

An Individual whose qualifications exceed the minimum qualifications for the job may be hired above the minimum of the range based on full years of related work experience as presented on the application.

**An assessment will be administered for this position**

Job Description

PURPOSE SUMMARY. Under direct supervision of the veterinarian, is responsible for care, custody, and control of live animals from point of exam arrival and intake through surgical recovery and return to owner/agent. The surgery technician provides support to the veterinarian to provide spay/neuter and vaccination services to the unincorporated portions of Dona Ana County, and support for veterinary services to the Court Hold Facility animals and special events. Responsible for providing a safe, clean, healthy environment for animals during surgical procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES.

Medical & Surgical Support

1. Intake animals for surgical drop-off and obtain pertinent medical history.

2. Prepare, sterilize, and organize medical supplies.

3. Assist with pre- and post-surgical tasks, including catheter placement and monitoring.

4. Identify medical issues, document, and report to veterinarian.

5. Provide food, water, and administer special diets as required.

6. Assist in medical treatments, animal exercise, and grooming.

7. Clean surgical and animal areas, dispose of waste, and maintain a safe environment.

8. Assist with collection of laboratory samples.

9. Process laboratory samples (urine, feces, ectoparasites, and blood).

10. Upon order of veterinarian, prepare and administer treatments/medications.

11. Assist with euthanasia, and vector borne disease sample submission as needed.

12. Administer vaccines, microchips.

Client Interaction & Documentation

1. Schedule appointments and communicate with clients before and after surgery.

2. Educate clients on pre- and post-operative care.

3. Maintain client records, daily logs, and care documentation.

Inventory & Supply Management

1. Receive, log, track, and store medical equipment, supplies, and medications.

2. Maintain inventory and request restock as appropriate.

3. Maintain equipment inventory and communicate when service or repair is needed.

Animal Care & Control Support

1. Transport a mobile spay and neuter clinic to designated locations; assist with setup, on-site coordination, and equipment readiness as needed.

2. Transport animals and accurately document and account for impounded animals.

3. Maintain chain of custody for animals involved in investigations.

Other

1. Perform or assist with animal rescues during disasters (e.g., floods, fires) as directed.

2. Communicate with Animal Control Officers, veterinary staff, and the public as needed.

3. May serve as a backup to the Live Evidence Technician duties including:

• Represent the County in court proceedings related to animal cruelty cases
• Provide support for forensic investigations.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES. Performs other duties as assigned. May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS.

A. Education. High school diploma or equivalent.

B. Experience. One (1) year of experience in the care and handling of animals. Prior experience working at a shelter or veterinary office is preferred.

C. Education/Experience substitution. In accordance with County Policy.

D. Licenses/Certifications. Valid Class D driver's license is required.

E. Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver's license record, etc.). Must pass pre-employment background. Must maintain a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with County policy. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

Knowledge of:

• Animal science, veterinary medicine, and pharmacology.
• Animal handling procedures, humane care, and treatment of animals.
• Behavioral and health characteristics of animals.
• Basic medical abbreviations and medical terminology.
• General understanding of animal anatomy.
• Animal control regulations, County ordinances, policies, and department standard operating procedures.
• Computer word processing, filing procedures, and recordkeeping.
• Report writing, court demeanor and protocol.

Skills in:

• Animal restraint, physical exams, clinical laboratory tests, assist in administering anesthesia, and assist during surgery.
• Record-keeping, compassionate patient care, and customer service.
• Proficient in using computers and standard office equipment.
• Proficient in using tools for surgical methods and animal treatments.
• Technical reading, writing, and mathematical skills for drug and fluid doses.
• Proficient reading and comprehension skills.
• Strong verbal communication.

Ability to:

• Apply humane and effective animal handling techniques.
• Monitor anesthesia during procedures.
• Handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
• Exhibit excellent organizational skills.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.
• Handle difficult situations with professionalism and tact.
• Safely operate and maneuver a large mobile surgical unit (RV), including navigating urban and rural routes, adhering to traffic and safety regulations, and performing basic vehicle checks to ensure readiness for travel and surgical operations.

Compensation Range
$16.81 - $27.04

Doña Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person's race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists.

Doña Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see http://www.donaanacounty.org/ada/ for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call 575-647-7210 for assistance.