Job Description
This job classification has been designated as a safety sensitive job classification in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, 63 O.S., § 427.1 et seq., (OSCN 2019), effective August 29, 2019. This means employees in this job classification can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination if they test positive for marijuana components or metabolites, even if they possess a medical marijuana license.
PLEASE READ DISQUALIFIERS BEFORE APPLYING
Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of a veterinary technology program at an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited school is preferred. One year of experience performing veterinary procedures consistent with status as a licensed Registered Veterinary Technician is preferred.
Licenses and Certifications: Valid license as a Registered Veterinary Technician issued by the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners is not required however, preference in the hiring process will be giv-en to those that do possess the license. Valid Oklahoma driver’s license and satisfactory motor vehicle record.
Knowledge: Federal, State, and County laws, regulations, and ordinances governing the medical treatment, impounding, rabies quarantine, releasing, destruction of animals. Euthanasia techniques. Drug Enforcement Ad-ministration (DEA) record keeping requirements for Schedule II narcotics and SHARPS biohazard waste. Physical and behavioral characteristics of common breeds of dogs, cats, livestock, and wildlife. Disease symptoms in do-mestic animals. Autoclaving and surgical pack preparation; aseptic surgical techniques; dental prophylaxis and evaluation. Standard laboratory techniques and safe use of standard laboratory equipment and supplies. Animal care and husbandry. Customer service. Telephone, office, and online etiquette. Current technology and trends in the profession.
Skills: Identifying normal and abnormal animal behavior and symptoms of rabies and other animal disor-ders. Care, feeding, medical treatment, and safe handling of animals. Applying laboratory analysis techniques. Properly storing and maintaining inventory of medical supplies, including Schedule II narcotics. Providing tech-nical guidance on euthanasia techniques. Effective oral and written communications. Preparing reports and other written material in a logical, concise, and accurate manner; maintaining accurate records and files. Excellent organ-izational skills. Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds and to function calmly in situations which require a high degree of sensitivity, tact and diplomacy. Exercising appropriate judgment in answering questions, releasing information, and making deci-sions and recommendations; assessing customer’s immediate needs and providing or ensuring efficient and respon-sive service. Establishing effective working relationships with management, employees, outside agencies, and the public.
Duties and Responsibilities: Performs intake examinations and evaluates animals for placement in adoption programs, needing treatment, referral to a veterinarian, to be quarantined, or for euthanasia. Conducts health screens and per-forms routine clinical laboratory tests on animal blood, feces, urine, and tissue samples for disease or medical is-sues. Performs intake vaccinations, routine medical and emergency procedures, follow-up treatment, and euthana-sia on impounded animals. Assists veterinarians with surgery and necropsies; autoclaves and maintains surgical packs. Monitors and records the condition of quarantined, sick, or injured animals. Assists in spay or neuter proce-dures. Assists staff in proper euthanasia techniques utilizing injection methods. Implants microchips. Maintains a clean and healthy environment for the animals. Maintains electronic records and files. Maintains inventory of med-ical supplies. Provides expert witness testimony in court cases related to animal cruelty and neglect. Documents medical progress in cruelty cases and provides case management for long-term holds. Provides responsive, high quality service in a courteous, efficient, and timely manner. Establishes effective working relationships with other functional groups. Establishes and maintains ongoing training. Assists in planning, organizing and implementing programs; prepares and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). As outlined in the “Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act”, the direction of a Licensed Veterinarian may be required for some tasks or procedures. Performs other related work as required.
As outlined in the “Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act”, the direction of a Licensed Veterinarian may be required for some tasks or procedures.
Working Conditions: Work is performed outdoors and in an animal shelter environment in varying temperatures: exposure to excessive noise, animal waste, animal odors, airborne particles, dead animals, sewage, and zoonotic diseases. Work requires continued sitting, walking, stooping, crouching, kneeling, reaching, standing, and some climbing. Physical ability to run after/apprehend animals and strength to sustain control over vicious animals is occasionally required. May be required to work varied shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Mental and Physical Abilities: Ability to work under daily stress and pressure. Ability to work independent-ly with minimal supervision. Ability to read, understand, interpret, and apply department policies and procedures. Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail. Ability to lift and carry moderately heavy (25-50 lb.) mate-rials, supplies, equipment, and animals frequently. Ability to lift heavy (50-100 lb.) animals occasionally. Ability to maintain regular, predictable and punctual attendance. Willingness to conduct euthanasia procedures according to established protocol and guidelines.
Additional Information: Selected candidate must pass background investigation, polygraph, physical examination, and drug screen.