Registered Veterinary Technician

The County of Riverside seeks candidates to fill positions throughout Riverside County. A list of eligible candidates will be established to fill current and future vacancies.

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has an opportunity for a Registered Veterinary Technician located at the Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto and Coachella. 

The Registered Veterinary Technician will be responsible for performing routine animal checkups and providing support during emergencies. 

Duties include communicating with pet owners to determine changes in their pet's health and well-being, for example, changes in activity levels and/or diet, checking an animal's weight, heartbeat and other vitals to record in patient files, drawing blood samples or administering medications. 

Responsibilities will also include preparing instruments and medical supplies for Veterinary Surgeon's use, preparing animals for sterilization surgery and assisting with anesthesia and monitoring animals during surgical sterilization, observing animals after surgery to detect any post surgical complications and documenting/elevating as necessary.

The incumbent may assist with the euthanasia of animals and/or the lifting of animals for disposal and impounding.

Registered Veterinary Technicians may be required to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays.

Meet the Team!

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has a vision for promoting an environment of responsible pet ownership through progressive animal welfare initiatives, community outreach, and humane education in a culture of compassion, creativity, and integrity. The Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each one of their employees who strive to meet the highest standards of performance and compassion on behalf of the animals and people that they serve. The Department of Animal Services operates four shelters located in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto, and Thousand Palms.

Who May Apply?

This recruitment is open to all applicants. Current Department of Animal Services employees interested in a lateral transfer need to apply.

• Assist a Veterinary Surgeon in the administration of physical examinations to determine surgical fitness of animals by handling animals during the examination.
• Prepare instruments and medical supplies for Veterinary Surgeon's use; prepare animals for sterilization surgery and assist with anesthesia procedures.
• Provide the Veterinary Surgeon with supplies needed during the sterilization surgery of animals; provide support for any emergencies that might arise.

• Monitor animals during surgery as needed; observe animals after surgery to detect any abnormal behavior or physical symptoms and report findings to the Veterinary Surgeon.

• Clean and prepare surgical packs and instruments for sterilization prior to surgery; provide general care for and feed animals.
• Under direction, render first aid, medical treatments, and therapy as required for hospitalized animals.
• Assist with the admittance and discharge of animals to and from clinic.

• Assist in training clinic personnel; order necessary materials and medications required by the Spay and Neuter Facility and Shelter.
• Assist with filling prescriptions; assist spay and neuter staff with daily operations.
• Observe general shelter population for illness and/or injury.
• Assist veterinarians in treating shelter animals, including a variety of exotic animals, through the restraining and managing of many different species.

Education

Successful completion of the education necessary to obtain the required certification issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board.

Experience

One year of paid or voluntary experience working in a kennel, veterinary or animal shelter facility.

Certification

Possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Veterinary Technician issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board.

Other Requirements

Possession of a valid California Driver's License and completing a series of three Rabies vaccines within 30 days of employment.

Physical exposures

This position may require working in an environment with exposure to animal smells, dander, excrement, fluids/wounds, and aggressive animals.

Knowledge Of

Safe, humane and efficient methods for the care and treatment of small animals, particularly dogs and cats; equipment and procedures used at a veterinary clinic; physical and behavioral characteristics of small animals; substances and methods used to clean and disinfect animal habitats.

Ability To

Care for small animals; recognize abnormal behavioral and physical symptoms in small animals; safely handle and maintain clinic medical instruments and equipment; deal tactfully and effectively with the public; maintain simple records and prepare reports as necessary.

For more information regarding the position, please contact the recruiter Mary Miller at 951-955-3464 or via email at mmiller@rivco.org.