We are located in Southeast Michigan and are one of the fastest growing counties in Michigan. Livingston County consists of 16 townships, 2 villages and 2 cities. The county contains a diverse mix of rural agricultural areas, historic downtowns, suburban development, lake-side living and large recreational lands. Home to two metro parks (Kensington and Huron Meadows), 3 state recreation areas (Island Lake, Brighton, and Pinckney), 1 state park (Lakelands Trail), 2 state game areas, 1 wildlife area, 2 Livingston County parks (Lutz and Fillmore), and numerous local parks, Livingston County has an abundance of recreational opportunities. Livingston County offers 163 park acres per 1,000 residents, more than any other county in Southeast Michigan.
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Animal Shelter Director is responsible for assisting the Veterinarian with surgery and care of shelter animals, assessing and reporting symptoms and problems of shelter animals to proper personnel, performing triage and examinations of animals, administering medication and vaccinations, and performing euthanasia as needed.
Pay Rate Information:The Veterinary Technician position is a temporary, part-time, non-union position and starting pay is $19.1115/hr . This position is a Non-Union Grade 4 position. This position does not require a Veterinary Technician license.
Essential Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
- Assists the Veterinarian with surgeries including surgical prep, running the anesthesia machine, placing IV catheters, drawing blood, running lab tests, and other duties as needed.
- Assists the veterinarian in a wide range of duties for the care and well-being of the animals including, but not limited to, performing basic examinations, evaluations, triage, and restraining of animals as needed.
- Vaccinates animals and administers medication as necessary.
- Cleans, sterilizes, and maintains all surgical instruments and equipment.
- Assists in monitoring the care and behavior of animals and documents observations.
- Performs euthanasia on animals following prescribed humane procedures.
- Answer questions, reviews discharge instructions and responds to follow-up questions for clients.
- Stocks and maintains medicines and surgical supplies under the direction of the Veterinarian.
- Properly cleans, maintains, refills and stores all medical equipment.
- Performs other duties as directed.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
Requirements include the following:
- The County, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
- Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
- Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of providing medical care assistance for animals in a shelter environment, assisting with surgeries, and performing humane euthanasia.
- Considerable knowledge and skill in assisting with surgical procedures, drawing lab specimens, administering exams, performing euthanasia, observing the behavior of animals, and maintaining medical records.
- Skill in assembling and analyzing data and preparing comprehensive and accurate reports.
- Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
- Ability to multi-task.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with County employees, contractors to the County, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, and the public.
- Ability to assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and in emergency situations.
- Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications and ability to learn software used by animal shelter.
- Skill in the use of a variety of veterinary medical equipment including, but not limited to, anesthesia machines, pulse oximeters, autoclave, surgical instruments, refractometer, X-ray and X-ray processor, microscope, and stethoscope.
- Ability to respond to emergencies or service needs on a 24-hour basis.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may 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 communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee must be mobile in an office setting, stand, sit, stoop and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 40 lbs. without assistance. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight.
The typical work environment of this job is a clinical or office setting where the noise level is quiet and sometimes moderate. Though applicable safety procedures are documented and utilized, the incumbent may be exposed to unsanitary or unhygienic materials, individuals and situations in the course of performing required duties.