Job Description
The County of Riverside's Human Resources Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) is seeking a Temporary Veterinary Assistant Per-Diem to support the Department of Animal Services throughout Riverside County .
*Work schedules are based on department needs and can be Monday- Friday or Tuesday- Saturday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
Under supervision, assists Veterinary Surgeon by performing routine and para-professional duties involved in the surgical sterilization of small animals at a County Spay and Neuter Clinic; assists in the care and treatment of animals; and performs other related duties as required.
The Veterinary Assistant is an entry-level classification and reports to a Supervising Registered Veterinary Technician. The County Spay and Neuter Program and shelter functions as part of the Veterinary Services Division of the Riverside County Department of Animal Services. Sterilization surgeries are performed on small animals (e.g., dogs, cats and rabbits), and shelter animals are examined and treated for minor illnesses or injuries.
The Veterinary Assistant is distinguished from the Registered Veterinary Technician class in that the latter is registered by the California Veterinary Medical Board and performs the more complex pre-surgery and post-surgery care of animals as allowable under their certification. Instruction, guidance, and supervision is received from a Veterinary Surgeon or Supervising Registered Veterinary Technician. Upon obtaining a valid Registered Veterinary Technician certificate, incumbents may promote to the Registered Veterinary Technician class with a satisfactory performance evaluation.
HIGHLY IMPORTANT - ALL CANDIDATES MUST HAVE A COPY OF THEIR TRANSCRIPT(S) UPLOADED BEFORE SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION. 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.
About TAP The Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) recruits and hires temporary employees for all County departments. TAP assignments are a great way to learn about working for the County while working on a temporary, at-will basis.
Click here to learn more about TAP:
TAP Benefits: (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)• 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 treatment, and therapy as required for hospitalized animals.
• Assist with 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.
OPTION I Education: None required.
Experience: Two years of experience in the care and treatment of small animals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian at a veterinary clinic or small animal hospital. (Completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units in animal health, animal science, zoology, or a related field to the assignment may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience.)
OPTION II Education: None required.
Experience: Three years of experience in the care and handling of animals with a public or private agency. (Completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units in animal health, animal science, zoology, or a related field to the assignment may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience.)
ALL OPTIONS 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 make reports as necessary.
Other Requirements License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required.
A series of three Rabies vaccines is required within 30 days of employment.Contact Cindy Mendez at cmendez@rivco.org or 951-955-3528 with any questions regarding this recruitment.
Job Tags
Daily paid, Permanent employment, Temporary work, Monday to Friday,