The Riverdale Animal Shelter takes in more than 6,000 animals per year, caring for animals at all stages of life. Our newly constructed, 43,000 square foot facility opened in October 2020 includes a state-of-the art veterinary clinic with separate dental and surgery suites, X-Ray, pharmacy, lab, and ICU. AS pat of Adams County Government, our employee culture is inclusive, innovative, fun, and supportive. Benefits are fantastic to include medical, optical, and dental, numerous paid holidays, paid parental leave, free fitness center access, and tuition reimbursement.   

Learn more at https://riverdaleanimalshelter.org and adcogov.org.

The Veterinary Technician/Certified Veterinary Technician assists the Animal Shelter Veterinarian in performing high volume of spay/neuter and other surgeries for domestic animals at the Riverdale Animal Shelter. Under direction of the Shelter Veterinarian, candidate manages the care of sick and injured animals within the shelter, performs dental cleanings and administers medications, vaccinations, and medical treatments. Candidate also assists in keeping accurate medical records in the animal shelter software database.

The Department has elected to consider a range of experience for this vacancy. A candidates’ qualifications will determine the level at which they are hired. 

Veterinary Technician: $19.00 – 25.96/hour $38,580.29-$54,012.41/annually

Certified Veterinary Technician: $19.66-$57.52/hour $40,895.11-$57,253.15/annually

Examples of Duties for Success

• Preps animals for anesthesia and surgical procedures.
• Intubate patients, monitor anesthesia, perform venipuncture, place intravenous catheters, and administer fluids as necessary.
• Prepare and sterilize surgical packs.
• Utilize proper animal handling techniques.
• Maintain safe, secure, and healthy environment by sanitizing and disinfecting holding and surgical areas.
• Performs dental cleanings and radiographs.
• Assists Shelter Veterinarian in performing physical examinations of shelter pets.
• Accurately records exam findings and treatment plans into shelter database.
• Ensures treatment plans are communicated to staff and are carried out appropriately.
• Keeps accurate records of follow up examinations.
• Perform daily rounds of sick and injured animals, make appropriate notes on progress, and schedule Vet Checks on animals of concern.
• Provide excellent patient care.
• Administer injections, vaccinations, medications, treatments and supportive care as indicated by Standard Operating procedures and Shelter Veterinarian.
• Work closely with Foster Coordinator to ensure timely and quality care of foster pets.
• Monitor supplies, places orders, and verifies receipt of supplies.
• Maintain controlled drug inventories and usage logs up to date and in accordance with DEA requirements.
• Perform humane euthanasia.
• Able to work well both independently and as a part of a team.
• Perform full range of Animal Care Technician duties as required.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications for Success

• Strong commitment to the humane treatment of animals.
• Must possess excellent animal handling skills. Experience with fear-free, low-stress handling techniques a plus.
• Knowledge of general principles of animal care to include feeding, cleaning, medicating, and monitoring.
• Ability to understand and implement safe work practices.
• Ability to operate equipment and other tools used in a surgical and health care environment.
• Proper use of syringes and ability to safely provide vaccinations.
• Proficiency in performing laboratory diagnostics.
• Ability to work in an emotionally taxing field and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to maintain a high level of personal accountability, set priorities; and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to perform humane euthanasia and become certified in performing humane euthanasia.
• Must be willing to support and communicate Riverdale Animal Shelter euthanasia policies and decisions.
• Computer skills: Basic computer and data entry skills. Knowledge of Chameleon® operating system a plus.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

More Qualifications for Success

Veterinarian Technician:

Experience: 

• 1 year of experience as a Veterinary Technician in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, veterinary hospital, or other animal housing and care facility to include (zoos, rehabilitation centers or labs) is required.

OR

• Ability to graduate from an accredited school of Veterinary Technology (2 or 4-year program) within six months of hire date.

Education and Training:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent required.

License or Certificate: None.

Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.

• Education and Training:
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent required.
• Certification as a veterinary technician preferred, but not required.

Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.

Certified Veterinarian Technician:

Experience:

• 1 year of experience as a Veterinary Technician in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, veterinary hospital, or other animal housing and care facility to include (zoos, rehabilitation centers or labs) is preferred.

Education and Training:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent required.
• Graduation from an accredited school of Veterinary Technology (2 or 4-year program).

License or Certificate: Must be Certified/Licensed/Registered Veterinary Technician.

Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.

Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment for both positions:

• Work Environment:
  • Work is performed in shelter surgery suite, throughout shelter and in internal office settings.
  • Exposure to barking, zoonotic diseases, potentially fearful/fractious animals and/or animal bites/scratches. Exposure to cleaning agents.
  • Work can be emotionally taxing.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds.
  • Frequent computer use.
  • Potential for standing, walking, sitting for extended periods of time. Bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, pulling, pushing, and cleaning.
  • Regular animal handling and restraint.
  • Handling of syringes and needles.