Registered Veterinary Technician

The Position **Filing Period Extended**
Why join the Contra Costa Animal Services Department? Contra Costa County's Animal Services Department is committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all people and animals in our community. We prioritize life-saving as our guiding principle. We will shelter homeless, abandoned, and lost animals, work to keep and place animals in safe, caring homes, and provide education and services to enhance the lives of people, and their animal companions, and to strengthen the human-animal bond.

We are seeking one (1) Registered Veterinary Technical professional ready to diversify their veterinary career in shelter medicine. Individuals may be assigned to the Spay Clinic or to any CCAS Animal Shelter. Discover with us how to go beyond being a veterinary professional who loves animals and make a difference by improving the lives of our community's homeless pets and educating the public that we serve.

Watch this video to see what it is like to work for us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qPCtCped9Q&list=PLe0z9IiTF1GUGjO5993c68v6SQCxt7lti&index=3

Future Salary Increases:
July 1, 2024: 5%
July 1, 2025: 5%
*Plus any potential merit increases

We are looking for someone who is:

• A skilled clinical technician. You will be expected to assist Veterinarians in medical, and surgical pre-operative/post-operative procedures in the Spay clinic, Shelter Treatment Room, or in any CCAS Animal Shelter. You will triage animals and assist in treatments.
• Aware of critical care and shelter operations. You will be expected to work alongside Veterinarians, and other animal health care experts, and have knowledge of general veterinary medical practices/procedures to treat severely injured and/or sick animals.
• An effective communicator . You will communicate with various County clients.
• Caring and compassionate. You will handle and treat sick or injured animals.
• A team player! You will be a part of a great, collaborative team.
• A strong problem solver. You will encounter unexpected or challenging situations.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Assisting in the physical examination of animals prior to surgery or treatment, surgical prep, and post-operative care for a wide variety of surgical procedures including spay/neuter
• Inducing and monitoring anesthesia
• Triaging and treating injured or sick animals and caring for them in a humane way
• Maintaining and administering veterinary pharmaceuticals
• Using a computer to maintain medical records and patient information
• Working around sick, injured, or unruly animals in a loud environment
• Interacting with the public and other shelter staff regularly
• Lead other RVT's and VA's in surgery or treatment room when assigned

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will be a part of a bigger movement in animal welfare
• You will make a difference in the lives of animals and the public!
• We offer excellent health and retirement benefits
• You will never be bored!
• We have a diverse work environment

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• There may be multiple, simultaneous processes that happen between divisions to address zoonotic exposure and outbreaks
• You may need to partner with teammates to address patient treatment and administer medications for up to 100 animals daily
• You will need to understand County Ordinances regarding criminal cases
• In the summer, (foster and in-house) population can reach up to 570 animals

Competencies Required:

• Oral Communication : Engaging effectively in dialogue and communicating effectively
• Professional and Technical Expertise : Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Teamwork : Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Innovative Problem Solving : Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new ways to do business
• Customer Focus : Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Mathematical Facility: Performing computations and solving mathematical problems
• Attention to detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Action & Results Focus: (Taking Initiative) Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishments
• Delegating: Sharing responsibility, authority, and accountability
• Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
• Manual Dexterity: Uses senses, hands, and fingers to manipulate objects quickly and efficiently
• Environmental Exposure Tolerance: Performing under physically demanding conditions
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six months. Minimum Qualifications

License: Candidates must possess and maintain throughout the duration of employment a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

License : Candidates must possess and maintain throughout the duration of employment a valid license as a Registered Veterinary Technician issued by the State of California Veterinary Medical Board.

Selection Process

• Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
• Oral Interview: An oral assessment (interview) will be conducted to measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. In the Oral Assessment, candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the competencies, as well as an overall passing score of 70% or higher. These may include but are not limited to Professional and Technical Expertise, Innovative Problem Solving, and Teamwork. (Weighted 100%)
• Final Selection Interviews: These will be scheduled by the department once the eligible list is established.

Tentative Dates:
Oral Interview - Week of Oct 23, 2023 The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices. For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Sanyukta Singh at sanyukta.singh@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.
CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources Department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits