General Recruitment Information

Recruitments for County positions are typically conducted to establish eligibility lists to fill countywide vacancies that occur during the active status of those lists (approximately 3 -12 months).  Any person on a promotional eligibility list will be considered first by the hiring department(s) before persons on an open eligibility list.  
   
The County of Lake only accepts applications for permanent positions when actively recruiting.  Only online applications are accepted.  It is the responsibility of each applicant to review the full job description and requirements.
 
The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer.  Veteran's Preference.
 
To apply for County examinations - All applications for County examinations must be submitted through the County's online application system.  A completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each online application.  All permanent County recruitments will be posted at www.co.lake.ca.us with a link to the online application. The County of Lake reserves the right to limit the number of applications that will be accepted for any open recruitment, and any such limit will be included on the job posting.  When a limit is posted, the recruitment is subject to close at any time prior to the final filing date.  Completed online application packets must be submitted by the close of business on the date that the recruitment closes.  All relevant experience must be included on the application to be considered – resumes and other attached documents will not be used to qualify an applicant.  Relevant experience and/or education may be substituted at a ratio of 2 to 1 for the purpose of meeting minimum qualifications and applicants should contact the Human Resources department for details.
Important Notice - The provisions listed on job postings, job descriptions, or other recruitment materials do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Benefits may vary between bargaining units.  Any provisions contained within job postings, job descriptions or other recruitment material may be modified or revoked without notice. All County of Lake applicants who are given a conditional employment offer must comply with the County's pre-employment medical review program before they may be appointed to the County position.

Application and Testing Information

Sign-On incentive 
This position may qualify for a Sign-On incentive. The appropriate Department Head with the County of Lake can request a Sign-On Incentive payment of 10% of the annual rate of pay to a newly appointed employee not to exceed $10,000.00, if the position meets qualifications. The hiring incentive will be made in two (2) payments (the total amount to be split in half). The first payment will be made to an employee within the next available pay period following the initial, first time hire of the employee with the County of Lake. The second payment will be made upon successful completion of employment probation. 

Minimum Qualifications

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Education and Experience:

Registration as a Registered Veterinary Technician by the California Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine.

AND

Six (6) months of full-time experience assisting a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment to animals, including surgical procedures and medical examinations, in a veterinary hospital or shelter clinic setting.

Full Job Description

REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, plans, organizes, coordinates, manages, and assists in the medical treatment and spaying and neutering of shelter animals; works closely with the facility veterinarian in providing medical treatment, spaying, and neutering services; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This specialized class manages, organizes, monitors, and assists in the Animal Shelter Medical Program.  Incumbents are expected to know and apply federal, state, and County regulations concerning all issues of performing Registered Veterinary Technician work and animal hospital management, including inventory and Drug Enforcement Agency requirements for mandatory drug logs.  This classification is unique in that it reports to the Facility Veterinarian which may be a contract position for medical treatment protocols while reporting to the Animal Care and Control Director and/or Deputy Animal Care and Control Director for daily facility management.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from an assigned supervisor.  Exercises no direct supervision over staff.  May provide technical and functional direction to assigned staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Plans daily treatment schedule in order to minimize veterinarian down time.
• Assists with surgeries.
• Tends to and treats sick and injured animals as required by the established Veterinarian/Registered Veterinarian Technician treatment protocols.
• Performs euthanasia in accordance with established policies and California law when required.
• Maintains and manages a small treatment facility, including assisting in medical procedures, inventory control, maintenance, and cleaning.
• Works closely with other staff to maintain a manageable animal population in the treatment facility during times of surgery or exams.
• Completes written reports for management on those animals receiving treatment and provides daily updates on any ongoing medical treatment issues.
• May assist with shelter duties if needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: 

• Aseptic surgical techniques, animal care, and husbandry.
• Anesthesia techniques.
• Sterilization and surgical pack preparation procedures.
• Disease symptoms of domestic animals.
• Euthanasia techniques.
• Procedures to perform prophylactic evaluations, cleanings, and uncomplicated tooth extractions.
• Procedures used to control and administer pharmaceuticals.
• State and local codes, ordinances, and regulations governing quarantine, impounding, care, and disposal of animals.
• Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Applicable business equipment and software applications.
• Customer service principles and techniques. 
• Written and oral communications skills.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

Ability to:

• Prepare animals for surgery, assist with surgery, and care for animal’s post-surgery.
• Induce and monitor animals given anesthesia as prescribed by law.
• Sterilize equipment used in the animal treatment facility.
• Identify normal and abnormal animal behavior and symptoms of rabies and other animal disorders.
• Euthanize animals.
• Control and safely handle pharmaceuticals used in the care and handling of animals and disinfectants in the cleaning of animal habitats.
• Microchip animals.
• Perform prophylactic evaluations, cleanings, and uncomplicated tooth extractions.
• Read, interpret, and apply applicable rules, regulations, codes, laws, and ordinances governing the control and humane treatment of animals.
• Use a computer to prepare and maintain written records.
• Speak English and communicate clearly, confidently, and persuasively to a variety of audiences from different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Explain the legal requirements accurately and tactfully.
• Follow established procedures and directions while working independently.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting critical deadlines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Education and Experience:

Registration as a Registered Veterinary Technician by the California Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine.

AND

Six (6) months of full-time experience assisting a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment to animals, including surgical procedures and medical examinations, in a veterinary hospital or shelter clinic setting.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents generally work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions and partially in the field.  As such, incumbents may have occasional exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and direct exposure to hazardous physical conditions.  Incumbents may also be subject to clients or members of the public afflicted with behavioral disorders or who are under emotionally stressful conditions.  

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.  Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.  Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met. 

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.  

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.    

Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. 

Incumbents are subject to shift work as assigned, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.  Standby duty is also required.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary. 

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment.  Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).  

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment.  The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein.  The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice.  Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

About County of Lake

The County of Lake is comprised of 26 departments employing a total of approximately 1000 employees. Lake County is located in Northern California and is bordered by the counties of Mendocino, Glenn, Colusa, Yolo, Sonoma, and Napa. Driving distance is about 110 miles north from San Francisco and 110 miles west from Sacramento.With Clear Lake, California's largest natural freshwater lake, at its center and Mount Konocti and the Konocti Hills providing a stunning backdrop, Lake County offers spectacular scenic beauty and unsurpassed recreational opportunities.Residents and visitors of Lake County enjoy the clean air, national forests, state parks, local parks, museums, wineries, resorts, and golf courses. The region is rich with historical, cultural and recreational opportunities. Lake County also has good schools, including modern community colleges.

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