Senior Veterinary Technician

Nassau County is 726 square miles of natural beauty located in the northeast corner of Florida along the Atlantic Ocean and Interstate 95. With 13 miles of pristine beaches, hundreds of miles of rivers, historic downtown Fernandina Beach, and an expanding economy. The combination of rich history, rural charm, natural resources, quality-of-life, and proximity to strategic installations provides Nassau County with unparalleled potential. Part of the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area, Nassau County has a population of 101,501 and a regional population of 1.6 million, the Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) estimates that Nassau County grew by 4.92% last year ranking as the 4th fastest-growing county, by percent growth, in Florida [2nd among counties with a population of at least 80,000]. BEBR predicts Nassau County will be the sixth fastest-growing county in the State of Florida over the next 10 years with a projected population expansion of 33% resulting in over 121,600 people calling Nassau County home.

To view the position description or submit your application for consideration, visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nassaucountyfl/

Under limited supervision, is responsible for the care of animals to include ensuring clean and humane living conditions and basic medical treatment.  Position may require shift rotations, call-in after hours and/or weekends and holidays. 

- Administers basic medical treatments, including vaccinations, intestinal deworming agents (oral or topical) and other parasiticides including but not limited to heartworm prevention, flea/tick control, ear mite infection, and/or scabies/demodicosis treatment.

- Takes and records TPR (temperature, pulse, respiration).

- Collects blood, fecal, urine, ear cytology, skin cytology and other diagnostic samples.

- Performs basic diagnostic procedures and documents results as directed, including but not limited to heartworm antigen tests, fecal examinations (direct or float), urinalysis, skin scrapes, and Diff Quik or gram stain preparation of other cytology samples as appropriate.

- Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment.

- Assists with restraining, sedation and other preparations for medical procedures.

- Transfers animals to and from appropriate kennel/cattery areas during stray holds and quarantine periods as appropriate, to include placing and transferring identification papers or other items specific to that animal in an effort to prevent misplacements or losses.

- Observes and records detailed information in medical records regarding the physical signs or symptoms of any animal suspected of having rabies or other contagious or infectious diseases, and promptly provides verbal notification to the Shelter/Center Manager so that medical treatments and/or other interventions may be instituted promptly.

- Prepares and records medical histories, procedures and other pertinent medical information in the written medical record and/or appropriate shelter software program for all animals housed in the shelter.

- Performs decapitation of deceased animals suspected of having rabies.  Prepares/packages/stores samples post-decapitation and notifies appropriate shelter staff and outside agencies that sample is ready for transport in a timely fashion.

- Maintains a working inventory of veterinary medical supplies, medications, equipment, food, cleaning and other husbandry items as assigned.

- Transports animals to offsite locations including adoption events, fundraising events, other shelter or rescue facilities and veterinary/ER clinics as directed.

- Provides assistance/information to customers concerning animals available for adoption and adoption/foster policies, to include providing medical discharge information to adopters as required.

- Responds to disasters and emergencies as directed by the Animal Care and Control Director and/or Emergency Management.

- Supervises the work of subordinate personnel; supervisory duties include instructing; planning; assigning and reviewing work of others; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; recommending employee discipline and discharge; reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates performance and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers training, advice and assistance as needed.

- Receives animals being delivered to the shelter by officers and/or the public.

- Impounds and processes the animals, places them within the facility appropriately, and maintains accountability by keeping animals with their respective records.

- Assists with the feeding and cleaning of animals when needed, including providing fresh food and water appropriate to the life stage or medical needs of each animal, removing soiled bedding, sanitization of kennel areas and provides clean bedding. 

- Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co-workers, County personnel, complainants, various community/civic organizations, various Government agencies, vendors and the general public.

- Performs Euthanasia of animals

- Operates a vehicle and a variety of equipment which include a computer, fax machine, copier, calculator, telephone, two-way radio, camera, etc. 

- Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness.  Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.

- Performs related duties as required.

(These essential functions are not a complete statement of all duties required of the job. Employees will be required to perform such other related job duties as may be assigned or required.)

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by a minimum of four (4) years’ experience in animal behavior, animal handling/husbandry, biology, herd health management, laboratory technician, phlebotomy, pre-medical, pre-veterinary or veterinary technician or possess a veterinary technician certification from an accredited institution.  Must obtain a Florida Animal Control Officer Certification and Euthanasia Certification within 1 (one) year from date in position.  Must possess a valid Class E Drivers License.

The range for this position is $19.1382 - $29.1210. The County provides a comprehensive benefits program and participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) and has a 3% employee contribution requirement. Voluntary supplemental 457 deferred compensation retirement is also available. For additional benefit information, visit: https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/243/Employee-Benefits.

Nassau County is a Drug Free Workplace & Equal Opportunity Employer; Nassau County values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and that the County supports the hiring of returning service members, military spouses, and their family members as such this position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with applicable laws.