ANIMAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

Job Specifications

Class Code:	AC6
Analyst:	ES, CJS, EM

Date Originated:	06/02
Date Revised:	5/08, 6/15

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under the general supervision of the Animal Services Coordinator or Animal Services Shelter Manager, provides routine care, exercise, basic training and medical treatment to animals in the shelter; cares for animals and assesses them for adoptability; assists in the placement of, or provides for the humane euthanasia of shelter animals; assists veterinarians in the medical treatment of or spay or neuter of animals; assists in developing protocols and implementing programs to maintain kennels in a sanitary and disease-free condition; and performs other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level classification in the care of animals at the Animal Services Authority and may serve as a lead worker to less experienced animal care staff. Responsibilities include directing and carrying out the humane euthanasia of animals according to established procedures; assisting in developing and maintaining health care and sanitation programs within the animal shelter; and assessing the adoptability or redemption of animals after their required holding periods.

TYPICAL DUTIES

Assists veterinarians in providing health care to shelter animals; may assist veterinarians in performing surgery; conducts physical examination of shelter animals to make a preliminary assessment of the nature of illness or injury; takes and records temperature, pulse, and respiration; collects and labels specimens for culture or microscopic examination; administers medications and immunizations; may oversee daily medications dispensing; determines correct procedures and substances to inject for the disposal of animals and injects animals for the purpose of euthanasia; maintains inventory of all pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and supplies; maintains records and reports; oversees and provides training to Animal Care Workers, work-release inmates, and volunteers; participates in deploying protocols for maintaining sanitary kennels and shelter facilities; prepares food and feeds shelter animals; cleans kennels and helps maintain kennels and shelter facilities; receives animals and separates for observation all animals that show signs of rabies or other diseases; assists the public in claiming, obtaining, and licensing animals; exercises and provides basic training to shelter animals; maintains effective working relationships with other agencies and the public; conducts behavioral examinations of animals at the end of their required holding period to evaluate adoptability; transports animals, supplies and equipment as directed; may inject microchips into animals; and other tasks as assigned.


EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Working knowledge of:

• Physical and behavioral characteristics of common domestic animals and livestock;
• The proper care and handling of domestic animals;
• The physical and behavioral characteristics of domestic animals;
• Breed identification;
• The symptoms of rabies and other common animal diseases;
• The safe and accurate handling of animal care medical and euthanasia equipment;
• The various techniques of safe and humane euthanasia of animals;
• Adoption guidelines and procedures;
• Definitions and common working application of adoptability and redemption standards;
• State laws and local ordinances relating to the care, treatment, and impounding of animals;
• Methods to properly clean the areas, kennels, cages, and equipment that are the responsibility of the Animal Care group.
• May assist Animal Services Coordinator by interfacing with existing and potential foster homes.

Some knowledge of:

• Methods, techniques, medications and pharmaceuticals used in the care and treatment of domestic animals;
• Basic animal related surgical procedures in order to assist a Veterinarian.

Ability to:

• Handle animals properly and safely and perform work in a humane manner;
• Conduct euthanasia of animals by direct injection;
• Recognize symptoms of rabies and other common diseases of animals;
• Properly complete necessary forms;
• Work tactfully and effectively with co-workers, staff of other agencies working with animals, and the general public;
• With the assistance of Manager, develop and foster cooperative working relationships with veterinarians in the community;
• Vaccinate animals;
• Move heavy, immobilized or resistant animals;
• Transport animals, supplies or equipment;
• Maintain inventories of food and  supplies, and advise Shelter Manager of the need to order supplies;
• Collect and record fees;
• Operate a personal computer for entering animal related data;
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers;
• Communicate effectively with animal control, and other animal services staff, other agencies, and the public, at times under stressful conditions;
• Recognize symptoms of animal-related diseases, in order to separate for observation animals showing any signs of rabies or other animal related diseases;
• Administer basic first aid;
• Handle animal carcasses;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and work experience that would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Two years of experience performing animal health care tasks for domestic animals in a veterinary office or animal shelter.

A valid Registered Veterinary Technician license issued by the California State Veterinary Medical Board may be substituted for the required experience.

Special Requirements, Conditions:

Training: Incumbent must attend and pass the Euthanasia by Injection certification course within the first six months of hire.

License: Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License.

Hours: Availability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and/or holidays, and rotational on-call duty as required.

Lifting: Incumbent must be able to lift, push/pull or carry up to 50 lbs unassisted.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to animals who may be hostile or dangerous and exposure to animal feces and urine. Incumbents will be encouraged to undergo a pre-rabies vaccination series.

Bargaining Unit: 41
Workers Comp Code: 1073
EEOC Code: 03
Occ Unit Group: 91