Licensed Veterinary Technician; REVISED 2/16/24

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Licensed Veterinary Technician; REVISED 2/16/24

Salary

$39,867.60 - $55,806.12 Annually

Location

WA 99212, WA

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

23-00233

Department

SCRAPS

Opening Date

12/22/2023

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Job Summary

This position works 37.5 hours per week.

2/16/24 REVISION: Please note bold revision to minimum requirements.

This position provides routine and paraprofessional veterinary services to include surgical assistance, routine medical care and assessment/treatment of shelter animals at the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) Department, under the supervision of the Animal Services Veterinarian. Work is performed with independence, in accordance with best practices and State and Federal requirements. Work is reviewed through reports and results obtained.

TOTAL COMPENSATION: $51,031 - $71,432 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

Examples of Duties

• Assists the Veterinarian with medical and dental procedures; prepares animals for surgery; sedates and administers anesthesia; monitors anesthetized animals; assists with surgical procedures; monitors animals during recovery and after surgery.

• Prepares, sterilizes and maintains surgical packs.

• Assists Veterinarian with medical emergencies, including placement of IV catheters, monitoring of vital signs and providing fluid therapy.

• Draws up, logs and administers controlled substances under the supervision of the Veterinarian.

• Performs basic examinations of intake animals; makes preliminary assessments for veterinarian; assists in stabilizing ill and injured animals.

• Utilizing proper animal handling techniques, assists Veterinarian in restraining animals for clinical examination.

• Performs a variety of screening/diagnostic tests; collects, prepares and analyzes specimens, including blood and fecal samples, skin scrapings, etc.

• Acts as liaison between Animal Services Veterinarian and the public; accurately conveys medical history and Veterinarian’s exam findings to the public.

• Prepares and administers vaccinations, medications and minor medical treatments according to instructions and direction from the Veterinarian.

• Participates in vaccination/microchip clinics and other programs as developed and offered by SCRAPS.

• Updates and maintains electronic records, including entry of examination findings, vaccination history, medications administered, surgical procedures performed, and other medical treatment information.

• Prepares medical disclosures for adoptable animals, under supervision of the Veterinarian.

• Performs daily rounds of sick and injured animals, makes progress notes and schedules follow-up exams on animals of concern. Ensures treatment plans have been communicated to shelter operations staff and are carried out appropriately.

• Examines animals before discharge and advises owner on post-surgical care.

• Maintains a safe, secure and healthy environment by sanitizing and disinfecting exam and surgical areas.

• Monitors veterinary services supply inventory; places orders and verifies receipt of supplies. Assists with maintaining inventory of FDA controlled substances and other medications required for surgery or medical treatment.

• Performs humane euthanasia.

• Assists in supervising and training volunteers in the animal services division.

• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Animal Sciences, Business Administration, Public Administration, Criminal Justice or a related field.

• Three (3) years of experience performing duties related to the work activities and responsibilities of the position.

• Licensure as a Washington State Veterinary Technician within six (6) months of date of hire.

Selection Factors

• Knowledge of basic animal health procedures and practices.

• Knowledge of small animal anatomy, medicine and basic surgical procedures.

• Knowledge of intravenous administration of anesthetics; intubation and surgical preparation for sterile field.

• Knowledge of induction, monitoring and recovery of animals under anesthesia.

• Knowledge of animal welfare, handling, health, behavior and nutrition.

• Knowledge of humane animal treatment.

• Knowledge of safety procedures and techniques used in dealing with animals and laboratory samples.

• Knowledge of appropriate record keeping requirements for Schedule II narcotics and biohazard waste.

• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.

• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work including SCRAPS staff and leadership, local veterinarians, partner organizations and community groups, and the general public.

• Skilled in use of a personal computer.

• Ability to perform basic examinations of animals.

• Ability to handle animals under all types of conditions and situations.

• Ability to administer anesthesia, vaccines, medications and other medical treatments.

• Ability to assist with high-volume spay/neuter procedures while maintaining excellence in patient care.

• Ability to apply sterile technique while assisting during surgery.

• Ability to interact with people from various backgrounds and experience in all types of situations.

• Ability to work in an emotionally taxing field and maintain a positive attitude.

• Ability to schedule and coordinate patient care; set priorities; adapt to changing priorities.

• Ability to support and communicate SCRAPS euthanasia policies and decisions.

• Ability to display sound judgement, confidence and professionalism in high stress situations, including surgical and anesthetic emergencies.

• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate reports, records, logs and filing systems.

• Ability to maintain quality of care and attention to detail in performance of all tasks.

SPOKANE COUNTY

Employee Benefits Summary

The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change.

PAID TIME OFF

Spokane County Observed Holidays

Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.

PTO

Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.

Vacation

For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language).

Sick Leave

Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.

Other Leaves

Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.

INSURANCE BENEFITS

Medical Insurance

Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).

2023 Rates:

Premera

Employee Only: $38.04 per month

Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month

Employee & Family: $209.60 per month

Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month

Kaiser:

Employee: $35.92 per month

Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month

Employee & Family: $196.06 per month

Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month

Dental Insurance

Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.

2023 Rates:

Delta Dental Willamette Dental

Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month

Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month

Group Life Insurance

The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.

Long Term Disability Coverage

Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.

RETIREMENT

Retirement Plan (401a)

Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.

Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)

Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.

VOLUNTARY BENEFITS

AFLAC

Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.

Travel Assistance

Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.

Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)

Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance

Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.

WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS

Employee Assistance Program

Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.

Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program

Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.

Wellness Programs

There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.

Discounts

There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.

01

Please check the box that applies to your current Union status (if you are not a current Spokane County employee, please select "None of the above apply").

• I am in the open position's department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement

• I am in another department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement

• I am in a position covered by the Master Contract collective bargaining agreement (not 1553)

• I am in a position covered by another collective bargaining agreement (not 1553 or Master Contract)

• None of the above apply

  Required Question

Agency

Spokane County

Address

824 N Adams Spokane, Washington, 99260

Phone

509-477-5750

Website

http://www.spokanecounty.org/employment