Positions in this occupational category assist and perform specialized work relating to the health care and safety of animals, livestock and the public, which includes disease surveillance, response and eradication efforts, and perform routine inspections/audits to safeguard animal health and investigation of diseases. Positions may also perform veterinary technical work that includes, but is not limited to, assisting in surgery, administering anesthetics and injections, drawing blood, performing routine radiology and laboratory analysis of specimens, and conducting inspections associated with disease control and eradication, and providing science-based information, education, outreach, and communication.

This is the entry level of the series. Positions perform veterinary technical specialized work involved in a variety of animal health programs under close supervision. Positions are responsible for assisting with a variety of inspection functions associated with disease control or eradication, or assisting in surgery, administering anesthetics and injections, drawing blood, performing routine radiology and laboratory analysis of specimens.

Performs routine radiology procedures and processes films;

Assists in animal surgery;

Prepares animals for surgery, radiography, application of splints and casts and electro-cardiography;

Monitors vital signs after surgery or serious injury;

Collects and analyzes samples of blood, urine and feces;

Maintains records;

Assists with routine inspection and testing of livestock, poultry, and other avian species on ranches, farms, auctions, markets, etc., to detect animal diseases and parasites;

Monitors livestock owner’s cleaning and disinfection of vehicles and premises which may be contaminated by disease organisms and enforces biosecurity principles and disposition of deceased animals;

Coordinates with area livestock owners to arrange for tests and/or inspection of livestock;

Coordinates testing with laboratories and collects and ships samples;

Explains testing and animal disease eradication programs to local health authorities, livestock producers, livestock sales yards, and the general public;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: poultry and/or the livestock industry; livestock handling equipment; public livestock market operations; animal care; animal care tools, medicines, and techniques; quality control procedures; leadership skills; medical records.

Ability to: handle livestock and poultry in a safe manner; safety protocols; teach and model veterinary nursing care; instruct others on technical skills required; manage up to an American Society of Anesthesiologists 2 level case with minimal support; act as a patient advocate.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Associate degree from an accredited school of animal technology.

OR

Registration, certification or licensure in an animal or veterinary technician field and one year experience in the animal, avian, or veterinary field.

New class consolidates 4891 Veterinary Technician, 45880 Veterinary Technician; effective June 1, 2005.
Base range salary adjustment (from 37 to 42); revised class series concept, definition, typical work, knowledge and abilities, and qualifications: adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.