ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN
DEFINITION:
Under the supervision of a veterinarian, cares for and treats sick or injured animals; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Renders treatment of sick or injured animals as directed by the veterinarian.
Administers prescribed medication as directed by the veterinarian.
Observes the behavior and condition of animals, monitors their clinical symptoms and reports findings to the veterinarian.
Performs preliminary examinations of animals to determine symptoms of disease or injury, and reports findings to the veterinarian.
Operates x-ray equipment.
Restrains animals during exams or procedures.
Administers emergency first aid, such as emergency resuscitation or other life-saving procedures.
Collects, prepares, and labels samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination.
Performs laboratory tests to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
Prepares and administers medications, vaccines, serums, or other treatment, as prescribed by the veterinarian.
Prepares the operating area for surgical procedures.
Assists the veterinarian in the preparation of animals for surgical procedures.
Assists the veterinarian during surgical procedures by sterilizing instruments, securing supplies, providing requested surgical instruments, and disinfecting and cleaning operating areas, and equipment.
Cares for and monitors the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
May administer anesthesia, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to the anesthetics.
Assists with animal euthanasia and the authorized disposal of remains.
Performs dental work, such as cleaning, polishing, or extracting teeth.
Dresses wounds and applies splints or other protective devices.
Cleans and disinfects kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, examination rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
Schedules appointments and procedures.
Provides information regarding issues such as animal health care, behavior problems, or nutrition.
Maintains controlled drug inventory and related log books.
Establishes and maintains essential records and files.
Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
Satisfactory completion of sixty (60) college credits, including twelve (12) credit hours in veterinary science/technology, animal science technology, zoology, biology, animal, husbandry, or related fields, at an accredited college or university.
NOTE: Applicants who possess (12) credit hours in veterinary sciences/technology, animal science technology, zoology, biology, animal husbandry, or related fields but who do not meet the remaining educational requirement may substitute one (1) additional year of experience as described below for each thirty (30) credit hours they are lacking.
EXPERIENCE:
One (1) year of experience in a veterinary office, animal hospital or animal shelter performing vaccinations, diagnostic tests, euthanasia, and/or various other medical treatment on animals or in work involving animal nutrition, taxonomy, animal behavior, parasitology, or bacteriology.
NOTE: Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 11A:9-11b an applicant with five (5) years of experience in a veterinary office, animal hospital, animal shelter, or other similar place of work where animals are cared for or kept performing vaccinations, diagnostic tests, euthanasia, or various other medical treatments on animals or work involving animal nutrition, taxonomy, animal behavior, parasitology, or bacteriology and who does not meet all of the education requirements shall be eligible for the Animal Health Technician job title within the Civil Service local title listing.
NOTE: A passing score on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) may be substituted for the required education and experience.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of animal care and handling.
Knowledge of the principles of normal and abnormal animal life processes.
Ability to work closely with animals and assist in their care and treatment.
Ability to assist veterinarians in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures by preparing medications and applying dressings.
Ability to gather and record information regarding cases.
Ability to prepare animals for examination and ready instruments for use.
Ability to collect various specimens and perform standardized laboratory tests.
Ability to disinfect cages and keep area in a sanitary condition.
Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
