**Closing Date: May 6, 2026**
This class requires skilled technical work assisting in medical procedures, as well as monitoring, screening, and caring for animals in the Animal Services division. This position reports to the Animal Welfare Veterinarian and follows direction from the shelter Veterinarian on duty.
This a "mandatory testing position" that requires Drug Testing.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Ensures the safety and health of animals and co-workers by utilizing safe restraining techniques, following standard protocols, maintaining a clean, sterile, and organized treatment area and surgery suite
Assists shelter Veterinarian in surgical procedures by monitoring anesthesia, heart rate and blood pressure, running the autoclave, cleaning instruments and "gloving in " when necessary; sanitizes and prepares instruments for surgery using an autoclave
Prepares animal for surgery, performs pre and post surgical observations of animals and reports condition changes
Acts as the extra set of eyes, ears, and hands for the veterinarian to ensure the best quality animal care and to maximize the veterinarian's productivity; performs procedures that do not require veterinarian assistance, including bandaging animals, drawing up drug dosages, cleaning wounds, etc.; completes preparatory work for other procedures, assists the Veterinarian in those procedures; ensures that animals are comfortable in the clinic, and monitors hospitalized or surgically recovering animals
Performs emergency medical care to sick and injured animals; initiates advanced and basic life support by following protocols and veterinarian
Prepares veterinarian care reports, which involves documenting medical conditions and activities applied to patients, using a computer.
Communicates medical conditions with vet, adopters, animal care groups, and applicable kennel staff
Sedates and prepares animals for surgery, including weighing and shaving animals, calculating drug dosages, and preparing injections
Draws up, logs, and administers controlled substances under supervision of veterinarian, performs venipuncture to draw blood samples from animals, and runs and interprets diagnostic tests using blood samples
Collects fecal samples from animals and processes for results, uses a microscope to examine fecal flotation, and interprets and communicates results to veterinarian; performs skin scrapings from animals with skin problems, examines skin scrapings, and interprets results to determine if the animals are infected with parasitic mites; communicates test results to veterinarian
Performs euthanasia, under the direction of the Veterinarian, upon animals for medical reasons; injects into the animal an intravenous pentobarbital sodium solution
Enters medical information, such as vaccination history, medications administered, surgical procedures performed, etc. into the computer system (Chameleon)
Operates a personal computer, telephones, copiers, and other general office equipment, as necessary, to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software
Monitors inventory levels and maintains medical supply and drug inventory for entire facility and submits medical supply request to fiscal technician for processing and ordering
Maintains a sanitary environment in surgery and clinic areas by cleaning surgery and clinic areas, including cages, counters, tables, and floors
Assesses animals within shelter for adoption; assists with non-medical euthanasia, as needed; cleans and feeds animals in other kennel areas within facility, as needed; unloads feed and supplies from trucks; assists other staff members with all aspects of shelter operations (medical and non-medical)
Perform related duties as assigned
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualification Requirements:
Training and Experience:
High School Diploma or Equivalent (G.E.D.) and up to one year of experience in handling or training animals or experience as a veterinary technician; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
Licensing Requirements:
Valid driver's license from state of residence
Must be able to obtain Euthanasia Technician Certification in State of Florida, within one year of employment
Preferred Qualifications:
Florida Veterinary Medical Technician Certification
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs):
humane methods of care, restraint, and handling of animals
techniques used in the care and feeding of animals
basic procedures used in control and of animal control regulations
veterinary medical and surgical practices and procedures
operating medical equipment
communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction
recognize and identify breeds and behavioral characteristics of animals for adoption screening purposes
handle and restrain large and small animals
maintain records and compile statistical reports
adapt to new and constantly changing situations and environments
lift animals onto a table
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
County-wide Employee Responsibilities:
All Escambia County BCC employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Escambia County BCC's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies.
All Escambia County BCC employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.
Emergency Management Responsibilities:
During emergency conditions, the incumbent of this position will automatically be considered an emergency service worker. This employee is subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and is expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.
Physical Requirements:
Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, finger and hand dexterity, as well as repetitive motions.
Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, blood and other bodily fluids, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, intense noises, and travel.
Benefits/Compensation Package:
· Medical / Dental / Vision plans
· Prescription coverage
· Employee health clinic
· Employee fitness centers
· Employer-sponsored retirement plan or an investment plan
· Deferred Compensation Plan
· Flexible Spending Account(s)
· Employee Assistance Program
· Annual/Sick Leave or Paid Time Off (PTO)
· Group Life Insurance