Animal Services Assistant (Part-Time)

Feeds, waters, and provides basic treatment and care for all impounded animals, including small animals, exotics, barnyard animals, large livestock, equines, and any other animals impounded at the County Animal Services Center; Cleans and disinfects animal enclosures, equipment, and other animal accessible areas of the Animal Services Center;Visually conducts inspections and monitors animals to identify and document potential medical issues, abnormal behaviors, and/or temperaments, and notifies Veterinarian staff of any issues;Processes animals entering and leaving the Animal Services Center and maintains related records;Under the direction of the Veterinarian, prepares dosages and administers medication to animals, administers IV fluids, draws blood, and obtains laboratory samples for testing; Facilitates placement suitability by acquainting pets with potential adopters; provides information on the animal, counsel prospective pet owners on common behavioral issues, pet rehoming, advice to prevent pet surrender, and additional resources available after adoption;Provides behavioral and recreational activities for housed animals;Maintains records and case files, including but not limited to information regarding pick-up and release dates, quarantines, adoptions, disposals, and the status of all animals assigned to the Animal Services Center;Under direction of a Veterinarian, quarantines animals, as needed;Issues animal licenses, collects fees, and issues receipts for services provided;Conducts animal euthanasia, as directed by a Veterinarian;Performs basic grooming for animals, such as bathing, clipping hair, and trimming nails; Transports housed animals for veterinary care to foster homes, off-site adoption events, and between animal welfare organizations;Administers vaccinations and implants microchips in housed animals;Prepares lost and found reports from information received from the public and assists in reunification of lost pets with their owners;Answers inquiries regarding laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to animal control and animal services in a courteous and professional manner; Handles deceased animals, disinfectant chemicals, and sharps; May be responsible for operation of the Animal Services Center in the temporary absence of a supervisor;May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required*;Performs other related duties, as required.

Qualifications Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities.Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to a high school diplomaandSix (6) months of experience working in an animal shelter, animal hospital, boarding facility, animal training facility, rescue facility, refuge facility, or closely related facility handling, caring for, and treating a large number of animals.

(Private ownership of animals is not considered qualifying experience.)Special RequirementsVeterinarian Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP) issued by the State of California Veterinary Medical Board and Euthanasia by Injection Certification must be obtained during the probationary period.

Euthanasia by Injection Certification must be obtained during the probationary period. Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work.

If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.*As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help.

A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.Knowledge of:Care and feeding of animals; Cleaning and disinfecting methods for animal cages, pens, and enclosures;Physical and behavioral characteristics of domestic animals;Techniques for administering medications and treatments to various animals;Common computer systems and applications; Customer service principles, including maintaining a professional, courteous demeanor;Basic record keeping; Basic math.Ability to:Work independently;Work with and handle animals safely, properly, and humanely;Learn symptoms of common animal diseases;Perform animal euthanasia;Learn rules and regulations governing animal control and explain them to the public;Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies;Understand and accurately follow written and oral instructions and procedures;Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;Perform monetary transactions;Maintain accurate manual and computerized records.

Additional Information Must be able to lift objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.