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Posted: January 1, 2026 (14 days ago)

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Registered Veterinary Technician – PER DIEM - Coachella, CA

County of Riverside

Animal Services

Recent

Location

Salary

$38.38 - $38.38

per hour

Closes

Not specified

Job Description

Summary

This per diem job involves helping with animal health checks, preparing for and assisting in surgeries like spaying and neutering, and providing care to shelter animals in Coachella, California.

You'll support veterinarians by monitoring animals during and after procedures, handling emergencies, and communicating with pet owners about their animals' well-being.

It's a great fit for someone compassionate about animal welfare with hands-on experience in veterinary care who can work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Key Requirements

  • Valid Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) certification
  • Experience performing routine animal checkups and vital sign monitoring
  • Ability to assist in surgical preparations, anesthesia, and post-operative care
  • Skills in drawing blood, administering medications, and providing first aid
  • Comfort handling animals during examinations and emergencies
  • Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
  • Knowledge of sterilizing instruments and maintaining medical supplies

Full Job Description


The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has an opportunity for a Registered Veterinary Technician - Per Diem to fill current and future vacancies in Coachella, California.

The Registered Veterinary Technician will be responsible for performing routine animal checkups and providing support during emergencies.

Duties include communicating with pet owners to determine changes in their pet's health and well-being, for example, changes in activity levels and/or diet, checking an animal’s weight, heartbeat and other vitals to record in patient files, drawing blood samples or administering medications.

Responsibilities will also include preparing instruments and medical supplies for Veterinary Surgeon's use, preparing animals for sterilization surgery and assisting with anesthesia and monitoring animals during surgical sterilization, observing animals after surgery to detect any post surgical complications and documenting/elevating as necessary.

A Registered Veterinary Technician may be required to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays.

The Registered Veterinary Technician is the first professional level classification in the Registered Veterinary Technician series and reports to a Supervising Registered Veterinary Technician.
Meet the Team!
The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has a vision for promoting an environment of responsible pet ownership through progressive animal welfare initiatives, community outreach, and humane education in a culture of compassion, creativity, and integrity.

The Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each one of their employees who strive to meet the highest standards of performance and compassion on behalf of the animals and people that they serve. The Department of Animal Services operates four shelters located in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto and Thousand Palms.

TAP Benefits:
https://www.rc-hr.com/Find-A-Job/Job-Searching/Temporary-Medical-Assignment-Program/TAP-Benefits

Requirements

• Assist a Veterinary Surgeon in the administration of physical examinations to determine surgical fitness of animals by handling animals during the examination.

• Prepare instruments and medical supplies for Veterinary Surgeon's use; prepare animals for sterilization surgery and assist with anesthesia procedures.

• Provide the Veterinary Surgeon with supplies needed during the sterilization surgery of animals; provide support for any emergencies that might arise.

• Monitor animals during surgery as needed; observe animals after surgery to detect any abnormal behavior or physical symptoms and report findings to the Veterinary Surgeon.

• Clean and prepare surgical packs and instruments for sterilization prior to surgery; provide general care for and feed animals.

• Under direction, render first aid, medical treatments, and therapy as required for hospitalized animals.

• Assist with the admittance and discharge of animals to and from clinic.

• Assist in training clinic personnel; order necessary materials and medications required by the Spay and Neuter Facility and Shelter.

• Assist with filling prescriptions; assist spay and neuter staff with daily operations.

• Observe general shelter population for illness and/or injury.

• Assist veterinarians in treating shelter animals, including a variety of exotic animals, through the restraining and managing of many different species.

Qualifications

Education
Successful completion of the education necessary to obtain the required certification issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board.

Experience
One year of paid or voluntary experience working in a kennel, veterinary or animal shelter facility.

Certification
Possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Veterinary Technician issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board.

Other Requirements
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License; completing a series of three Rabies vaccines within 30 days of employment; exposure to animal smells, dander, excrement, fluids and wounds; independent body mobility to stand and move up to seven hours daily, perform lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling up to 50 pounds in weight with or without reasonable accommodation.

Knowledge Of
Safe, humane and efficient methods for the care and treatment of small animals, particularly dogs and cats; equipment and procedures used at a veterinary clinic; physical and behavioral characteristics of small animals; substances and methods used to clean and disinfect animal habitats.

Ability To
Care for small animals; recognize abnormal behavioral and physical symptoms in small animals; safely handle and maintain clinic medical instruments and equipment; deal tactfully and effectively with the public; maintain simple records and prepare reports as necessary.

Other Requirements

License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required.

Possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Veterinary Technician issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board.

Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis may be required within 30 days of employment.


Additional Information

Contact Cindy Mendez at cmendez@rivco.org with any questions regarding this recruitment.




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Posted on NEOGOV: 1/1/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/2/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-riverside-5180682