Veterinary Assistant

The Position

Why join the Contra Costa Animal Services Department?
The Animal Services Department is committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all people and animals in our community. We prioritize lifesaving as our guiding principle. We will shelter homeless, abandoned, and lost animals and provide them with medical care when needed. We work to keep and place animals in safe, caring homes. We also provide education and services to enhance the lives of people, their animal companions, and to strengthen the human-animal bond.

Want to know what it is like to work for us? Check out this video:
Shelter jobs at Contra Costa Animal Services! - YouTube

We are currently looking to add one (1) Veterinary Assistant to our dedicated team. The position will be challenging and fast-paced, but never boring!

Individuals in this role are responsible for assisting Veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians in surgical pre-operative and post-operative procedures, identifying and treating sick and injured shelter animals, and keeping the clinic and/or shelter facilities clean and sanitary.

We are looking for someone who is:

• A team player. We have a strong group and are looking for others who will work hard alongside us.
• A great communicator. We have a big team, and communication is key to success.
• Flexible. Things can change quickly, and you will need to adjust.
• Willing to learn. We work with several different breeds and animals, and we would like you to learn more about them.
• Honest. You may work independently often and will be responsible for sharing details of situations with your supervisor.
• Compassionate. There are a lot of animals that will need your care.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Preparing the operating rooms and treatment rooms, surgical instruments, medical equipment
• Medicating/Treating sick/injured animals within the shelter
• Prepping, monitoring, and recovering animals for various types of surgery
• Assisting Veterinarians during veterinary procedures
• Monitoring, triaging, and relaying important medical notes to RVTs and/or Veterinarians
• Starting/following protocols for sick/injured animals in our care regarding their treatment plans
• Husbandry and medical treatment of animals housed in our isolation wards and treatment rooms
• Feeding, cleaning, medicating, and caring for healthy, sick, or injured animals in our care
• Communicating with the public regarding post-operative care or care for sick/injured animals in our Foster Program
• Assisting in the feeding, care, and disposal of animals

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will be helping animals and people in the community
• Opportunity for career advancement
• You will work cohesively with a team of passionate individuals

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will work in a busy, fast-paced environment
• You do not always have control over the outcome of the animals you are helping

Competencies Required:

• Fact Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Environmental Exposure Tolerance: Performing under physically demanding conditions
• General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
• Manual Dexterity: Using senses, hands, and fingers in manipulating objects quickly and efficiently
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on their completion for the wellbeing of the animals under your care.
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace

To read the complete job description, please click here. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or high school proficiency certificate.

Experience: Either: One (1) year of experience as a Veterinary Technician (unlicensed) in a veterinary practice, clinic, or hospital; or one (1) year of experience as an Animal Center Technician in Contra Costa County or the equivalent in another agency, which included performing duties to handle, move and treat sick and injured animals.

Substitution: Completion of a Veterinary Assistant/Technician training program may be substituted for six (6) months of the required experience.

Certification: Appointees must obtain a valid Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP) required by the Department of Consumer Affairs Veterinary Medical Board within nine (9) months of hire. Employees are required to maintain this certification throughout the duration of their employment.

Selection Process

Application Filing and Evaluation: Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process. Veterinary Assistant Multiple-Choice Test: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the Veterinary Assistant multiple-choice assessment. The multiple-choice assessment will be administered via a web-based platform and will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the Veterinary Assistant role. These may include, but are not limited to: reading comprehension, attention to detail, professional integrity and ethics, customer focus, and teamwork. (Weighted 100%) Final Selection Interviews: TBD.

TENTATIVE EXAM DATES

Multiple Choice Test: Tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely) May 28th through June 2nd, 2025

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Lauren Ludwig at Lauren.Ludwig@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 5/16/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• Contra Costa County Human Resources Department

• 925-655-2100

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