JOB
The City of Ames is in looking for a Temporary Registered Veterinary Technician to assist Animal Control division of the Police Department from approximately July - October 2026.
Under general supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor and the advisory shelter Veterinarian of Record, the Registered Veterinary Technician provides paraprofessional veterinary medical care and treatment for animals in the care of the Ames Animal Shelter.
This position is part-time approximately 25 hours per week, flexible schedule upon mutual agreement. This schedule is subject to change as coverage is needed due to influx of animal intake and staffing limitations.
This posting is open until filled.
In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES The following duties are typical for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Animal Health
- Coordinates and conducts intake animal health care assessments on animals entering the Shelter
- Vaccinates, deworms, and provides flea treatments to animals
- Takes and records vital signs
- Administers prescribed medications and immunizations
- Conducts physical assessments for behavior/temperament
- Observes animals for signs of illness, stress or poor behavior
- Assesses animals during post-surgery recovery
- Calculates drug dosages in accordance with Veterinarian instructions
- Coordinates the collection of blood, urine, feces, tissue and other diagnostic samples
- Monitors the care of animals post-surgery and during treatment
- Schedules and transports animals off-site for Veterinarian appointments
- Communicates necessary follow-up/discharge instructions or medical information to the public, potential adopters, volunteers and staff
- Follows established clinic policies, procedures and medical protocols
- Implants microchips
- Restrains animals during examinations and laboratory procedures
- Conducts Feline Leukemia (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Heartworm Disease and other tests to help determine health status of animals
- Provides first aid and emergency treatment to animals in the absence of a Veterinarian and determines the need for immediate Veterinarian treatment
- Identifies, segregates, and isolates dangerous and/or ill/injured animals
Animal Care
- Cleans and disinfects kennels, cages, medical examination areas and animal handling equipment
- Assists with the duties and responsibilities of the Animal Control Attendant position and functions
- Feeds, waters and cares for a wide variety of animals
- Arranges for and provides appropriate species specific animal housing and nutrition
- Bathes and grooms animals as deemed necessary
- Performs minor kennel repairs or reports maintenance or repair needs
Records
- Files and maintains accurate records/logs of animals entering the Shelter
- Enters accurate data into animal control database
- Generates various reports for animals, controlled substances and other purposes
- Monitors controlled substances and use logs for legibility and accuracy
Volunteer Program
- Assists with the coordination of the volunteer training & orientation sessions with Shelter staff
- Coordinates special animal care related programs such as the foster care program
Other Essential Duties
- Assists with customer service duties as needed
- Assists Animal Control Officers or other staff with loading/unloading of animals
- Monitors, stocks and inventories medical clinic supplies
- Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with co-workers, volunteers and the public
- Prioritize needs, self-management of time, flexibility in completing tasks and always work as a team to accomplish goals/objectives
Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respect and dignity for one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Required Physical Activities:
Stooping, kneeling, crouching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Medium work requiring exertion up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Vision Requirements:
Vision must be sufficient to perform office work and precision tasks associated with animal care. Vision cannot be inhibited by color blindness or other conditions that would interfere with the reliable visual identification of individual animals.
Environmental Conditions:
The work is performed in an environment that is subject to noise, heat, cold, animal excrement and odors, animal fur/dander, internal/external parasites, fumes from disinfectant chemicals and potentially aggressive/dangerous animals. Employee is also in contact with animals of unknown origin that have the potential to bite and potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, including rabies.
Employees assigned to the Animal Control Division are required to be vaccinated for rabies (pre-exposure) within two months of the date of employment at the expense of the City of Ames.
Selection Process:
The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience; phone interview; hiring assessment; on-site interview, and completion of reference checks and a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry and motor vehicle record check, and a pre-employment physical/drug testing. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.
Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.
Depending on the number of qualified candidates, the City may forego phone interviews.
Prior history that may disqualify a candidate includes but is not limited to: criminal background, lack of integrity, dishonest behavior, failure to maintain confidential information, cash management issues, substance abuse of any kind and failure to accurately inventory, log and maintain controlled substance records.
