Registered Veterinary Technician

Job Description:

Registered Veterinary Technician

Description

Description/Special Instructions

The City of Elk Grove is currently accepting applications for

REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

The City of Elk Grove is looking for a Registered Veterinary Technician who is currently licensed in the state of California, or who has the ability to obtain a licensure by the time of initiation of the pre-employment background process, with training or experience supporting high volume spay/neuter surgery of dogs, cats, and rabbits. The ideal candidate will be efficient, detail oriented and will enjoy a fast-paced work environment. Familiarity with shelter medicine is preferred, but we are willing to train the right person. The schedule for this position is Wednesday - Saturday from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)
Filing Deadline: June 22, 2026 by 11:59 PM
Oral Board Interviews: June 30, 2026 (Virtual)
Selection Interviews: July 6, 2026 (In Person)

The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, on-site wellness classes, a deferred compensation match and more.

Community Profile
Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 178,124 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year. Elk Grove Jobs

Representative Duties

Under general supervision, assists the veterinarian in the performance of medical procedures including surgical preparation, monitors patient vitals, and assists in recovery of animals; evaluates the health of animals housed at the City's Animal Shelter; maintains and updates medical records; assists with euthanasia process; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from supervisor title or assigned management or supervisory personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing technical duties in support of animal care, treatment, and overall welfare. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Lifts, moves, and/or carries animals, applies restraints as needed; handles frightened, fractious, and injured animals; conducts health evaluations of animals; perform routine testing for disease as needed; clean and medicate for ringworm; administers injections of medication, vaccinations, tranquilizers, or other drugs; performs nail trimmings and implants microchips.
  
• Prepares clinic to perform medical procedures including ordering medical supplies; sterilizing and maintaining surgical packs; performing routine cleaning and general maintenance of medical equipment, facilities, and animal enclosures; conducts routine cleaning of medical instruments and laundered items.
  
• Prepares animals for surgery; administers anesthesia induction by inhalation or intravenous injection; assists veterinarian with surgery; performs post-surgery monitoring.
  
• Performs physical examination of animals and makes preliminary determination of the nature of an illness or injury; sutures wounds and performs minor medical procedures; takes and records temperature, pulse, and respiration.
  
• Collects and labels samples and specimens for culture, microscopic examination, and laboratory testing.
  
• Performs euthanasia of animals, in accordance with established laws and departmental policy; disposes of euthanized animals in accordance with established departmental procedure.
  
• Provides food and water for each animal under care; observes food consumption to ensure animals' overall health; administers medication as directed; maintains proper drug logs in accordance with established laws and departmental policy.
  
• Assists with the cleaning of cages and kennels; exercises animals; replaces bedding, toys, and litter pans; maintains animal health in medical areas including isolation and intensive care unit (ICU).
  
• Maintains documentation related to animal's health, treatment, and suitability for adoption; updates surgical or procedural records.
  
• Orders and receives controlled drugs; maintains controlled drug logs in accordance with established laws and department policy.
  
• May render emergency animal health care at the scene of an emergency.
  
• Provides information and assists members of the public, including individuals who may be angry, hostile, or distraught, in search of lost or adoptable pets according to established laws and departmental procedures.
  
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Animal breeds, species, illnesses, vaccines, conditions, terms, behaviors.
  
• Animal related codes and laws pertaining to care and welfare.
  
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
  
• Physical and behavioral characteristics of various animal species.
  
• Practices, methods, and materials used in cleaning animal facilities.
  
• Aseptic surgical techniques, animal care and husbandry.
  
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
  
• Procedures to perform prophylactic evaluations, cleanings, and uncomplicated tooth extractions.
  
• Procedures used to control, administer, and provide proper dosage of pharmaceuticals.
  
• Safe and humane animal handling principles and practices.
  
• Sterilization and surgical pack preparation procedures.
  
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
  
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
  
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
  
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
  
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
  

Ability to:

• Provide affection and concern for animals.
  
• Utilizes public relations techniques to interact with internal and external customers, including responding to general inquiries and complaints.
  
• Effectively represent the City to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit.
  
• Utilize sterile technique and prepare animal aseptically.
  
• Proper storage, control, and disposal of pharmaceuticals.
  
• Independently handle and care for animals housed in the City's Animal Shelter.
  
• Learn to euthanize animals in a humane manner.
  
• Learn to operate the equipment used in handling various types of animals.
  
• Techniques of safe practices for transporting, lifting, and carrying sedated animals of all sizes.
  
• Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
  
• Proper restraint of fractious, dangerous, aggressive, or otherwise feral animals.
  
• Recognize symptoms of common animal health concerns and disease.
  
• Work safely with aggressive animals and hazardous chemicals.
  
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
  
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
  
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.
  
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  

Education and Experience:

Associate degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in veterinary technology or a directly related field and one (1) year experience assisting a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment to animals in a veterinary hospital or shelter clinic setting.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license. This requirement may be waived for individuals who are unable to obtain a driver’s license due to a disability.
  
• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of pre-employment background process initiation, registration as a Veterinary Technician by the California Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine.
  

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

When assigned to a field environment:

Must possess mobility to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, and grasp; to climb and descend ladders; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confining spaces and around machines; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate the above-mentioned tools and equipment. Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, or heavier weights with proper equipment and assistance from other staff. The work requires the wear and use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees predominately work in an office environment with moderate to loud noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. Employees may be exposed to chemical substances, radiations (x-ray), zoonotic diseases and animal blood. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Employees may be required to work extended hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

The information listed above is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478-2230. City of Elk Grove participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.



Closing Date/Time: 6/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$59,255.00 - $79,421.00 Annually