Position Information

Shift work: 5% additional pay for evening shift work, 7.5% additional pay for night shift work; applicants must be willing to work any shift of a 24-hour period and any 5 of 7 days.

Examination Schedule

Qualified candidates will be notified of the testing date five business days prior to the examination.

Examinations

Written Exam (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of assessing the applicant’s knowledge of animal behavior, anatomy, common animal diseases, care and feeding of animals, cleaning and disinfecting methods; cleaning procedures and appropriate cleaning agents, supplies and equipment; techniques of administering medications and treatments to animals; general surgical procedures and equipment used in animal health; inventorying and maintaining pharmaceutical supplies and equipment and other relevant topics.

Applicants must attain at least 70% score on each phase of the exam process.

If the number of qualified candidates is insufficient to merit a written exam, the Human Resources Division will conduct an appraisal of application materials, which will be weighted at 100%.

Minimum Qualifications/Employment Standards

High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent AND one (1) year of education, training, and/or experience sufficient to obtain the knowledge and skill to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Qualifying work experience may include the care and handling of animals in an animal care clinic, kennel, or animal care setting.

Volunteer experience may be qualifying if confirmed in writing from a recognized organization.

Other Requirements

Incumbents are required to successfully complete a Department approved course leading to a certification in Euthanasia by Injection within the first six (6) months of hire or promotion.
Incumbents are required to successfully obtain a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP) through the California Veterinary Medical Board within the first six (6) months of hire or promotion.
Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Driver's License.
Applicants qualifying based upon volunteer experience must attach a letter, on the organization's letterhead, verifying the following:
beginning and ending dates of volunteer work
hours worked per week
duties performed

This position works within the department of Animal Services. For more information about the department, please view their website here .

Full Job Description for: Veterinary Assistant

About Kern County

Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.

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Growth Mindset

We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.

Additional Information

Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.

A background check may be conducted for this classification.

Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.

This examination will establish an eligible list from which an immediate appointment will be made at the department of Animal Services. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed.

Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.

For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page .

Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Kern County

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Veterinary Assistant - Shift - Animal Services