Lead Veterinary Assistant

The Animal Services Department is seeking a compassionate and innovated Lead Veterinary Assistant to join our team! Our mission is to create a PAWsitive impact by enriching the lives of animals and people. We accomplish this by caring for thousands of animals (domestic and wildlife) annually and working to reunite them with their owners, assisting our residents with various animal related concerns. When you join Team RC, you can expect to be working in a fast-paced environment with a dedicated and committed team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect and serve the animal and people in our community.

This position might be perfect for you if:

• You have a passion for Veterinary Medicine and the desire to expand your knowledge and skills.
• You want to make a distinct contribution to the community you serve.
• You have a passion for helping people and pets.
• You can juggle multiple tasks while staying organized and paying attention to detail.
• You are compassionate and empathetic, but realistic.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• You have a knack for communication and a strong commitment to excellent customer service.
• You are excited to teach others and help build an all-star team.

You'll be responsible for:

• Assisting the Veterinarian and Sr. Registered Veterinary Technician with administrative duties such as working with vendors, ordering supplies, helping maintain inventory, equipment maintenance/repair, and animal record management.
• Providing guidance and oversight to parti-time Veterinary Assistants, Animal Attendants, and Volunteers.
• Administering immunizations and medications via various routes as indicated/prescribed such as orally, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous.
• Demonstrating proficient animal handling skills and assist other team members with handling difficult animals when needed.
• Performing in-house diagnostic tests and collections of samples.
• Assisting the Veterinary Technician in surgery with surgical preparation, monitoring, and recovery of patients.
• Performing and recording thorough patient assessments including animals BCS, temperature, pulse, and respiration.
• Performing intake examinations and notifying the Veterinarian of any concerns.
• Collecting samples for laboratory submission and analysis.
• Cleaning and husbandry for all sick and hospitalized patients and adhering to isolation procedures.
• Performing and documenting observations for animals entering and leaving the Animal Center.
• Counseling the public on animals with special ongoing medical conditions. Confidence when translating complex information in a simplified manner to those less familiar is a must.
• Performing humane euthanasia of sick, injured or aggressive animals when necessary.

For more information on this position please visit the job description here.


RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE Application Deadline: Thursday, April 23, 2026Application Screening completed by: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Tentative 1st Panel Interview: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
**All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the personnel officer**

Please Note:Team RC Perks may vary by department and position. Due to the nature of work in our Animal Center, some perks such as flexible schedules, remote work, bringing your dog to work, and baby on board accommodations may not be available for this role.

Education and/or Experience:
Equivalent to graduation from high school and 2 years recent experience working with domestic animals in a veterinary environment. At least two years of experience working at an animal hospital or animal shelter as a veterinary assistant is highly desirable.

License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C or Class 3 California Driver’s License and have a satisfactory driving record.

Possession of a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of various breeds of dogs, cats and other domestic animals; principles of animal behavior, care and husbandry; customer service practices; basic principles of recordkeeping; office organization and cleaning, ability to effectively restrain animals for medical exams; cleaning animal kennels; safe driving principles and practices.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely; operate computer equipment, office equipment and software programs; administer injections and medications to all types of animals; handle animals in a safe and caring manner; learn, understand, and interpret rules and regulations governing the impounding and release of animals; recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior; prepare and maintain accurate and complete records; meet and deal tactfully and effectively with the public; respond to requests and inquiries for information regarding animal services; work independently in the absence of supervision; understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including staff, the public and health care professionals.

Special Requirements:

Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, and on-call basis.

APPLICATION PROCESS
All applicants are required to apply online atwww.cityofrc.us.This position will close on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 5:00 pm.

Applications must be complete and demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. Resumes may be attached to completed application form as supplemental information and will not be accepted in lieu of an official application form. Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates who best match the needs of the City will be invited to compete further in the examination process. All candidates will be notified of their application status by email throughout the recruitment process. Candidates invited to compete in the examination process, who successfully pass the examination process, will be place on an eligibility list. The candidate on the eligibility list who most closely meets the requirements of the City may be selected to receive a final offer. The City may conclude that none of the candidates, even those who meet the minimum qualifications, are appropriate for the position.

Successful candidates shall be required to:

• Pass a reference and background verification. References will not be contacted until a mutual interest has been established, and
• Provide proof of a valid California driver's license and be insurable; and
• Degree Verification; and
• Pass a pre-employment medical exam

If hired, candidate will be required to complete a verification form designated by Immigration and Naturalization Service to certify that they are eligible for employment in the United States of America and furnish proof certifying legal authorization to work in the United States.

The City of Rancho Cucamonga Participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In accordance, the City will provide the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information regarding E-Verify, the Federal Government's online employment eligibility verification system, please visitwww.uscis.gov.

Disclaimers
The City of Rancho Cucamonga is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In addition, the City of Rancho Cucamonga abides by a nepotism policy that may preclude you from being hired if the City employs a relative. The City of Rancho Cucamonga makes reasonable accommodations for disabled persons, considering each situation on an individual basis. Please make direct requests for accommodation to Human Resources. For information on Employee Rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act, please clickhere(Download PDF reader). City Offices and vehicles. Finally, please note that the provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Questions regarding this recruitment may be directed to Human Resources at Careers@CityofRC.us. Applicants may wish to visit the City's official website atwww.cityofrc.usfor more information.