Note: Provided below is a job class description and minimum qualification. To view this information for other State of Colorado positions, please visit the job classifications and minimum qualifications page.
Class Description
Valid as of: July 1, 2018
This class series uses three levels in the Health Care Services Occupational Group and describes technical support work in the field of veterinary medicine. Positions in the class series provide patient care and treatment involving the application of the technical practices of veterinary medicine.
Technical duties typically include preparing patients and operating rooms for procedures; positioning patients and assisting during surgery; administering anesthetic agents to large and small animal patients in both routine and emergency settings; performing technical aspects of diagnostic, treatment, rehabilitation and surgical techniques; monitoring health and treatment of assigned patients and intervening or providing emergency treatment as patient conditions warrant; providing critical care nursing; and/or providing health services through a specialized unit or program. The work often involves providing instruction and demonstration to veterinary care professionals, technicians and students; and, collecting and maintaining patient, clinic, research, and program data and records.
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY I C9C1XX
Concept of Class
This class describes the clearly defined level where positions follow established work procedures. Positions operate within standard guidelines and alternatives that are known and any deviation from such requires prior approval. Some assignments do not move beyond this level.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making
The decisions regularly made are at the defined level as described here. Within limits prescribed by the operation, choices involve selecting alternatives that affect the manner and speed with which tasks are carried out. These choices do not affect the standards or results of the operation itself because there is typically only one correct way to carry out the operation. These alternatives include independent choice of such things as priority and personal preference for organizing and processing the work, proper tools or equipment, speed, and appropriate steps in the operation to apply. By nature, the data needed to make decisions can be numerous but are clear and understandable so logic is needed to apply the prescribed alternative. Positions can be taught what to do to carry out assignments and any deviation in the manner in which the work is performed does not change the end result of the operation.
Complexity
The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is patterned, as described here. Positions study information to determine what it means and how it fits together in order to get practical solutions to problems. Guidelines in the form of standard operating procedures, methods, and techniques exist for most situations. Judgment is needed in locating and selecting the most appropriate of these guidelines that may change for varying circumstances as the task is repeated. This selection and interpretation of guidelines involves choosing from alternatives where all are correct but one is better than another depending on the given circumstances of the situation.
Line/Staff Authority
The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. The individual contributor may explain work processes and train others. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team. This level may
include positions performing supervisory elements that do not fully meet the criteria for the next level in this factor.
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY II C9C2XX
Concept of Class
This class describes the full-operating technologist responsible for performing specialized patient care. Positions operate independently in performing the full scope of clinical care. Work requires determining solutions to practical problems using specified professional standards and established criteria. Judgment is used to select and apply existing guidelines to solve problems and accomplish the assignment. Some assignments do not move beyond this level. Veterinary Technology II differs from Veterinary Technology I on Decision Making and Purpose of Contact.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making
The decisions regularly made are at the operational level, as described here. Within limits set by the specific process, choices involve deciding what operation is required to carry out the process. This includes determining how the operation will be completed. By nature, data needed to make decisions are numerous and variable so reasoning is needed to develop the practical course of action within the established process. Choices are within a range of specified, acceptable standards, alternatives, and technical practices.
Complexity
The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is patterned, as described here. Positions study information to determine what it means and how it fits together in order to get practical solutions to problems. Guidelines in the form of standard operating procedures, methods, and techniques exist for most situations. Judgment is needed in locating and selecting the most appropriate of these guidelines that may change for varying circumstances as the task is repeated. This selection and interpretation of guidelines involves choosing from alternatives where all are correct but one is better than another depending on the given circumstances of the situation.
Line/Staff Authority
The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. The individual contributor may explain work processes and train others. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team. This level may
include positions performing supervisory elements that do not fully meet the criteria for the next level in this factor.
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY III C9C3XX
Concept of Class
This class describes the second level specialized care provider, work leader, or staff authority level. This level of specialized care provider works in areas such as cardiac care, anesthesia, or intensive care where the work requires the use of discretion and creativity within limits of theory and principles of the field, program objectives, and, general systems and guidelines. Judgment is used in the adaptation and skilled application of guidelines to solve the full range of problems related to the assignment and must anticipate and analyze the impact and consequences of decisions made. Work leaders exercise some control over the continual work product of others. Staff authorities possess a unique level of knowledge and expertise in a professional field that is needed by the agency to support its overall mission. Agency management routinely relies on the essential consultation of
the authority before deciding broad, critical program and policy direction. The consultation provided is accepted as fact and not refuted on its technical merit, even if management does not act on it for political or budgetary reasons. Staff authorities are authorized to take action and issue expert opinions that provide direction for further action by others. Authorities design strategy, systems, processes, guidelines, rules, and standards that are mission critical and directly impact the agency’s ongoing operation and broad program or policy. Staff authority is delegated by agency management, beyond the immediate supervisor, and has direct influence and impact agency-wide, including clients. Veterinary Technology II differs from Veterinary Technology III on Decision Making and Complexity.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making
The decisions regularly made are at the process level, as described here. Within limits set by professional standards, the agency's available technology and resources, and program objectives and regulations established by a higher management level, choices involve determining the process, including designing the set of operations. The general pattern, program, or system exists but
must be individualized. This individualization requires analysis of data that is complicated. Analysis is breaking the problem or case into parts, examining these parts, and reaching conclusions that result in processes. This examination requires the application of known and established theory, principles, conceptual models, professional standards, and precedents in order to determine their relationship to the problem. New processes or objectives require approval of higher management or the agency with authority and accountability for the program or system.
Complexity
The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is formulative, as described here. Positions evaluate the relevance and importance of theories, concepts, and principles in order to tailor them to develop a different approach or tactical plan to fit specific circumstances. While general policy, precedent, or non-specific practices exist, they are inadequate so they are relevant only through approximation or analogy. In conjunction with theories, concepts, and principles, positions use judgment and resourcefulness in tailoring the existing guidelines so they can be applied to particular circumstances and to deal with emergencies.
Line/Staff Authority
The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. The individual contributor may explain work processes and train others. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team. This level may include positions performing supervisory elements that do not fully meet the criteria for the next level in this factor.
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY IV C9C4XX
Concept of Class
This class describes the unit supervisor. Supervisors directly control the work of assigned staff and determine the operations for the unit. Veterinary Technology IV differs from Veterinary Technology III on Line/Staff Authority.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making
The decisions regularly made are at the process level, as described here. Within limits set by professional standards, the agency's available technology and resources, and program objectives and regulations established by a higher management level, choices involve determining the process, including designing the set of operations. The general pattern, program, or system exists but must be individualized. This individualization requires analysis of data that is complicated. Analysis is breaking the problem or case into parts, examining these parts, and reaching conclusions that result in processes. This examination requires the application of known and established theory, principles, conceptual models, professional standards, and precedents in order to determine their relationship to the problem. New processes or objectives require approval of higher management or the agency with authority and accountability for the program or system.
Complexity
The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is formulative, as described here. Positions evaluate the relevance and importance of theories, concepts, and principles in order to tailor them to develop a different approach or tactical plan to fit specific circumstances. While general policy, precedent, or non-specific practices exist, they are inadequate so they are relevant only through approximation or analogy. In conjunction with theories, concepts, and principles, positions use judgment and resourcefulness in tailoring the existing guidelines so they can be applied to particular circumstances and to deal with emergencies.
Line/Staff Authority
The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as a unit supervisor. The unit supervisor is accountable, including signature authority, for actions and decisions that directly impact pay, status, and tenure of three or more full-time equivalent positions. At least one of the subordinate positions must be in the same series or at a comparable conceptual level. The elements of formal supervision must include providing documentation to support recommended corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals, and resolving informal grievances. Positions start the hiring process, interview applicants, and recommend hire, promotion, or transfer.
Entrance Requirements
Minimum entry requirements and general competencies for classes in this series are contained in the State of Colorado Department of Personnel website.
For purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the essential functions of specific positions are identified in the position description questionnaires and job analyses.
History of Changes Made to Class Description
The following is a summary of changes made to this class description.
- Effective July 1, 2018
Update the Class Code of C9C1TX to C9C1XX per administrative updates.
- Updated June 30, 2015
Updated and removed the purpose of contact.
- Effective July 1, 2001
HCS Consolidation Study consolidated Veterinary Specialist (C3P) and Veterinary Tech I (C3Q2). Draft published 2/21/01, proposed 5/10/01, and final 7/1/01.
- Effective July 1, 2000
Abolished Vet Tech II (C3Q3).
- Effective September 1, 1993
Job Evaluation System Revision project. Converted Vet Specialist I from A5525 to C3P1. Converted Vet Specialist II from A5526 to C3P3. Created Vet Specialist II (C3P2). Converted Vet Tech A from A5520 to C3Q1. Converted Vet Tech B from A5521 to C3Q2. Created Vet Tech II (C3Q3). Published as proposed 5/10/1993.
- Created July 1, 1980
Vet Tech (A5520-1) and Vet Specialist (A5525-6).
Summary of Factor Ratings
| Class Level | Decision Making | Complexity | Line/Staff Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Technology I | Defined | Patterned | Individual Contributor |
| Veterinary Technology II | Operational | Patterned | Individual Contributor |
| Veterinary Technology III | Process | Formulative | Individual Contributor, Work Leader, or Staff Authority |
| Veterinary Technology IV | Process | Formulative | Unit Supervisor |
Minimum Qualifications
Valid as of: August 30, 2023
This document includes the following levels:
| Class Title | Class Code |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technology I | C9C1XX |
| Veterinary Technology II | C9C2XX |
| Veterinary Technology III | C9C3XX |
| Veterinary Technology IV | C9C4XX |
VETERINARIAN TECHNOLOGY I (C9C1XX)
Experience Only:
Three (3) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to three (3) years.
VETERINARIAN TECHNOLOGY II (C9C2XX)
Experience Only:
Four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to four (4) years.
VETERINARIAN TECHNOLOGY III (C9C3XX)
Experience Only:
Five (5) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to five (5) years.
VETERINARIAN TECHNOLOGY IV (C9C4XX)
Experience Only:
Six (6) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to six (6) years.
History of Changes Made to Minimum Qualification
The following is a summary of changes made to this minimum qualification.
- October 11, 2023 (Whole Document)
- New format (updating to adhere to accessibility standards)
- Updated minimum qualifications to align with the Skills-based Hiring initiative
- July 1, 2018 (C9C1TX changed to C9C1XX)
Review and correction of the classification codes to align with the 2018-19 pay plan and compensation grades approved by the CHRO.
- October 17, 2017 (Whole Document)
Made grammatical changes.
- Aug. 1, 2017 (Whole Document)
- Part of the 2017 MQ Project
- New format
- Language referring to “at the agency’s discretion” was removed from the substitutions.
- Standardized language and made the substitution statements consistent with a year-for-year methodology.