Animal Health Technician

Austin, TX, United States

Minimum Qualifications Education and/or Equivalent Experience: Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of work experience, including six (6) months of experience in a field related to the job. Licenses or Certifications: Valid Texas Class C Driver License. Notes to Applicants Austin Animal Center Main Building Who Are We? Austin Animal Center is the municipal shelter for the City of Austin and unincorporated Travis County, providing shelter to thousands of animals annually as well as providing animal protection and pet resource services. We accept stray and owned animals regardless of age, health, species or breed. Our mission is to enhance the lives of pets and people by preventing animal homelessness, to help lost pets find their way home or find new homes, to provide education and resources to preserve the human-animal bond, and to administer animal-related ordinances to ensure public and animal safety, all while achieving a 95% live outcome rate for sheltered pets. Our ultimate goal is to place all adoptable animals in forever homes through adoption, foster care, or rescue partner groups.Why work here?If you love animals and want to make a positive impact on our community this is the place for you!We at Austin Animal Center are committed to the wellbeing of animals in our community and shelter. On a daily basis, the work we do here helps hundreds of animals and people within our network.Additionally, we offer outstanding benefits including health care benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more.What is the Job?The Animal Health Technician position offers an excellent opportunity to utilize the skills and knowledge you have acquired from your prior experience, and the chance to learn new technical skills and broaden your animal care knowledge. With general supervision, the Animal Health Technician assists in the practice of veterinary medical care and regular maintenance of all animals at the shelter.The primary responsibility of the Animal Health Technician is to work closely with our veterinarians to provide the highest quality medical care, while giving our animal guests an exceptional experience. The Animal Health Technician assists in performing minor surgical procedures and prepares sheltered animals for surgery including providing anesthesia to animals and monitoring after anesthesia. Observes animals in assigned areas and reports abnormalities, sickness, or injury. Administers medical treatments (injections, oral) to shelter animals. Maintains required records including data collection and entry. Assists with inventory of medical, pharmacy and sterile supplies. Humanely performs euthanasia of animals identified by veterinarians, management, supervisors and/or lead animal health technicians.Being able to prioritize, multitask, and complete tasks accurately and efficiently will be key to succeeding in this position. The Animal Health Tech will also have a positive attitude, be at ease handling animals including animals that weigh more than 50 pounds or with animals that can be aggressive or dangerous. The ideal candidate has a commitment to learning, outstanding communication, and great attention to detail. Regarding Your Application: A detailed, complete employment application is required. Be sure to provide job title and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please include contact information from previous employers. A resume is also required. Driving Requirement:This position requires a Valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date.If you are selected to interview: Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference.If you are selected for hire: You must provide proof of education which may include your official college transcript, High School diploma, GED or equivalent degree and your professional licenses. A Criminal Background check ( CBI ) will be conducted. Additional Information: The Animal Service Office worksite location is tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted onsite. Please Note this posting may close any time after 7 days.Preferred Qualifications Preferred Experience: Licensed or Certified Veterinarian Technician or 3+ years working as a Vet Tech Experience working in a veterinary hospital/animal shelter as a technician Demonstrated experience in, but not limited to: inducing, monitoring & recovering anesthesia inpatients, using anesthesia/monitoring equipment., assisting as a surgical tech, assisting with radiology of animals Demonstrated skill in safely handling animals, including those with behavior issues Experience handling/restraining dogs over 50 lbs Experience working within a team, in a fast-paced environment Duties, Functions and Responsibilities Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.Monitors the health and welfare of animals within the shelter and provides medical care under the direction of staff Veterinarians; to include performing physical examinations, vaccinations, in-house laboratory tests, collecting specimens, and performing diagnostics to determine and evaluate the health condition of animals at the time of impound or prior to adoption or surgery. Assists Veterinarians in surgery to include preparing and administering pre-anesthetics and induction agents, monitoring the animal during surgery, and providing post-operative care. Assists in the euthanasia of animals identified by Veterinarians or shelter management with understanding and compassion for the animal. Assists Veterinarians with emergency care and treatment in life-threatening situations. Implants microchips in sheltered animals. Prepares, transports, and documents specimens for rabies testing, and reports results. Maintains accurate and relevant written and electronic records of medical treatments, care provided, and physical condition of animals, including those of unknown health and temperament. Assists other staff with animals; contributes to the programs and services that support the shelter's live outcome goal. Attends training. Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:May provide training, and guidance to others. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Knowledge of disease management and safety protocols. Knowledge of animal services and related programs. Knowledge of current principles and practice of veterinary medicine as it relates to shelter medicine. Knowledge of animal care and husbandry of common breeds of dogs, cats, livestock, and other animals kept as domestic pets. Knowledge of general surgical procedures, aseptic technique, and operation of common equipment used in providing veterinary care. Knowledge of euthanasia techniques. Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal animal health laws and regulations. Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures. Skill in providing medical care services to a wide variety of well, sick, and injured animals including support of high volume spay/neuter operations. Skill in identifying normal and abnormal behavior and signs of disease including the symptoms of rabies and other zoonotic diseases. Skill in safely handling animals, including those with unknown temperament. Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations. Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing. Skill in using computers and related software applications. Skill in safely handling animals, including those with unknown temperament. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities. Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public. Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.