What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Health Technician Lead (Animal Services- Veterinary Services Division Only) position at City of Austin?
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus two (2) years of experience in a field related to direct contact with companion animals.
Licenses or Certifications :
Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
Notes to Applicants
Austin Animal Center Main Building
Who Are We?
Austin Animal Center's 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.
What is the Job?
The Animal Health Technician Lead 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 Lead 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 Lead is to work closely with our veterinarians to provide the highest quality medical care, while giving our clients an exceptional experience. The Animal Health Technician Lead 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 successful candidate 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, a commitment to learning, outstanding communication skills, and great attention to detail. Preferred candidates will have prior veterinary technician experience in a veterinary hospital or animal shelter working under a licensed veterinarian. Must be able to work at least one weekend day and holidays.
We offer outstanding benefits including several health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.
Regarding Your Application : Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job title and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. A cover letter and rsum are required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please include contact information from previous employers. Driving Requirement :
This position requires a Valid Class "C" Texas Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin's Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. The job offer is contingent on having a driving record that meets the City's Driver Record Evaluation Standards.
Writing Assessment :
Writing skills will be assessed by cover letters and answers to the supplemental questions. Please limit your answers to the supplemental questions to 250 words.
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 : Austin Public Health / Animal Service Office worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and / or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APH / ASO worksite - including construction sites, parking lot, or in any personal vehicle located on the premises. Please Note this posting may close any time after 7 days . days .
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with cats and dogs as a Veterinary Technician under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
- Experience working in a veterinary hospital / animal shelter as a surgical technician.
- Demonstrated experience inducing, monitoring, and recovering anesthesia in patients and using anesthesia / monitoring equipment.
- Demonstrated experience with radiology of animals.
- Demonstrated skill in safely handling animals, including those with behavior issues.
- Demonstrated experience working within a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience handling / restraining dogs over 50 lbs.
- Experience dealing with euthanasia of animals identified by veterinarians, management, and supervisors with understanding and compassion for the animal.
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.
Responsibilities - Supervision and / or Leadership Exercised :
Provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, 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.
Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO / ADA
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.
