Lead Animal Care Technician

Under supervision of the Animal Services Supervisor, and Animal Services Manager, the Lead Animal Care Technician is an important part of the League City Animal Care’s team. This position is responsible for assisting in the supervision and training of the kennel staff in the care and well-being of LCAC’s resident pets, conducting physical exams to evaluate animals’ physical condition, performing in-shelter diagnostic laboratory tests, administering vaccinations, and providing medical care and treatment in accordance with LCAC policies and Veterinary partners.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing high-quality care to animals, demonstrate excellent organization, leadership ability, as well as customer service skills that provide a high level of pleasant professional service to all clients, staff, and volunteers. The position will work independently and responsibly while observing all health and safety guidelines and contribute enthusiastically to the positive culture and mission of LCAC at all times. This is a safety sensitive and/or DOT position. As such, you will be required to participate in random drug testing at the city.

Example of Duties

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Work collaboratively with the Animal Services Supervisor to meet all kennel and medical operation needs including staffing, scheduling, data-driven decision making, or other needs
• Assist in supervising and training Animal Care Technicians to:
  • Conduct all animal intake exams including animals from the field and animals brought into the shelter
  • Assess animals for illness, medical concerns, and potential ongoing medical issues
  • Ensure that injured animals receive proper and timely treatment
  • Properly dispense medications, calculate drug doses, perform in-clinic diagnostic testing including, but not limited to heartworm testing, fecal exams, skin scraping, FIV and FeLV testing, administering vaccinations/treatments, performing blood draws, and implanting microchips
  • Properly implement all animal feeding, watering, and medicating procedures, including supply management and inventory control for associated areas
  • Create and maintain accurate medical records for each animal using the ShelterLuv software
  • Properly implement all cleaning and sanitizing procedures for kennels and cages, including supplies management and inventory control for associated areas
  • Properly implement safe and Fear Free handling of all animals at all times
  • Ensure all pets in our care receive high-quality, comprehensive care by providing appropriate housing, enrichment, and low-stress modifications to their environment that addresses their physical and emotional well-being
  • Educate pet owners on vaccinations, infectious disease, preventatives and treatments
• Assist in supervising and training Animal Protection Officers when needed
• Coordinate with the Animal Services Supervisor and Lead Animal Protection Officer regarding the transportation of animals between the animal shelter and the veterinary office, including driving when necessary
• Demonstrate the ability to lead, motivate, and supervise Animal Care Technicians
• Assist in overseeing all necessary animal housing, population levels, and documentation throughout kennel facilities
• Assist in coordinating work schedules for all animal care technicians in the kennel facilities
• Assist in correcting and approving employee timecards
• Maintain inventory of animal food, medication, and other supplies by tracking inventory levels and ordering when needed.
• Conducts and assists with humane euthanasia
• Manage and responsibly use an assigned Purchase Card (P-Card), ensuring appropriate and discretionary spending of city funds, maintaining accurate receipts and records, and adhering to all financial policies and guidelines
• Maintain personal appearance and behavior that meets the expectations of LCAC’s mission, values, and relationship with the community, including clients, volunteers, employees, supporters, and animals
• Learn and utilize shelter database software as needed
• Provide support in other departments or collective tasks as needed
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Animal Shelter Supervisor, Animal Services Manager, Director, or his/her designee including but not limited to assisting at the Adoption Desk, Resource Center, and covering for Foster Coordinator.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including holidays and weekends
• Must be able to provide services for the benefit of the general public during emergency situations that threaten the safety of League City’s citizens, and must be able to work immediately before, during, or immediately after an emergency.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Must be a high school graduate (or GED)
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • One year experience in animal welfare or related veterinary technician experience is required.
  • Direct veterinary technician shelter experience is preferred.
  • Candidates with a background in leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Minimum Requirements
  • At least one (1) year of experience in an animal shelter or veterinary practice, municipal or county preferred, or animal care environment
  • Must be able to obtain Humane Euthanasia Certification within 6 months of hire date and maintain the certification
  • Must be able to obtain Fear Free Shelters Certification within 6 months of hire date and maintain the certification
• Preferred Experience
  
  • Candidates should possess the following skills:
    
    • Proficiency in FEAR FREE dog and cat handling techniques and animal restraint methods.
    • Basic methods and techniques of veterinary procedures
    • Knowledge of veterinary terminology
    • Experience in diagnostic procedures related to animal care.
    • Understanding of animal husbandry principles to ensure optimal care for pets in our facility.
    • Experience with DEA regulations and controlled substance protocols
    • Bilingual in Spanish/English
    • Preferred Licenses or Certifications
      • Humane Euthanasia certificate recognized by TSDHS.
      • Fear Free Certification

Supplemental Information

Ability to:

• Must demonstrate a positive and cooperative attitude toward all staff and citizens
• Safely handle scared or aggressive animals
• Conduct physical exams and assess animals for illness, contagious disease or injury
• Properly dispense medications, calculate drug doses, perform in-clinic diagnostic testing including, but not limited to heartworm testing, fecal exams, skin scraping, FIV and FeLV testing, administer vaccinations/treatments, perform blood draws, and implant microchips
• Assess animals for illnesses and medical concerns
• Remain calm when faced with confrontation and provide excellent customer service
• Understand and adhere to departmental policy, procedure, local ordinances and state laws
• Communicate effectively with the public, management, and fellow employees, verbally and in writing
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and kneel on both knees, lift at least 50 pounds and tolerate cleaning chemicals, animal dander and hair

• Tasks involve the ability to exert light to medium physical effort lifting at least 50 lbs. The position requires constant walking and maneuvering. Some tasks involve sitting, carrying, crouching, bending, stooping, kneeling on both knees, pushing/pulling and ability to tolerate cleaning chemicals, animal dander and hair. Occasionally fixed dexterity, reaching, handling and climbing is required. Requires the ability to make closely coordinated eye/hand movements within very fine tolerance and/or calibration demands. Must be able to work outdoors in extreme heat, cold or precipitation. The position requires the ability to work 10-hour shifts.

• There are frequent exposures to extreme levels of temperature, air pollution, noise pollution, chemical gases and substances, and/or contagious diseases or physical injuries.