Animal Health Technician (Veterinary Technician), Austin Animal Services (Vet Services Division)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

8d•$23 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of veterinarians, the Animal Health Technician provides medical care and treatment to animals at a high-capacity animal shelter. The role provides routine, preventative, and emergency care to sheltered animals and supports veterinarians during surgical procedures. The technician monitors animal health and welfare, performs examinations and diagnostics, administers treatments and vaccinations, collects specimens, and helps evaluate animals’ health at intake and before adoption or surgery. The role also assists with anesthesia and surgical care, emergency treatment, euthanasia, microchipping, rabies testing, and maintaining accurate written and electronic medical records. The position contributes to shelter programs and services supporting live outcomes and attends training. This is an essential, onsite position at Austin Animal Center. The regular schedule is Friday through Monday, four shifts of 10 hours or more, typically 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch. Employees may be required to report during emergencies or when City offices are closed, modify schedules, or work at a City-designated site.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
At least one year of work experience, including six months of experience in a field related to the job.
Valid Texas Class C Driver License, or ability to acquire one by the hire date.
Meet the City of Austin Driver Record Evaluation requirements for a driving position.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of vaccination protocols, including administration and schedules for core and non-core vaccines for cats and dogs.
Proficiency in anesthesia management, including induction, intubation, multi-parameter monitoring, and postoperative recovery.
Proficiency in diagnostic radiography, including animal positioning, standard terminology, and radiation safety protocols.
Experience handling, restraining, and properly lifting dogs weighing over 50 pounds.
Experience and knowledge in venipuncture, IV catheter placement, and management of IV medications and fluids for cats and dogs.
Skill in safe handling and low-stress restraint of cats and dogs with temperaments ranging from fearful to aggressive.

Responsibilities

Monitor the health and welfare of shelter animals and provide medical care under the direction of staff veterinarians.
Perform physical examinations, vaccinations, in-house laboratory tests, specimen collection, and diagnostics to evaluate animal health at intake and before adoption or surgery.
Assist veterinarians with surgery, including preparing and administering pre-anesthetics and induction agents, monitoring animals during surgery, and providing postoperative care.
Assist with euthanasia of animals identified by veterinarians or shelter management, acting with understanding and compassion.
Assist veterinarians with emergency care and treatment in life-threatening situations.
Implant microchips in sheltered animals.
Prepare, transport, and document specimens for rabies testing, and report results.
Maintain accurate and timely written and electronic records of medical treatments, care provided, and animals’ physical condition, including animals with unknown health or temperament.
Assist other staff with animals and contribute to shelter programs and services that support the live outcome goal.
Attend training.