Animal Health Technician, Austin Animal Services (Vet Services)

City of Austin • Austin, TX

1d • $23 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of Veterinarians, this position provides medical care and treatment to animals at a high-capacity animal shelter. This includes routine, preventative, and emergency care of sheltered animals, as well as providing support functions to Veterinarians during surgical procedures.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated basic knowledge of vaccinations for both cats and dogs.
• Demonstrated surgical knowledge and experience with inducing, intubating, monitoring, and recovering a patient who underwent anesthesia.
• Knowledge and experience with positioning animals for radiology.
• Demonstrated skill in safely handling animals, including those with behavior issues.
• Experience handling/restraining dogs over 50 lbs.
• Experience giving injections, oral medications, drawing blood, placing IV catheters and managing IV medications and IV fluids.
• Demonstrated experience with animal diseases, common treatments for diseases, and knowledge of medications.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED