Veterinary Technician

City of Converse • Converse, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Technician performs complex medical care for animals at the City's Animal Care Facility under general supervision. The role assists the veterinarian with treatment plans and surgical procedures and helps develop and implement wellness protocols, including routine wellness, preventive, and diagnostic care. It also involves cleaning and sanitizing the facility, assisting other staff, maintaining records and medical supplies, and communicating with co-workers, the public, and others.

The position works in a kennel environment with frequent exposure to hazardous materials and conditions, fumes, odors, animal body fluids, and infectious diseases. The Veterinary Technician must be available to work outside normal hours as required and to respond to callbacks and emergency periods. Regular, punctual, on-site attendance is required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, with reading, writing, and mathematical skills at a level commonly associated with high school graduation or its equivalent.
• At least one year of experience in animal health care assisting a veterinarian, animal control, or animal care, or licensure as a Veterinary Technician.
• Maintain a clear and valid Texas Class C motor vehicle operator's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Successfully complete required background checks, pre-employment medical or physical tests, drug testing, and a driver's license check.
• Hold a State of Texas Certified Euthanasia Technician certification or obtain it within 120 days of employment.
• Ability to humanely euthanize animals and dispose of them properly.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions, policies, rules, regulations, and laws, and to request clarification when needed.
• Knowledge of general office procedures and ability to operate a calculator, fax machine, copier, and computer programs, including Microsoft Office products, Internet Explorer, and Animal Care Facility programs.
• Ability to provide quality customer service and maintain effective, courteous, and professional working relationships with co-workers, other City departments, outside agencies, and the public.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, stress, and deadlines, and to be available before and after scheduled hours and for callback as needed.
• Ability to perform the physical activities of the job safely, including sitting, standing, walking, running, bending, reaching, stretching, pushing, pulling, remaining upright for extended periods, and lifting or moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and in enclosed spaces.
• Ability to understand, learn, remember, and communicate job-related information in English; good hearing and listening abilities; and good motor coordination for precise movements.
• Ability to work safely around animals, including aggressive animals, and tolerate animal allergies and exposure to cat and dog feces.
• Ability to perform duties safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Assist the veterinarian in restraining animals for clinical examinations and carrying out treatment plans and surgical procedures.
• Lift and carry animals weighing up to 50 pounds and assist with team lifts for heavier animals.
• Perform emergency first aid; screen animals for sterilization surgery; collect blood and fecal samples; and examine samples for diseases and parasites.
• Bathe, dip, and dry animals.
• Prepare, sterilize, and maintain surgical packs; schedule surgeries; assist with sedation, anesthesia, and surgery; and monitor animals recovering from anesthesia.
• Scrub and disinfect instruments before sterilization.
• Examine animals before discharge and advise owners on post-surgical care.
• Maintain an inventory of medical supplies and prepare and maintain required facility records.
• Assist with daily cleaning and sanitizing of animal holding areas, and with feeding and watering shelter animals.
• Administer medications and provide basic medical care to shelter animals as needed.
• Assist with humane euthanasia and proper disposal of animals when authorized by a supervisor or department procedures.
• Assist the public with adoption and surrender inquiries and relay concerns to Animal Control Officers for potential service calls.
• Follow City and Department policies, procedures, safety rules, and supervisor instructions; use personal protective devices when required and maintain a clean, safe work environment.
• Communicate effectively and courteously with supervisors, co-workers, the public, and others; report issues and concerns through the appropriate chain of command.
• Assist in training personnel on basic responsibilities and animal handling, and occasionally assist with offsite events.
• Safeguard City property, identify and report needed repairs, maintain confidentiality, and perform other assigned duties.
• Work outside normal hours as required and remain available for callback and duty during emergency periods.

What This Job Offers

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