About This Position
The Animal Health Technician (Veterinary Technician) will work closely with our veterinarians to provide the highest quality medical and surgical care to shelter animals. This position performs examinations to report any abnormalities, sicknesses, or injuries to our veterinarians and will administer medical treatments, perform diagnostics, take radiographs, and maintain accurate and timely medical records on a regular basis.
Job Description:
Purpose:
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.
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.
Minimum Qualifications:
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.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Demonstrates exceptional knowledge of vaccination protocols, including administration and schedules of both core and non-core vaccines for cats and dogs.
Demonstrates proficiency in comprehensive anesthesia management, including safe induction, intubation, multi-parameter monitoring, and post-operative recovery of surgical patients.
Demonstrates proficiency in diagnostic radiography, balancing precise animal position, utilizing standard terminology, and adhering to radiation safety protocols.
Demonstrates experience in handling, restraining, and proper lifting of dogs weighing over 50 lbs.
Demonstrates experience and knowledge in venipuncture, placing IV catheters, and managing IV medications and fluids for both cats and dogs.
Demonstrates skill in the safe handling and low-stress restraint of both cats and dogs across a wide range of temperaments from fearful to aggressive.
Compensation Range:
The annual hiring range for this position is $23.34-$26.61
Notes to Candidate:
The Animal Health Technician (Veterinary Technician) will work closely with our veterinarians to provide the highest quality medical and surgical care to shelter animals. This position performs examinations to report any abnormalities, sicknesses, or injuries to our veterinarians and will administer medical treatments, perform diagnostics, take radiographs, and maintain accurate and timely medical records on a regular basis.
Who Are We?
Austin Animal Services’ 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…