Lead Veterinary Technician

Under general supervision, is responsible for oversight of veterinary technician operations with the Animal Care Program including training of assigned staff, completion of project assignments, and assisting with surgeries, triage, routine examinations, and treatments of animals. Assists in preparing animals for, monitoring during, and recovering after surgeries. Delivers treatment to animals as directed by the Veterinarians. Working conditions are in a high-volume veterinary clinic environment with frequent exposure to laboratory conditions including hazardous materials, unfavorable fumes and odors, and working with animal body fluids and infectious diseases. Exercises functional supervision over assigned staff.

Work Location
Working location may rotate between Animal Care Services Main Campus at 4710 State Highway 151, San Antonio, TX 78227, and satellite city-run facilities in various locations within city limits. 

Work Schedule
Rotating 10-hour shifts between 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Monday - Sunday; weekend and holiday availability required. 

• Assists supervisor with managing the day-to-day operations, trains staff; and completes projects as assigned.
• Ensures proper protocols are followed in work areas.
• Coordinates, maintains and monitors the inventory of supplies and medications in collaboration with management.
• Oversees the daily cleaning of the clinic, including deep cleaning and organization of the work space in accordance with sanitation practices.
• Provides animal care in accordance with the Association of Shelter Veterinarians Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters.
• Maintains patient record keeping and control drug recording.
• Provides recommendations in the development of shelter disease protocols.
• May require lifting animals weighing in excess of 50 pounds while assisting with treatment to animals impounded or on examining tables.
• May encounter aggressive animals which may require reaching, standing and handling, walking, climbing, twisting, and sitting to perform surgeries, triage, routine examinations, and treatments of in-house animals.
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency).
• Two (2) years of clinical experience in an animal care facility.
• Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a shelter environment and/or high volume spay neuter clinic preferred. 
• One year of supervisory or lead experience.

• If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing.  Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.
• Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
• Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months.  One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
• Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks.  If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.

• Knowledge of Association of Shelter Veterinarians Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelter.
• Knowledge of common animal diseases, and skill in animal triage.
• Knowledge of animal health procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of animal anatomy and surgical techniques.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and techniques used in dealing with animals and laboratory samples.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Knowledge of all the tools and instruments used in veterinary medicine.
• Knowledge of veterinary terminology, pharmacology, and appropriate use.
• Ability to identify animal species, breeds, ages and sexes.
• Ability to perform basic examinations of animals.
• Ability to handle animals under all types of conditions and situations.
• Ability to identify signs of animal illnesses and injuries.
• Ability to provide training to assigned staff on safety procedures and methods.
• Ability to adhere to disease management and safety protocols.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced high volume environment.
• Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.
• Ability to be flexible, resourceful, and innovative to implement plans and operate effectively in an unpredictable environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the general public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to make sound judgment calls and exhibit flexibility in non-standard circumstances.
• Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Salary : $48,494 - $59,631