Veterinary Technician - Shelter

Under the supervision of the Lead Veterinary Technician (and Director, Veterinary Operations (DVO), participates in clinical and animal care activities that support the Harris County Public Health (HCPH) VPH program. Implements strategies to enhance disease control and the health of the shelter and private resident animals.
 
Duties and Responsibilities:
Veterinary Support Functions 

• Assists the veterinarians with surgery, including sterilization of instruments and surgical area, animal prep and monitoring of vital signs; monitors post-operative recovery and reports changes in condition
• Cleans, feeds, and cares for animals in surgery, surgery holding, and isolation areas
• Ensures that the areas are kept clean, sanitized, and uncluttered at all times
• Cleans and maintains surgical equipment and sterilizes instruments
• Uses protocol; responsible for the safe induction of anesthesia, monitors animals while under anesthesia and during recovery
• Routinely evaluates the health and temperament of sheltered animals and advises the veterinarian and/or the kennel supervisor as appropriate
• Administers prescribed medications as directed and administers vaccinations per VPH protocols and directions from VPH veterinarians
• Creates and updates medical records as appropriate
• Performs physical exams on animals including a variety of animal health procedures encompassing diagnostic laboratory tests, administration of medications, and assists with or performs medical treatments
• Routinely performs an inventory of veterinary drugs & vaccines and reports results to the DVO
• Administers vaccinations and implants microchips in owned animals
• Supervises the workup and medical records entry of all animals placed on adoption hold
• Consults with transfer & rescue organizations and foster homes as needed concerning animal health and temperament issues and facilitates a quick transfer of animals to these organizations
• Along with Transfer Manager, ensures that animals for foster, transfer, and rescue are appropriately worked up and records are entered in a timely and accurate manner
• Assists in the identification of animals that should be held and worked up for transfer, rescue or adoption prior to scheduled release

 
Administrative Duties 

• Responsible for accurate & timely data entry of information into the shelter database
• Responsible for the accuracy of medical records entered by subordinate Veterinary Operations staff through supervision and training
• Ensures that Kennel Cards are updated as necessary to ensure complete and current information
• Maintains and reports statistical data relating to the productivity of the medical operations section and uses this data to identify problem areas and develops resolutions and enhancements to veterinary operations; monitors, evaluates and recommends methods for improving the efficiency of the animal throughout
• Maintains and routinely performs inventory of controlled drug logs
• Assists the DVO and ASV in assessing current protocols and helps develop updated and/or more efficient protocols
• Participates actively in training other veterinary operations staff under the direction of the DVO and ASV as needed

 
Community Relations/Other 

• Promotes responsible pet ownership and answers questions concerning animal health, behavior, and care
• Participates in various outreach programs such as vaccination clinics, health fairs, and mobile adoption events
• Assists in the Wellness Clinic as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned, including special tasks involved in responding to an emergency event

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent; and
• One (1) year of experience in an animal shelter, veterinary practice or animal care environment OR completion of a veterinary assistance or technical program

Additional Requirements 

• Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel
• Must be comfortable working with animals
• Must be able to cope with the difficulties associated with animal euthanasia

NOTE: To qualify for this position, required education, experience, knowledge and skills must be clearly stated on your application's employment history. Resumes are welcome, but we do not use any information provided on your resume to qualify and refer you to the Hiring Department for consideration.

• Current licensure as a Veterinary Technician with the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
• Experience with HLP's Chameleon software
• Bilingual in English/Spanish

LOCATION:

• Houston  

HOURS: 

• 40 Hours per Week

SALARY:

• Commensurate with Experience
• Based on 26 Pay Periods

Additional Information - Core Competencies: 

Organizational Leadership

• Understands the organizational mission.
• Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust.
• Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others.

Collaboration

• Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group.
• Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs.

Innovation 

• Ability to adapt to change.

Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics 

• Uses sound judgment.
• Self-motivated.
• Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity.

Communication 

• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Written and verbal English competency.
• Able to read and follow directions.

Salary : $0