Animal Services Health Technician, Veterinary Assistant or Veterinarian Technician

Animal Services Health TechnicianMinimum Starting Salary is $18.50 hourly, depending on qualifications Animal Services Health TechnicianJob Summary Under general supervision, provides daily care and health monitoring for animals housed at the Animal Shelter. Performs cleaning and sanitation, feeding, routine medical treatments, vaccinations, animal handling and restraint, and assists veterinary staff with examinations, surgical preparation, and other medical procedures. Supports disease prevention and population health through proper sanitation, accurate recordkeeping, and timely identification and reporting of animal health concerns.

Qualifications Required:Valid Texas Driver's LicenseEuthanasia Certification mandated by the Texas Department of State Health Services is required within 180 DaysH.S. Diploma or GED equivalent6 months of animal care experiencePreferred:1 year Shelter or veterinary experienceEssential Functions:Assists with the daily care and nutrition of shelter animals; resolves problems within scope of authority.Cleans, disinfects, and maintains animal housing, medical, isolation, quarantine, and recovery areas in accordance with sanitation and disease-control protocols.Safely handles and restrains animals for examinations, treatments, vaccinations, and diagnostic procedures.Assists with observing the behavior and condition of animals in shelter; providing nursing care and first aid to recovering and injured animals; identifying animal health care issues and working with Veterinarian to implement health care maintenance and treatment plans; monitoring animal health issues, behavior and eating habits; maintains records and updates database.Assists with public education and community outreach programs.Assists veterinarian and other veterinary staff with examinations, treatments, diagnostic testing, and other medical procedures.Assists with surgical procedures, including preparing animals and surgical areas, preparing instruments for sterilization, and providing pre- and post-operative animal care as directed.Performs humane euthanasia as authorized and trained; prepares and processes specimens for rabies testing in accordance with established protocols.May be required to be on-call and respond after hours, including holidays and weekends, and in the event of a departmental or City-wide emergency.May float to other areas of the shelter to assist where needed.Operates a City vehicle to assist with community vaccination clinics and may transport animals to outside veterinary clinics or specialists as directed.