Animal Health Technician

Job SummaryReporting directly to Animal Health Supervisor, responsible for providing paraprofessional health care to animals within the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, by administering medical care to the animals and supporting the Animal Care and Animal Behavior teams.EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMEDProvides health care to all shelter animals including vaccinating, de-worming, weighing, photographing, performing diagnostic tests (i.e., fecal testing, blood tests), venipuncture, placing catheters, and administering medicationsProvides medication to sick and injured animals, monitors rabies quarantine animals, euthanizes animals as necessaryCollects blood, urine, fecal, and skin samplesLeads, trains, directs, and provides feedback on daily tasks of Volunteers and Community Service workers, and assists as neededAdministers health checks of all animals, verifying animal locations, administering needed medications, and documenting any concerns for follow-upAssists veterinarian with examinations and medical procedures, including spay/neuter surgeries, microchipping, and performs medical treatments as directedPerforms radiographs at the shelter, with proficiency in correct positioning, based on protocols written by shelter veterinarianPrepares animals for surgery, administers medication, monitors animal vitals through the surgery and recovery process, and sanitizes surgical instrumentsCleans and sanitizes the surgery room, recovery kennels, and tech roomsAssists with emergency procedures such as CPR, IV catheter placement and drug administration, and placement on endotracheal tubes under supervision of shelter veterinarianMonitors animal vitals through the surgery and recovery process, and provides post-op care, such as wound cleaning and bandagingCounsels fosters/adopters on medical treatments or medical needs of shelter animalsUtilizes shelter software to maintain information about animals, including medical historiesLogs medications, including controlled substances, in required logs and recordsDetermines disposition on all animals, handles fractious animals, and assigns handling difficulty levels based on behavior and medical conditionsAssists in determining which animals may need outside veterinarian careProvides medication to sick and injured animals, monitors rabies quarantine animals, euthanizes animals as necessaryIdentifies animals that are candidates for outside rescue organizations or foster careFollows all medical protocols and procedures as written by veterinarianTransports animals to other facilities as neededFollows all safety measures and policies, including proper animal restraints and reading animal behavioral cues, and promptly reports any safety incidents to leadershipPerforms clerical and customer service duties related to the intake and processing of animals for impoundment, adoption, and redemptionMonitors and maintains the tech email, determining which medical protocol to follow when symptoms or incidents are reported, including determining how urgent the medical issue may be and the best course of action to takeEnsures building security upon opening and closing, and maintains accurate inventory of medical supplies, re-stocking as necessaryServes as animal services supervisor for weekend coveragePerforms special duties as assignedORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPSReports directly to – Animal Health SupervisorDirect Reports – NoPHYSICAL DEMANDSPosition involves prolonged standing, walking, twisting, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and other fine motor repetitive motionsPosition requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine motor coordinationPosition involves lifting and carrying of animals and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds, or up to one hundred (100) pounds with assistance, and exertion of up to twenty-five (25) pounds of force to move objectsPosition involves hearing and/or seeing alert cues regarding animal and staff securityPosition involves maintaining composure in a high-stress environmentENVIRONMENTAL FACTORSWork tasks are conducted indoors and frequently outdoorsMay work outside in inclement weather, including extreme heat, cold and wet conditionsFrequent handling of animals, including contact with waste and bloodExposure to unpleasant smells and a noisy and wet environment associated with a shelterFrequent exposure animals that are agitated or injured that may attempt to bite or scratchPosition involves working in a high-volume, fast-paced environmentPosition involves working with distressed individualsIRREGULAR HOURSFlexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is a schedule requirementEssential personnel for emergency situations; discretion of department directorRegular attendance is requiredThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.Minimum QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalentLicensed Veterinary Technician/Certified Vet Assistant OR one (1) year of experience as a veterinary technician/assistant in a shelter/animal hospital settingOne (1) year of customer service and professional communication experienceKnowledge of animal health and well-being, including nutritional needs, common animal diseases and behavioral issues, proper and safe handling, and restraints, caring for sick/injured/fractious animals, and pharmaceuticals commonly used in treatment of animal conditionsPrior experience identifying signs and symptoms of animal illnesses, injuries, and behavioral issues, drawing blood from animals, performing injections, administering medications, and performing basic veterinary testing proceduresWorking knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, computers, phone/iPad software and applications such as instant messaging (IM), email, FaceTime, PetPoint, etc.LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONSRequired within thirty (30) days of employmentValid driver’s licenseRequired within 120 days (4 months) of employmentEuthanasia certificationPreferred QualificationsAssociates degree in a related fieldTwo (2) years of animal welfare experience Advanced knowledge of dog and cat body language cuesLicensed Veterinary TechnicianCertified Vet AssistantEMPLOYMENT TESTINGEmployment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:Criminal background check: YesMotor Vehicle Record check: YesDrug screening: YesPhysical exam: NoPsychological exam: NoAdditional: N/ASUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATIONA Williamson County online application (resumes alone are not sufficient) must be received before the position is closed. Positions are open until filled, subject to close at any time after five (5) business days. The Human Resources Department is located at 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626. Phone (512) 943-1533 or visit our website at www.wilcotx.gov/469/Human-Resources.Williamson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE POLICYWilliamson County is a tobacco free workplace. The use of tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chew, etc.) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) (e.g., vapor, e-cigarettes, etc.) is prohibited on all Williamson County premises. Employees who violate this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.Williamson County offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible full-time employees, retirees, and their families. These programs include group health plans for medical and dental coverage; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); life; short- term disability and long-term disability insurance; and flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care reimbursements.To review our benefit options and associated costs, click here to visit our interactive benefits cost estimator.The County also provides retirement benefits. Full-time & part-time employees participate in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS), and employees may also participate in a retirement savings program (Deferred Compensation). In addition to these basic employee benefits and retirement services, employees benefit from a variety of other programs including 12 paid holidays. For more details please contact Williamson County Human Resources at 512-943-1533.01Do you have a high school diploma, or equivalent?YesNo02Are you a Licensed Veterinary Technician/Certified Vet Assistant OR possess one (1) year of experience as a veterinary technician/assistant in a shelter/animal hospital setting?YesNo03Do you possess knowledge of animal health and well-being, including nutritional needs, common animal diseases and behavioral issues, proper and safe handling and restraints, caring for sick/injured/fractious animals, and pharmaceuticals commonly used in treatment of animal conditions?YesNo04Do you possess the ability to identify signs and symptoms of animal illnesses, injuries, and behavioral issues, draw blood from animals, perform injections, administer medications and perform basic veterinary testing procedures?YesNo05Do you possess one (1) year of demonstrated customer service experience, to include strong verbal and written communication skills?YesNo06Describe a recent situation when you had to handle a dissatisfied and angry customer.07Do you possess or have the ability to obtain a valid driver's license within 30 days of hire?YesNo08Due to the nature of this position, the successful applicant must be able to pass a criminal history background check and drug screen (provided by County). I am able to meet this requirement.YesNo09This position requires shift work outside of "traditional business hours" per departmental needs. Are you willing/available to work non-traditional work schedules including evenings, weekends and holidays?YesNo10Do you have working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, to include Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and One Drive?YesNo11A preferred qualification is that a candidate possess prior experience with PetPoint. Do you possess experience with this software, or similar?YesNo12Please provide a brief statement introducing yourself and illustrate why you should be considered as the most qualified individual for this position. Required Question