Want SENIOR ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN (Medical) in Houston, TX

Job title: SENIOR ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN (Medical)
Company: City of Houston
Job description: POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications Accepted From: All Persons Interested

PN #31808
Division: BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions
Workdays & Hours: Various*
*Subject to change

GENERAL SUMMARY:
Who we are:
BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions is Houston's municipal animal shelter and adoption center. BARC recently underwent a massive transformation; the shelter went from a place where animals were never given a second chance to a shelter whose mission is to get as many animals into forever homes as possible. Every single member of BARC's staff is focused on finding a forever family for the animals that come into the shelter.

What's the position about?
This imperative position performs a variety of technical animal health tasks encompassing animal management, diagnostic laboratory and surgical procedures, and therapy and treatment techniques.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists the veterinarian with emergency animal treatment, routine examinations, and vaccinations.
• Assists veterinarian 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.
• Assists public and provide medical services to pets in the Wellness and Foster Clinics.
• Expedite medical services to sick and/or injured animals including parvo testing, skin scrapes, radiographs, etc.
• Educate the adopters about the medical issues of animals upon adoption.
• Administer selected medications to animals as prescribed by veterinarian.
• Prepare medication for the animals leaving the shelter.
• Prepares specimens and performs diagnostic laboratory tests, e.g., microscopic egg counts, etc.
• Maintains accurate animal health and surgical records.
• Provides a complete workup to animals from the field including age-appropriate vaccinations, dewormer and FIV/FELV or HW testing.
• Monitors all animals, including those that may be isolated or quarantined, for signs of illness or unusual behavior; makes notations and reports problems regarding health and behavior of animals to the supervisors or veterinarians as needed.
• Feed and water animals and clean cages and areas as needed.
• Transports animals from cages and restrain animals weighing up to 120 pounds for injections, medication, and examination.
• Responsible for the use of positive reinforcement and low stress handling techniques.
• Attends classes on low stress animal handling and continuing education courses as it applies to the animal sheltering field.
• Performs the euthanasia of animals by injecting selected animals with controlled substances, in accordance with established laws and departmental policy as needed; disposes of the euthanized animal.
• May assist other BARC departments or may be asked to perform other duties as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position requires extensive, near-continuous physical exertion such as repeated lifting of very heavy objects (more than 80 pounds), deep bending, climbing steps and/or assuming awkward positions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a high school diploma or a GED.

Additional education beyond the high school level may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Two years of experience in the care and handling of animals are required.

Must obtain euthanasia certification within one year of employment.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to applicants who have previous working knowledge of animal care shelter environment.

Licensed Veterinary Technician is a plus.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade 15

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: .

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: or call (832-393-7238).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832/393-7238). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employment
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan.

Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 10 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Flexible schedules
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit
Expected salary: $18.59 - 23 per hour
Location: Houston, TX

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