Animal Veterinary Technician at Bexar County, TX

About the Department

Under general supervision, is responsible for ensuring that all animals in our scope receive the most humane care. Responsible for coordinating clinic schedules. Ensures that clinic area and associated equipment is clean and in working order. Responsible for clinic inventory items. Works with Live Outcome Specialist and Kennel Technicians to ensure that all animals for adoption, events and transport have a compete health record. Maintains surgery schedule. Maintains foster animal wellness exams. Responsible for all aspects of surgery to include anesthesia, recovery, CPR and medication dosages (under supervision of a licensed veterinarian). Reports directly to the shelter manager.

Position Duties

• Assist veterinarians with veterinary medicine and surgery in any appropriate capacity to include preparation of patients, instruments, and equipment maintenance and sterilization
• Collaborate with the surgical assistant to prepare the surgery suite and instruments, ensuring readiness for each procedure
• Performs induction, intubation, and all pre-anesthetic preparations, including patient preparation; administers and monitors anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and ensure longevity by removing pet hair from various surfaces
• Maintain oxygen lines and waste gas scavenger system during and after surgical procedures
• Assure that support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition
• Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems
• Assist in diagnostics and reporting, medical and surgical procedures, along with nursing practices for injured or ill animal
• Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian; use and maintain IV pump.
• Cleans, scales, and polishes teeth using dental instruments, documents dental findings in patient records for veterinarian review
• Monitor patients post-operatively to ensure all surgery patients go home well-groomed and in an appropriate medical state
• Fills prescriptions accurately according to veterinarians’ instructions
• Logs controlled drugs; dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Ensures compliance by maintaing medical and patient records to include but not limited to anesthesia, surgeries, medications, injections
• Collaborates with doctors and technicians through notations in medical records
• Communicate and educate patient owners in a compassionate, tactful, professional manner on topics related procedures, medication, and related inquiries
• Assists with inventory management of pharmaceuticals, equipment, supplies, and surgical materials; oversees the preparation of surgical gowns and instrument packs
• Adheres to sterilization protocols and maintains cleanliness of exam rooms, surgery suite, and treatment area, including discarding of syringes and vials
• Adheres to the practice’s health and safety protocols
• Feeds, medicates animals and assists with other medical procedures; cleans kennels and surrounding areas in accordance with proper control requirements
• Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the animal facility, the doctors, and the practice of operational philosophy
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from High School or General Education Development (GED) certificate, two (2) years’ experience working in a veterinary technician capacity 
• Must be a Certified Veterinary Assistant or be able to obtain within the first twelve (12) months of employment
• Knowledge of animal care and feeding procedures; knowledge of humane animal handling and housing; knowledge of recognizing and interpreting animal signals and disease.
• Have basic computer and office equipment skills, including shelter software proficiency.
• Strong communication and customer service skills with ability to work effectively with coworkers, officials, and the public.
• Knowledge of animal anatomy, health procedures, basic surgery, veterinary tools, and safety protocols.
• Ability to perform animal examinations, injections, sedation, monitoring, and recovery.
• Skilled in safe animal handling and sanitization of kennels and equipment.
• Must be flexible in scheduling to support exams, events, and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Texas driver's license, Class C or higher
• Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance
• Must clear a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen test
• May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek or be on call

• Exposure to animals of unknown temperament and background
• Frequently moves items weighing up to 10-50 pounds
• Occasionally moves items weighing up to 60-100 pounds
• Occasionally moves about the office
• Frequently communicates with others; must be able to exchange accurate information
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
• Positions self to perform essential functions
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position
• Must be able to perform all physical requirements of the position

Other Qualifications

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

 

Bexar County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to Workplace Diversity.
We are committed to providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.