Animal Health Technician Lead (Veterinary Technician Lead), Austin Animal Services (Veterinary [...]

About This Position Animal Health Technician Lead. Under general supervision of veterinarians, this position is responsible for leading staff to provide high‑quality medical care and treatment to animals at a high‑capacity animal shelter. Duties include routine, preventive, and emergency care and providing support functions during surgical procedures. Responsibilities Provide training, instruction, and assignment of duties to staff, ensuring daily completion of tasks. Assign priorities to projects or tasks to best utilize resources. Observe and report on staff performance. Perform accurate and timely inventory and ordering of veterinary supplies, including pharmaceuticals, biologics, and controlled substances. Monitor the health and welfare of animals within the shelter and provide medical care under the direction of veterinarians, including physical examinations, vaccinations, laboratory tests, specimen collection, and diagnostics. Assist veterinarians in surgery by preparing and administering pre‑anesthetics and induction agents, monitoring animals during surgery, and providing post‑operative care. Assist in the euthanasia of animals identified by veterinarians, with compassion and dignity. Assist veterinarians with emergency care in life‑threatening situations. Implant microchips in sheltered animals. Inform the public tactfully and courteously about medical treatments for shelter animals. Maintain accurate written and electronic records of medical treatments. Qualifications Knowledge of local, state, and federal animal health laws and regulations. Knowledge of disease management and safety protocols. Knowledge of animal services and related programs. Knowledge of city practices, policies, and procedures. Knowledge of current principles and practice of veterinary medicine as they relate to shelter medicine. Knowledge of animal care and husbandry of common breeds of dogs, cats, livestock, and other domestic pets. Knowledge of general surgical procedures, aseptic technique, and operation of common equipment used in veterinary care. Knowledge of euthanasia techniques. Skill in safely handling animals, including those with unknown temperament. Skill in providing medical care services to a wide variety of healthy, sick, and injured animals, including support of high‑volume spay/neuter operations. Skill in identifying normal and abnormal behavior and signs of disease, including the symptoms of rabies and other zoonotic diseases. Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations. Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing. Skill in using computers and related software applications. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities. Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public. Ability to train others. Minimum Requirements Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent. At least two (2) years of experience in a field related to direct contact with companion animals. Licenses and Certifications Valid Texas Class C Driver License. Preferred Qualifications Experience working within a fast‑paced team with cats and dogs as a veterinary technician under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Experience working as a surgical technician in a veterinary hospital or animal shelter, with demonstrated experience in inducing, monitoring, and recovering anesthesia inpatients and using anesthesia/monitoring equipment. Demonstrated skill in safely handling animals of all sizes, including those over 50 lbs and those with behavioral issues. Experience dealing with the euthanasia of animals, showing compassion and understanding. Experience training others in processes and procedures related to veterinary medicine and/or surgery. Benefits Health, dental, and vision coverage. Paid leave. Competitive retirement plan. Training opportunities. EEO Statement for City of Austin The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS‑Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Texas Relay by dialing 7‑1‑1. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Austin