Veterinary Technician

Position Description

If you're looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health:

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Our Values:

HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the department's cornerstone values guiding our work to improve the community's health and well-being.

• Transparency - We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity - Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact - We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration - We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.

Position Overview:

Under the supervision of the Medical Services Manager and guidance of the Lead Veterinary Technician, the Veterinary Technician position supports the veterinarians in ensuring quality veterinary care for all pets, provides education on all aspects of pet health, and ensures a safe and effective environment. The Veterinary Technician participates in clinical and animal care activities that support the Veterinary Public Health program and implements strategies to enhance disease control, as well as the health of shelter and private resident animals.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Evaluates health/temperament of animals and advises veterinarian and/or staff as appropriate.
• Collects specimens, performs in-clinic diagnostic laboratory tests, administers vaccinations/treatments and implants microchips under the guidance of the attending veterinarian. Prepares samples for submission to reference labs.
• Assists veterinarians with examinations, treatments and surgery in any appropriate capacity. Also, dispenses medications as prescribed by the veterinarian
• Responsible for cleaning, feeding and care of animals in surgery and medical areas
• Cleans and stocks assigned medical and surgical areas, maintains laboratory and surgical equipment, including the sterilization of surgical instruments
• Responsible for accurate and timely data entry of records within the database.
• Follows protocols for safe induction of anesthesia, monitors animals while under anesthesia and during recovery
• Provides education on responsible pet ownership, vaccinations, infectious disease, preventatives and treatments. Answers questions concerning animal health, behavior and care.
• Performs radiography based on instructions and guidance of attending veterinarian.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Requirements

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Experience:

• At least six (6) months of experience in an animal shelter, veterinary practice or animal care environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be comfortable working with animals.
• Must be able to cope with the difficulties associated with animal euthanasia.
• Must have or be able to acquire the skills needed to provide humane animal restraint, place indwelling catheters, and perform venipunctures.

Core Competencies:

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.
• Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.
• Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.
• Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.
• Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time position. 40 hours per week.
• The shelter operates seven (7) days per week, and employees may be scheduled to work weekdays, weekends, and occasional evenings and holidays as needed.
• Flexibility is required, as additional days or hours may be necessary to support emergency response efforts, shelter-related activities, or community events.

Work Environment:

• This job operates in an animal shelter which may include noisy environments and pungent smells.

Physical Demands:

• Will be required to bend, lift, stoop, and stand for long periods of time.
• Will be required to lift and restrain animals or other objects up to 50 pounds.
• Consistently exposed to animals and animal allergens under conditions with limited alternatives available.

Work Location:

• Harris County Public Health: Harris County Pets – 612 Canino Rd, Houston, TX 77076

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Harris County Employee Benefits

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions: