Veterinary Technician

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision, is responsible for performing complex technical work assisting with medical care of animals at the city’s animal shelter by applying knowledge of animal care, handling, husbandry, and veterinary practices. May be assigned additional duties related to cleaning kennels and other areas of the shelter.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assists contract veterinarians with spay/neuter surgeries; sedates and prepares animals for surgery, monitors animals general health and vital signs during procedures and while recovery.
• Administers prescribed medications, both oral and injectable, as directed. Properly calculate medication dosages to be administered.
• Performs daily health checks on all animals in the shelter; review all sick slips by examining and medicating if required and moving animals to appropriate isolation areas if required.
• Maintains surgical room by cleaning and disinfecting the area, and organizing, cleaning, and sterilizing surgical instruments and packs.
• Follow policies and procedures. 
• Assist the veterinarian/staff with medical procedures using safe animal restraint and handling practices.
• Maintains surgical inventory and supplies and assists with ordering supplies and medication.
• Process each animal arriving at the shelter by examining and documenting all health information, vaccinations given, and any minor medical attention provided.
• Performs routine diagnostic tests including but not limited to parvo virus, heartworm, fecal floatation, skin scrapings, urinalysis, fungal cultures, etc.
• Maintain accurate and complete drug logs and medical records.
• Keeps controlled drugs secured to meet Drug Enforcement Agency and state board specifications.
• Assists or performs animal euthanasia as required.
• Cleans and sanitizes kennels, cages, food and water receptacles, waste cans, floors, walls, and maintains cleanliness and orderliness throughout shifts.
• Provide excellent customer service to customers and answer questions about services, care, treatments and medications.
• Protect confidential information. 
• Participate in special events and educational programs. 
• Assist with field and shelter operations when needed.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School Diploma or GED required; Certificate of Completion from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited veterinary technology program, Registered Veterinary Technician school, or equivalent.

Experience: One (1) year of experience as a veterinary technician or assistant; preferably in a shelter environment; and one (1) year of experience in surgical assistance; preferable with spay/neuters.

Any combination of related, education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

Licenses and Certifications: Must possess a current certification from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited veterinary technology program, registered veterinary technician school, or equivalent. Must obtain Euthanasia certification as required by the state of Texas within 120 days of employment.

Conditions of Employment: Must submit and pass a background check and pre-employment drug, pre-placement medical examination, and the job placement assessment (JPA). Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver’s License Class “C” and good driving record as defined by City policy. This position is required to drive.

Other Requirements: Must possess the ability to perform heavy manual labor and to work in adverse conditions when required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Veterinary technology practices including, but not limited to, animal anatomy and physiology, veterinary medical terminology, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition, radiology, anesthesia and surgical assistance, laboratory testing and diagnostics, animal behavior and compassionate patient care; safe, humane animal handling and restraint techniques; triage and emergency care; common dog and cat zoonotic diseases; basic animal care requirements, disease control practices, and animal anesthesia and recovery; proper use and knowledge of surgical instruments, spay/neuter pack preparation and sterilization; and basic math proficiency: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Skilled in: Reading, understanding, and following oral and written instructions; applying relevant State regulations to daily animal care and sheltering activities, as well as following the directions of contract veterinarians; safely and humanely handling and restraining all types of animals; responding quickly to a variety of medical situations; medicating and euthanizing animals; using hand tools, ladders, high-pressure washers, cleaning agents and equipment, and animal-handling equipment; accurately and legibly recording information on forms and records; effectively communicating via two-way radio and telephone; following safety practices and standard operating procedures when performing assigned tasks; communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using correct grammar, spelling, and composition; using personal computers and applications, including Google products, Microsoft Office, shelter record management software, word processing programs, email, and the internet; accepting responsibility and being accountable for actions; maintaining punctuality and regular attendance; and working effectively with people regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetics, or job type.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Must be medically fit to work with animals and have the strength and agility to lift and carry items or animals up to 100 pounds. While performing this job, employees routinely stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear. Must possess the ability to routinely and safely transport 50 pounds.

This position requires the ability to lift and carry tools, supplies, equipment, materials, and animals. Employees, with or without reasonable accommodation, must possess the ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds, with daily lifting requirements typically ranging from 50 to 75 pounds.

Must be willing to obtain a pre-exposure rabies vaccination, and, when medically required, revaccination shots. It also requires regular work with a personal computer, walking, standing, bending, stooping and reaching. May be exposed to dust and noise. May work on uneven and/or slippery surfaces. Must meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties without risk of injury to self or others, lift large animals, climb ladders and stairs, and chase animals. Must be able to work in exposure to animal dander, waste, animal bites, and various cleaning and disinfectants.

The City of Lewisville has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities, which may be required. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Levels of positions within a class series are distinguished by the level of responsibility assumed, the complexity of duties assigned, the independence of action taken, the nature of the public contact made, and the impact and span of tasks performed.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  The City of Lewisville has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

More Than a Job — Build Your Career with Lewisville

Join the City of Lewisville and enjoy a competitive total rewards package designed to support you at work, at home, and throughout your career.

Explore Employee Benefits!

Work Hours: Up to 20 hours per week, with days and hours varying based on the needs of the facility.

Hourly Salary Range: $17.68 - $20.20

Here’s how our hourly ranges work:

We value the experience and loyalty of our returning part-time/seasonal employees and recognize their contributions by offering higher pay for each consecutive year they return to the same position. For example, starting pay for new hires is $17.68 per hour. For employees returning for a second year, the hourly rate increases to $18.18, with further incremental increases for additional years up to six.

This system rewards dedication and allows returning employees to continue growing with us while benefiting from their prior experience in the role with the City of Lewisville. 

Starting Salary: $17.68

2nd year: $18.18

3rd year: $18.69

4th year: $19.19

5th year: $19.70

6th year: $20.20

Current employees in the same position also have the potential to progress through the same pay scale as they successfully complete additional years of service in the position.