Job Details
Position Description
Harris County Public Health has earned the 2023 Best Place for Working Parents Business Designation.
About Harris County Public Health:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 700 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.
Brief Position Overview:
Under the supervision of the Lead Veterinary Technician and Director of Veterinary Operations, the Veterinary Technician participates in clinical and animal care activities that support the Veterinary Public Health program. Implements strategies to enhance disease control and the health of the shelter and private resident animals.
Duties & Responsibilities:
* Assists veterinarians with surgery, including cleaning, maintaining and sterilization of instruments and surgical equipment and area, animal prep/monitoring, post-op recovery and reports changes in condition
* Responsible for cleaning, feeding and care of animals in surgery, surgery holding, medical and isolation areas.
* Ensures that the assigned clinic areas are kept clean, sanitized and always uncluttered.
* Using protocols, responsible for the safe induction of anesthesia, monitors animals while under anesthesia and during recovery.
* Routinely evaluates health/temperament of sheltered animals and advises veterinarian and/or the kennel staff as appropriate.
* Performs physical exams on animals including a variety of animal health procedures encompassing diagnostic lab tests, administration of meds, and assisting with or performing medical treatments.
* Administers prescribed medications as directed and administers vaccinations and implants microchips per VPH protocols and directions from veterinarians.
* Responsible for accurate & timely data entry in the shelter database. Responsible for accuracy of medical records entered by subordinate Veterinary Operations staff through supervision and training. Ensures kennel cards are updated as necessary.
* Maintains and reports statistical data relating to productivity of medical operations section and uses this data to identify problem areas and develop resolutions and enhancements to veterinary operation; monitor, evaluate and recommend methods for improving the efficiency of animals throughout.
* Promotes responsible pet ownership and answers questions concerning animal health, behavior, and care. Participates in various outreach programs such as vaccinations clinics. health fairs and mobile adoption events.
* Other duties as assigned, including responding to an emergency event.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) ###-#### or email ...@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
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 is required; OR
* completion of a veterinary assistance or technical program.
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:
* Organizational Leadership
* Understands the organizational mission
* Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
* Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others
Collaboration
* Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
* Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
* Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs
Innovation
* Ability to adapt to change
Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics
* Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
* Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner
* Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses
* Uses sound judgment
* Self-motivated
* Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity
Communication
* Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
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 the information stated on the application will be used for consideration.
Preferences
Education:
* Associate's Degree preferred.
Licenses/Certifications:
* Current licensure as a Veterinary Technician with the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT).
General Information
Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:
* Full-Time
* 40 hours per week
* This position requires flexibility in schedules.
Physical Demands
* Will be required to bend, lift, stoop and stand for long periods of time.
* Frequent lifting of animals or materials up to 50 pounds.
* Consistently exposed to animals and animal allergens under conditions with limited alternatives available.
Work Environment:
* This job operates in an animal shelter environment.
Location:
* Veterinary Public Health- 612 Canino Road, 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.
BENEFITS
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:
* Medical Coverage
* Dental Coverage
* Vision Coverage
* Wellness Plan
* Life Insurance
* Long-term disability
* Employee Assistance Program
* Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
* Accrual rates increase based on years of service
* Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday
* Professional development opportunities
* Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
* Healthcare Reimbursement Account
* 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:
* Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
* Flexible schedule (varies by department)
* Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?
* High School or GED diploma
* Associate Degree
* Bachelor's Degree
* Master's Degree or higher
* None of the above
02
Which of the following best describes your experience in an animal shelter, veterinary practice or animal care environment? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)
* Less than six (6) months
* Six (6) months or more
* I do not have this experience
03
Please provide details about your experience in an animal shelter, veterinary practice or animal care environment. Do not use "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history) Please include your (a) role(s), (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.
04
Have you completed a veterinary assistance or technical program?
* Yes
* No
05
If you answered yes in regard to the previous question(s), please describe your educational experience in a veterinary assistance or technical program. NOTE: Please DO NOT use "See Resume" as we do not use resumes for qualifications. (Type N/A if not applicable)
06
Are you currently licensed as a Veterinary Technician with the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)?
* Yes
* No
Required Question
Agency Harris County
Address 1111 Fannin St
Ste. 600
Houston, Texas, 77002
Phone 713-###-####
Website