Veterinary Technician

Job Summary

Under general supervision, is responsible for performing complex technical work assisting a Veterinarian in the medical care of animals in the City's Animal Care Program. Assists in preparing animals for, monitoring during, and recovering after surgeries. Working conditions are in a high-volume veterinary clinic environment with frequent exposure to laboratory conditions including hazardous materials, unfavorable fumes and odors, and working with animal body fluids and infectious diseases. Exercises no supervision.

Work Location
Working location may rotate between Animal Care Services Main Campus at 4710 State Highway 151, San Antonio, TX 78227, and satellite city-run facilities in various locations within city limits.

Work Hours
Rotating 10-hour shifts between 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Monday - Sunday; weekend and holiday availability required.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists Veterinarian in restraining animals, for clinical examination.
• Lifts and carries animals weighing up to 50 pounds to secure in cages or place on examination tables, and assists with team lifts for animals weighing over 50 pounds.
• Performs emergency first aid.
• Screens animals for sterilization surgery and draws blood samples to examine for filariases, anemia, etc.
• Collects fecal samples and examines them for endoparasites.
• Bathes, dips, and dries animals.
• Prepares, sterilizes, and maintains surgical packs.
• Schedules surgeries.
• Sedates, undulates, and assists in applying anesthesia; maintains anesthesia; clips, shaves, and disinfects the area for incision; and assists in surgery.
• Monitors animal recovery from anesthesia.
• Scrubs and disinfects instruments prior to sterilization.
• Examines animal before discharge and advises owner on post-surgical care of animal.
• Assists in the training of personnel on basic responsibilities and animal handling.
• Maintains an inventory of medical supplies.
• May assist with offsite events.
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency).
• One (1) year of animal health care assisting a veterinarian, animal control or animal care experience.
• Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.

• Experience as a Veterinary Technician in a high-volume spay/neuter clinic or shelter environment.

• Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
• Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.
• Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
• If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic animal health procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of animal anatomy and basic surgical techniques.
• Knowledge of methods and procedures of animal care.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and techniques used in dealing with animals and laboratory samples.
• Knowledge of all the tools and instruments used in veterinary medicine.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to perform basic examinations of animals.
• Ability to handle animals under all types of conditions and situations.
• Ability to perform injections.
• Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position, with or without accommodations.