Animal Health Technician (Veterinary Technician), Austin Animal Services (Vet Services Division)

About This Position

 

The Animal Health Technician (Veterinary Technician) will work closely with our veterinarians to provide the highest quality medical and surgical care to shelter animals. This position performs examinations to report any abnormalities, sicknesses, or injuries to our veterinarians and will administer medical treatments, perform diagnostics, take radiographs, and maintain accurate and timely medical records on a regular basis.

 

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general supervision of Veterinarians, this position provides medical care and treatment to animals at a high-capacity animal shelter. This includes routine, preventative, and emergency care of sheltered animals, as well as providing support functions to Veterinarians during surgical procedures.

• Monitors the health and welfare of animals within the shelter and provides medical care under the direction of staff Veterinarians; to include performing physical examinations, vaccinations, in-house laboratory tests, collecting specimens, and performing diagnostics to determine and evaluate the health condition of animals at the time of impound or prior to adoption or surgery.
• Assists Veterinarians in surgery to include preparing and administering pre-anesthetics and induction agents, monitoring the animal during surgery, and providing post-operative care.
• Assists in the euthanasia of animals identified by Veterinarians or shelter management with understanding and compassion for the animal.
• Assists Veterinarians with emergency care and treatment in life-threatening situations. Implants microchips in sheltered animals. Prepares, transports, and documents specimens for rabies testing, and reports results.
• Maintains accurate and relevant written and electronic records of medical treatments, care provided, and physical condition of animals, including those of unknown health and temperament.
• Assists other staff with animals; contributes to the programs and services that support the shelter’s live outcome goal.
• Attends training.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of work experience, including six (6) months of experience in a field related to the job.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrates exceptional knowledge of vaccination protocols, including administration and schedules of both core and non-core vaccines for cats and dogs.
• Demonstrates proficiency in comprehensive anesthesia management, including safe induction, intubation, multi-parameter monitoring, and post-operative recovery of surgical patients. 
• Demonstrates proficiency in diagnostic radiography, balancing precise animal position, utilizing standard terminology, and adhering to radiation safety protocols.
• Demonstrates experience in handling, restraining, and proper lifting of dogs weighing over 50 lbs.
• Demonstrates experience and knowledge in venipuncture, placing IV catheters, and managing IV medications and fluids for both cats and dogs.

• Demonstrates skill in the safe handling and low-stress restraint of both cats and dogs across a wide range of temperaments from fearful to aggressive.





Compensation Range:

The annual hiring range for this position is $23.34-$26.61



Notes to Candidate:

The Animal Health Technician (Veterinary Technician) will work closely with our veterinarians to provide the highest quality medical and surgical care to shelter animals. This position performs examinations to report any abnormalities, sicknesses, or injuries to our veterinarians and will administer medical treatments, perform diagnostics, take radiographs, and maintain accurate and timely medical records on a regular basis.

Who Are We?
Austin Animal Services’ mission is to enhance the lives of pets and people by preventing animal homelessness, to help lost pets find their way home or find new homes, to provide education and resources to preserve the human-animal bond, and to administer animal-related ordinances to ensure public and animal safety, all while achieving a 95% live outcome rate for sheltered pets.

We offer outstanding benefits including several health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click City of Austin Benefits for more information.

Regarding Your Application: Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. A cover letter and résumé are required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please include contact information from previous employers.
 

Work Hours: Friday - Monday.

(4) 10-hour+shifts, includes weekends.

Scheduled shift is typically 8:30 am - 7:00 pm with a 30-minute lunch.
 

PLEASE NOTE: Austin Animal Services is not a 100% remote operation. This position is considered “essential;” employees may be required to report to work when the City of Austin offices are otherwise closed (bad weather, etc.).
 

Work Location: Austin Animal Center, 7201 Levander Loop, Bldg. A, Austin, TX 78702
 

Driving Requirement:
This position requires a Valid Class “C” Texas Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. The job offer is contingent on having a driving record that meets the City’s Driver Record Evaluation Standards.

If you are selected to interview: Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference.

If you are selected for hire: You must provide proof of education which may include your official college transcript, High School diploma, GED or equivalent degree and your professional licenses. A Criminal Background check (CBI) will be conducted.

Additional Information: Austin Public Health/Austin Animal Services’ worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APH/AAS worksite – including construction sites, parking lot, or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.
 

90-Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other sections within the Division. Decisions on assigned section will be made at the time of hire based on business needs.

Please note this posting may close any time after 7 days.

Essential Employee:
This position has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a city-designated extraordinary situation or emergency condition, essential employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees, as well as ensure the continuity of essential operations. Essential Employees may be called back in during such events, required to modify their schedule, assigned to a City-designated work site, or retained on-site to assist with operations and recovery.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once the position has been unposted, it will no longer be viewable.
 

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

 

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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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 (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.