Position Description

Job 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.

Position Overview:

Under the supervision of the Lead Veterinary Technician and the Medical Services Manager, the Veterinary Technician position supports the veterinarians in ensuring quality veterinary care for all pets, educates clients on all aspects of pet health, and ensures a safe and effective shelter 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 the shelter and private resident animals.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Evaluates health/temperament of sheltered animals and advises veterinarian and/or staff as appropriate.
Collects specimens, perform in-clinic diagnostic laboratory tests, administer vaccinations/treatments and implant microchips under the guidance of the attending veterinarian. Prepare samples for submission to reference labs.
Assists veterinarian 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 holding 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 Chameleon database. Ensures kennel records and cards are updated as needed.
Follows protocols for safe induction of anesthesia, monitors animals while under anesthesia and during recovery
Educate pet owners 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
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@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.

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

Licensure/Certification:

Veterinary Technician Certification.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position. Working 40 hours per week.
This position requires a flexible schedule.

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 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:

Professional learning & development opportunities
Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
Flexible work schedule*
METRO RideSponsor Program*

Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

Harris County

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