Animal Health Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the Senior Animal Health Technicians, responsible for assisting Animal Health Technicians in surgery with routine surgical procedures and maintaining the cleanliness of surgical recovery areas.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

• Consults with Animal Health Technicians on daily surgery scheduleto ensure animals are labeled in kennel

• Assists Animal Health Technicians with restraining fractious animals requiring sedation for surgical procedures

• Monitors animals during recoveryimmediatelyafter surgery and alertsAnimalHealth Technician and/or Shelter Veterinarian when an animal may need medical intervention

• Cleans and sterilizes surgical instrumentandarranges into "packs"

• Assists Animal Health Technicians with examinations and minor medical procedures, including microchipping and vaccinations

• Assistsloggingmedications used during surgical procedures, including controlled substances, records when needed

• Assists Animal Health Technician in lifting/carrying large animals for surgery after sedation

• Assists Animal Health Technicians with post-op care, such as wound cleaning and bandaging

• Cleans and sanitizes recovery kennels

• Utilizes shelter software tomaintaininformation about animals, including medical histories

• Works and coordinates with volunteers and interns, and supervises as needed

• Transports animals to and from the surgery/clinic area as needed throughout the day

• Assistswith surgery check in/pick up

• Follows all safety measures and policies, including proper animal restraints and reading animal behavioral cues, and promptly reports any safety incidents to leadership

• Unpackages and properly follows policies forDrug Enforcement Administration (DEA)controlled substances

• Assistsin assessing inventory for the shelter clinic

• Performs Animal Care Specialist duties, as needed

• Performs clerical and customer service duties, as needed

• Oversees and trains volunteers and interns, as needed

• Attends all meetings and trainings, asrequired

• Performs special duties as assigned

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports directly to -Senior Animal Health Technicians

• Direct Reports -No

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Position involves prolonged standing, walking, twisting, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and other fine motor repetitive motions

• Position requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine motor coordination

• Position involves lifting and carrying of animals and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds, or up to one hundred (100) pounds withassistance, and exertion of up to twenty- five (25) pounds of force to move objects

• Position involveshearingand/or seeingalert cuesregardinganimal and staff security

• Position involvesmaintainingcomposure in a high-stress environment

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Work is primarily indoors in an air-conditioned environment

• May work outside in inclement weather

• Frequent handling of animals, including contact with waste and blood

• Exposure to unpleasant smells and a noisy and wet environment associated with a shelter

• Exposure to gas anesthetic

• Frequent exposure to animals that are agitated or injured that mayattemptto bite or scratch

• Position involves working in a high-volume, fast-paced environment

• Position involves working with distressed individuals

IRREGULAR HOURS

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is a schedule requirement

• Essential personnel for emergency situations; discretion of department director

• Regular attendance isrequired

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma and six (6) months of experience working with animals in an animal hospital, shelter, or related animal facility; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Knowledge of animal health and well-being including the signs and symptoms of animal illnesses, injuries, and behavioral issues

• Knowledge of proper and safe handling and restraints

• Demonstrated customer service and communication skills

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, computers, and phone/iPad software and applications such as instant messaging (IM), email, FaceTime, PetPoint, etc.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION

Required within thirty (30) days of employment

• Valid driver's license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree in a related field

• One (1) year experience in a high-volume spay/neuter clinic

• Two (2) years of animal welfare experience

• Advanced knowledge of dog and cat body language cues

• Licensed Veterinary Technician

• Bilingual (Spanish)

EMPLOYMENT TESTING

Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:

• Criminal background check: Yes

• Motor Vehicle Record check: Yes

• Drug screening: Yes

• Physical exam: No

• Psychological exam: No

• Additional: N/A

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

A Williamson County online application (resumes alone are not sufficient) must be received before the position is closed. Positions are open until filled, subject to close at any time after five (5) business days. The Human Resources Department is located at 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626. Phone ... or visit our website at www.wilcotx.gov/469/Human-Resources.

Williamson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.

TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

Williamson County is a tobacco free workplace. The use of tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chew, etc.) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) (e.g., vapor, e-cigarettes, etc.) is prohibited on all Williamson County premises. Employees who violate this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.