Veterinarian Technician II

Job Description

To lead the work of staff engaged in performing specialized work as certified veterinary technicians; apply knowledge of animal care, handling, husbandry and veterinary hospital practices to a variety of animals within the Animal Care or BioPark Division; and, to perform a variety of tasks relative to the assigned area of responsibility.
This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include, but are not limited to thefunctions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of thejob with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Oversee the operations and activities of Animal Health Technician and lower level staff; assign, review and evaluate work activities and projects.

• Lead clinic personnel in providing veterinary hospital and laboratory sanitation, including Sanitizing and maintaining the surgery, treatment and lab/necropsy areas, etc.

• Coordinate the activities of other personnel involved in the delivery of emergency or critical care for shelter or ABQ BioPark animals.

• Evaluate work products, methods and procedures of staff; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.

• Maintain reports and manage facility as designated.

• Participate in the recommendation and implementation of policies and procedures after review and evaluation with appropriate management staff.

• Assist Veterinarian in veterinary medical procedures including anesthesia, patient management, treatments, specimen collection, surgical assistance, etc.

• Responsible for overseeing and maintaining the inventory of medical supplies and equipment through the use of a computerized database; order drugs, lab supplies and equipment as needed to maintain stock; obtain and verify the accuracy of medical test results.

• Provide emergency or critical veterinary care for shelter animals.

• Make scheduled rounds of the shelter to inspect animal collection in the absence of veterinarian. Record observations and follow up with treatment as necessary.

• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.

• Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for assigned staff; assign work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.

• Assist in the selection, training, motivation and evaluation of assigned personnel; interact with employees to correct deficiencies and empower positive actions; implement necessary disciplinary/corrective actions.

• Maintain daily written and computerized animal record keeping.

When assigned to Animal Welfare Department:

• Perform, or assist in the performance of, humane animal euthanasia procedures; assist in selection of or concurrence with euthanasia decisions; verify designated animals to be euthanized; ensure safe and humane handling of animals during procedure.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Veterinary Science.

• Assist in maintaining medical history files on animals.

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.
Associate's degree in Veterinary Science; and
Four (4) years of veterinary technician experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire. Possession of a valid City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.
Possession of a valid Certified Veterinary Technician license.
When assigned to Animal Welfare:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, Euthanasia Certification from an approved course of training within one (1) year from date of hire.
Environmental:
Animal environment; exposure to a variety of domestic and wild animals; animal body fluids; inclement weather conditions; exposure to computer screens. Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays.

Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing, sitting or moderate lifting for prolonged periods; operates a computer.