Veterinarian Technician II

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.

1. Oversee the operations and activities of Animal Health Technician and lower level staff; assign, review and evaluate work activities and projects.
2. Lead clinic personnel in providing veterinary hospital and laboratory sanitation, including Sanitizing and maintaining the surgery, treatment and lab/necropsy areas, etc.
3. Coordinate the activities of other personnel involved in the delivery of emergency or critical care for shelter or ABQ BioPark animals.
4. Evaluate work products, methods and procedures of staff; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
5. Maintain reports and manage facility as designated.
6. Participate in the recommendation and implementation of policies and procedures after review and evaluation with appropriate management staff.
7. Assist Veterinarian in veterinary medical procedures including anesthesia, patient management, treatments, specimen collection, surgical assistance, etc.
8. 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.
9. Provide emergency or critical veterinary care for shelter animals.
10. Make scheduled rounds of the shelter to inspect animal collection in the absence of veterinarian. Record observations and follow up with treatment as necessary.
11. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Maintain daily written and computerized animal record keeping.

When assigned to Animal Welfare Department: 

1. 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:

1. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Veterinary Science.
2. Assist in maintaining medical history files on animals.
3. 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.