Job: ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN

Job Title: ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN
Salary: $801.00 - $1,197.00 Biweekly $20,826.00 - $31,122.00 Annually

Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Houston, Texas

PN # 06810
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN

Department: Health & Human Services
Division: Environmental Health
Section: Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC)*
Location: 2700 Evella*
Workdays & Hours: M - F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.*
*Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Provides humane care for the shelter animals and maintains facilities. Frequently uses animal control, care and management software to document activities in field, shelter and office settings.

Cleans and disinfects kennels, wards, cages, equipment, runs and other areas of the facility. Checks and maintains supply levels; makes simple observations regarding sickness and/or injury. Humanely handles and kennels all animals and identifies shelter animals with appropriate tags or bands before kenneling. This includes animals which may be ill, injured, quarantined, or aggressive. Provides food, water and proper care for all shelter animals by adhering to schedules and protocols within departmental policy. Provides vaccination, micro chipping, FIV/FEV testing and treatment of all shelter animals. Monitors all animals, including those that may be isolated or quarantined, for signs of illness or unusual behavior; makes notations and reports problems regarding health and behavior of animals to the Animal Care Supervisor and/or Veterinary Medical services staff. Performs the euthanasia of animals by injecting selected animals with controlled substances, in accordance with established laws and departmental policy; performs disposition of euthanized animals. Maintains accurate and legible case files and records for each animal in the shelter. Provides information and assists the public in search of lost or adoptable pets. May assist BARC management, the veterinary staff and other individuals in animal care, surgery or related procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position requires extensive, near-continuous physical exertion such as repeated lifting of very heavy objects (more than 80 pounds), deep bending, climbing steps and/or assuming awkward positions.

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a high school diploma or a GED.

Must undergo a rabies immunization series immediately upon employment.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
One year of experience in the care and handling of animals are required.

MINIMUM LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Must obtain an euthanasia certification within 9 months of employment in job classification. PREFERENCES: Preference will be given to applicants who have previous working knowledge of animal care environment. Proficient with Microsoft Office Software is a plus. GENERAL INFORMATION: SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED None.SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: ( X )Yes This position is not subject to random drug testing and if candidate is promoted into this position, he/she must pass an assigned drug test.SALARY INFORMATION: GENERAL FUND POSITIONFactors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification. The salary range for this position is: Salary Range - Pay Grade 11 OPENING DATE: July 29, 2009CLOSING DATE: Open Until FilledAPPLICATION PROCEDURESOnly online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.For application status inquiries or special accommodations, please call (713) 837-9249. Our TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf) phone number is (713) 837-9471.All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.An Equal Opportunity Employer