Animal Care Technician

Position Description

Harris County Public Health has earned the 2023 Best Place for Working Parents Business Designation.

About Harris County Public Health:

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 700 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.

Animal Technician Overview:

Under the supervision of the Kennel Supervisor, the Animal Technician is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing animal holding areas as required. Counsel citizens interested in pet adoptions or searching for lost pets. Assist in photographing animals. Data entry of animal and citizen information. Participates in various educational programs. This position will witness humane euthanasia of animals.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the daily feeding and watering of all animals in the shelter.

• Assists in reviewing health status of animals.

• Advises veterinary staff of any medical problems with animals in shelter.

• Humanely transports animals from unloading area and reception area to assigned pens.

• Assists supervisor with euthanasia as required.

• Ensures that animals are in assigned pens and correct information is entered in database.

• Assists citizens searching for lost or adoptable pets.

• Review and approve/reject applications for adoption.

• Counsel citizens on adoption and responsible pet ownership.

• Answers basic animal health and care questions.

• Portrays a professional image and courteous attitude.

• Ensures that all animals leaving shelter are wearing identification tags.

• Works with animal rescue groups and other organizations as needed.

• Responsible for daily sanitation and maintenance of animal holding pens and cages.

• Responsible for completing weekly maintenance duties.

• Advises supervisor of any maintenance problems.

• Monitors and coordinates CSOP volunteers as directed by supervisor.

• Cleans, stores and maintains all equipment necessary for feeding, watering and care of animals.

• Responsible for counting all animals and tracking kennel inventory.

• Assist in daily task of photographing and updating information in database, on animals to be placed on the Internet.

• Data entry of applications for adoption.

• Responsible for data entry of kennel admissions and the update of those records as needed.

• Other duties as assigned, including special tasks involved in responding to an emergency event.

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 G.E.D. equivalent

Experience:

• At least one (1) year of experience working in an animal shelter, animal care environment, or pet ownership

(To be considered, the qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)

• Must be comfortable working with animals.

• Will assist the supervisor with humane euthanasia of animals.

Licensure:

• Must complete the Euthanasia Certification course within six (6) months or when first available.

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, butONLY the information stated on the application will be used for consideration.

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full-Time

• 40 hours per week.

• This position requires flexibility in schedules.

Work Environment:

• This job operates in an animal shelter environment.

Physical Demands:

• Will be required to bend, lift, stoop and stand for long periods of time.

• Frequent lifting of animals or materials up to 50 pounds.

• Consistently exposed to animals and animal allergens under conditions with limited alternatives available.

Location:

• Veterinary Public Health- 612 Canino Road, 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.