Veterinarian Technician II

About the Role

This is a safety-sensitive position responsible for leading staff engaged in specialized work as certified veterinary technicians. The role involves applying knowledge of animal care, handling, husbandry, and veterinary hospital practices to a variety of animals within the Animal Care or BioPark Division.

Responsibilities

• 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 surgery, treatment, and lab/necropsy areas.
• Coordinate the activities of personnel involved in delivering 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 operations as designated.
• Participate in the recommendation and implementation of policies and procedures after review with management.
• Assist veterinarians in medical procedures, including anesthesia, patient management, treatments, specimen collection, and surgical assistance.
• Oversee and maintain inventory of medical supplies and equipment using a computerized database; order drugs, lab supplies, and equipment as needed.
• Provide emergency or critical veterinary care for shelter animals.
• Conduct scheduled rounds of the shelter to inspect the animal collection in the absence of a veterinarian; record observations and follow up with treatment as necessary.
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery; recommend appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for assigned staff; assign work activities and resolve problems.
• Assist in the selection, training, motivation, and evaluation of assigned personnel; implement disciplinary or corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain daily written and computerized animal record-keeping.

When Assigned to Animal Welfare Department

• Perform or assist in humane animal euthanasia procedures; assist in euthanasia decisions; verify designated animals; ensure safe and humane handling during procedures.

Supplemental Functions

• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay updated on trends and innovations in veterinary science.
• Assist in maintaining medical history files on animals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Veterinary Science.
• Four (4) years of veterinary technician experience.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or 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 within one (1) year from date of hire.

Working Conditions

This role operates in an animal environment with exposure to domestic and wild animals, animal body fluids, and inclement weather. Must be able to work weekends, nights, and holidays.

• Physical demands include walking, standing, sitting, or moderate lifting for prolonged periods, and operating a computer.