Veterinary Technician II

Job Title

Veterinary Technician II

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Cooperative Agricultural Research Center

Proposed Minimum Salary

$16.84 hourly

Job Location

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Veterinary Technician II, under general supervision, monitors animal health, administers treatments and assists the veterinarian/professional staff as part of the daily care of animals maintained at the PVAMU farm. Provides assistance as needed to the professional staff and maintains a sanitary and functionally well-organized service within the animal treatment and veterinary supply areas associated with the PVAMU farm.

This position may pay more than the salary listed above depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

Responsibilities:

• Daily observation and documentation of PVAMU farm animals to identify current or potential health issues. Perform and report results of examinations such as body weight, temperature, pules, respirations and body condition score to the professional staff as appropriate. Assist veterinarian/professional staff with clinical cases (routine and emergency), surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia, taking direct supervision from the veterinarian; perform patient restraint, obtain and process laboratory samples, handle and dispense medications at the direction of the veterinarian, and maintain the electronic medical record; provide in-hospital treatments for sick patients including giving injectable and oral medications as well as intravenous fluid therapy; keep patients clean, watered, and fed (when indicated and directed by veterinarian), and safely walk patients when necessary; prepare patients for surgical procedures, safely support induction and monitoring of anesthetized patients including checking and recording vital parameters (under direction of the veterinarian), monitor patients during recovery.
• Obtain weight and vital signs for the patient (temperature, pulse, respirations, pain score, body condition score), and record all in the electronic medical record, begin documentation of the patient visit in the electronic medical record by documenting a thorough patient history; keep Pharmacy and surgery room environment neat and clean; perform regular cleaning of environment based on necessity as well as based on a pre-determined maintenance schedule.; Schedule activities, relay test results to doctor, maintain and update inventory as well as patient records, Keep pharmacy, treatment and surgery areas properly stocked for daily activities.
• Participate in research projects that include preparation of animals (body condition score, estrous synchronization, semen collection and processing, artificial insemination); Participate in the training of new staff members and general dissemination of knowledge as required; participation in the extension and educational programs for students, ranchers, and other customers.
• Participates and assists in college-wide events, activities, committees and performs other duties as deemed necessary.

Required Education and Experience:

• Associate degree in veterinary technology, biomedical science, animal science or a related area, or any equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Two years of technical experience in veterinary medicine. At least 2 years of clinical mixed or large animal veterinary medical experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Computer skills in word processing, spread sheets, and billing entry.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four years of previous experience working in a veterinary practice.
• Must possess exemplary interpersonal skills and be able to work in physically-demanding environments around animals, dust or hay. Must show leadership, be self-motivated, able to multi-task, take initiative and actively contribute to the effective veterinary care of livestock.
• Must be able to regularly lift heavy loads (~50lbs), and be familiar with cattle and goat behavior, common and proper methods of food animal handling and restraint (particularly, caprine and bovine), and proper medication injection sites.
• General understanding of methods and equipment used, such as Body Condition Scoring, anesthetic machines, fluid pumps, ultrasound or hematology equipment, and provide quality customer service to internal customers.
• Veterinary Technician Diploma with an active license at the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examination.

Other Requirements:

• Willing and able to work alternate shifts, holidays, weekends, or on-call duty, sometimes with little advanced notice.