Kennel Technician

Job Overview

Under the direction of the Kennel Team Leader, the Kennel Technician provides for the constant cleanliness of cages, runs and ward areas. In addition, the role is responsible for the proper feeding and care of all hospitalized animals. Maintenance of hospital areas to include hospital grounds.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Perform quality work within the scope of the mission and purpose statement of Central Texas Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital. Work with personal accountability and exceptional morale.
• Interact professionally, with integrity and compassion, toward coworkers, clients and patients in accordance with this organization's core values.
• Work effectively and independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees.
• Commit to providing excellent high-quality care of patients and clients.

All requirements listed in this job description are essential functions, some of which may require more responsibility and knowledge as the employee gains experience and/or is promoted.

Position Responsibilities

All duties are performed under the responsible supervision of a licensed veterinarian as specified in Title 22, Part 24, Chapter 573 of the Texas Administrative Code.

• Clean and sanitize all cages, runs, wards and related areas.
• Walk patients and record urine and feces.
• Feed hospitalized patients and record results of food and water intake.
• Recognize and record any unusual condition or abnormal behavior of any hospitalized patient and report findings to technician staff.
• Assists doctors, technicians and other personnel with restraint of animals.
• Laundry
• Patrol hospital grounds daily, picking up trash and feces.
• Other duties assigned as required.
• Perform quality work within the scope of the mission and purpose statement of CTVSEH.
• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Consistent, on time arrival and attendance each day you are scheduled to work.
• Always be in position and prepared to work at the start of each shift.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Flexibility and the ability to adjust to a changing environment.
• Handle stress and pressure calmly, with poise and tact.
• Self-motivated, hard worker.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and delegate appropriately.
• Willingness and ability to learn new tasks quickly.
• Ability to receive constructive criticism and accept responsibility for actions.
• Reliable and dependable.
• Common sense, good judgment and sense of humor.

Qualifications

• Ability to use cleaning materials and equipment with skill and efficiency.
• Sympathetically and patiently treat sick and injured animals.
• Learn to recognize abnormal conditions.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Education: High School Diploma or GED preferred. Willing to employ students still in High School.

Physical Effort

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods of time. Required to lift up to forty (40) pounds. Employees will be expected to request assistance with lifting or carrying animals or materials over 40 pounds.

Benefits Package

• Humana Group Health Coverage: Includes Medical, Dental, Vision and Life coverage options.
• 401K Retirement Plan
• Workers Compensation
• Continuing Education, dues & memberships, uniform reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• Veterinary service discounts for personal pets
• Tuition reimbursement for Veterinary related studies.

Work Environment

• Radiation exposure (x-ray, CT Scan)
• Possible exposure to gas sterilization using ethylene oxide
• Hazards associated with infected animals, controlled substances, and possible exposure to contagious diseases
• Exposures to unpleasant odors and noises
• Exposure to aggressive patients, bites, scratches and animal wastes