SENIOR ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Job Classification: SENIOR ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN (Shelter)

Posting Number: 36993

Department: Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department

Division: BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions
Section: Shelter Operations

Reporting Location:2700 Evella St

Workdays & Hours: Thursday-Sunday 7am-6pm *Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This position focuses on leading the Animal Care Technicians in providing the best care for the shelter animals and maintenance of facilities. Frequently uses animal control, care and management software to document activities in field, shelter and office settings.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assigns and coordinates the daily work activities of Animal Care Technicians and contract workers.
• Assists Shelter Supervisor in creating and implementing policies and procedures as they pertain to assigned areas .
• Assists in training and counseling Animal Care Technicians, contract workers and volunteers in the performance of their job duties.
• Cleans and sanitizes kennels, cages, equipment, runs and other areas of the facility with appropriate cleaning agents in order to maintain a healthy, clean, safe and sanitary facility for shelter animals and the public.

• Provides food, water and proper care for all shelter animals by adhering to schedules and protocols within departmental policy.
• Responsible for the use of positive reinforcement and low stress handling techniques.
• Hosts and/or attends classes on low stress animal handling and continuing education courses as it applies to the animal sheltering field.
• Provides a complete workup to animals from the intake appointments including age-appropriate vaccinations, dewormer and FIV/FELV or HW testing.
• Provides the public legendary customer service while assisting adopting, fostering, reclaiming or turning in animals.
• Restrains animals for euthanasia and ensures proper disposal of carcasses per bureau policy. Prepares animals for laboratory examinations. Properly documents specimens prior to submission to the City’s epidemiology lab.
• Maintains animal inventory and reports discrepancies to Shelter Supervisor.
• Maintains accurate and legible case files and records for each animal in the shelter; uses a computer to input, update and access information regarding shelter animals and to produce written documents.
• Alerts Shelter Supervisor about problems with equipment or building issues that need to be fixed by department building services personnel.
• May assist other BARC departments or may be asked to perform other duties as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position requires extensive physical exertion, such as lifting heavy objects of at least 80 pounds on frequent basis, deep bending, climbing of steps and/or assuming awkward positions.

There are frequent exposures to extreme levels of temperature, air pollution, noise pollution, chemical gases and substances, and/or contagious diseases or physical trauma conditions of a short-term disabling nature, such as broken bones or temporary loss of sight or hearing.

Requires the ability to make closely coordinated eye/hand movements within very fine tolerance and/or calibration demands; or the ability to make rapid closely coordinated eye/hand movements on a patterned response space within somewhat fine tolerance demands; or the ability to make coordinated eye/hand movements within fine tolerances with large equipment as an extension of the worker.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:
Requires a high school diploma or a GED.

Additional education beyond the high school level may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

EXPERIENCE:
Two years of experience in the care and handling of animals are required.

Must obtain Euthanasia Certification within one year of employment.

LICENSE:
None

PREFERENCES

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **

Preference will be given to applicants who have previous working knowledge of animal care shelter environment.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

Department may administer pertinent skills assessment.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade 15

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832-393-7238).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832/393-0450). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employment

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 8/25/2025 11:59 PM Central

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• Houston Airport System

• 2812331839

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