Veterinary Hospital Assistant, Bronx Zoo (Part-Time)

About the role

The part time Hospital Assistant is part of the team which cares for hospitalized and quarantined animals at the Zoological Health Program's (ZHP) Wildlife Health Center (WHC)/Quarantine Facility (QF).

Principal Responsibilities

• Care, training, enrichment, and restraint of assigned animals of all taxa housed at the WHC/QF including carrying out medical care, recordkeeping, specialized diets as ordered by veterinarians or ZHP/Animal Department Supervisors.
• Perform safe and proper maintenance (cleaning and proper environmental parameters) of environmentally controlled enclosures, holding facilities, and associated service areas according to established protocols or under the direction of ZHP/Animal Department Supervisors or Veterinary Staff.
• Participate in the modification, enhancement, and proper disinfection of animal holding areas/enclosures under the direction of ZHP/Animal Department Supervisors or Veterinary Staff.
• Aid with general equipment/supplies replacement, all recordkeeping, and maintenance of the WHC compressed medical gas system.
• Aid with setting up and carrying out mandated quarantine procedures (Centers for Disease Control, United States Department of Agriculture, etc. or specific infectious disease control).
• Aid with the proper handling and disposal of Regulated Medical Waste.
• Maintain the WHC/QF environs and vehicles for cleanliness, safety, and organization.
• Aid the Operations/Maintenance staff and outside contractors as needed to ensure the WHC and QF physical plant and medical systems operate properly.

Qualification Requirements

• High school graduate/GED plus two years of college required; Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Zoology, or related field, preferred.
• Minimum (6) months experience in direct animal care in a veterinary clinic, research, zoo, or laboratory animal facility.
• Valid current driver’s license.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral English.
• Ability to work in a complex healthcare environment with multiple veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and support staff.
• Strong ability to prioritize and multi-task on the fly.

Physical Demands

• This position requires use of a keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other input devices, as well as finger manipulation, wrist turning, and neck movement.
• The role involves sitting, standing, walking, stair climbing, driving, and lifting or carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work is performed indoors and outdoors, both independently and with others, including weekends and holidays.
• The position includes exposure to zoonotic diseases, chemicals, and occasional excess noise.