Veterinary Technician (Internal Candidate)

About the role

The Veterinary Technician performs technical and clinical procedures in the treatment, surgery, medication, and laboratory evaluation of White Oak’s Wildlife collection. The position collaborates within the veterinary department and across departments to help achieve White Oak’s Conservation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provides assistance to the veterinarian with the daily medical care of the animal collection, including preparation of equipment, animal restraint, sample collections, and diagnostic procedures.
• Prepares and administers medications to animals under the supervision of the veterinarian; Assists veterinarian during surgical procedures, monitors anesthesia, and keeps anesthetic records.
• Aids in field procedures (blood draws, medication administration, radiographs, etc.).
• Maintains the Animal Science Building facility, including the sterilization of instruments, preparation and maintenance of hospital equipment, other related equipment, and assists with supply inventory.
• Performs radiographs on animals utilizing stationary and portable x-ray machines; Labels and transfers radiographs to PACS system.
• Assists in the development of x-ray techniques for animals; Maintains x-ray unit and related equipment.
• Assists in necropsies; Prepares tissue samples for shipment or transport to outside laboratories with all applicable documentation.
• Performs laboratory procedures, quality controls, and diagnostic tests, including parasitology, hematology, serum chemistries, cytology, urinalyses and PCR.
• Enters clinical pathology data into electronic medical records database and archives conventional paper medical records.
• Oversees preventive parasitology screening program for the animal collection, Johne's disease screening program for ruminants, pre-shipment testing requirements, biomaterials banking, and other programs as needed.
• Oversees preventive health programs and animal procedures.
• Maintains hard copy and computerized calendars of preventive health programs and animal procedures.
• Develops technical protocols and maintains quality control and accuracy of clinical techniques.
• Assists in all aspects of the veterinary medical practice as needed; Fills in for and performs duties of the other technicians as needed.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology, required; Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology, preferred.
• Successfully passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
• Must be eligible for certification through Florida state regulatory board.
• Minimum of three years’ veterinary technician small animal clinical experience.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of veterinary clinical pathology procedures such as parasitology, hematology, serum chemistries, cytology and urinalyses; Some PCR knowledge is helpful.
• Understanding of preventative testing/screening requirements in zoological medicine for routine exams, pre-ship exams and quarantine exams.
• Basic knowledge of animal restraint, sample collections, and diagnostic procedures.
• Basic knowledge of anesthetic monitoring, surgical procedure assisting and performing radiographs.
• Basic mathematical skills with ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, dosages, and metric conversions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in computer use, zoo industry record management software (ZIMS), and Microsoft Office.
• Strong systemic and strategic thinking in combination with a proven ability to translate thinking to action and impact.
• An excellent ability to build strategic networks and partnerships with various internal and external stakeholders.
• Solid interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Highly collaborative and team-oriented.

Physical Requirements, Hazards, And Special Working Conditions

• Must have valid Florida or Georgia Driver’s License.
• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects, climb a 5-foot ladder, and work outdoors in all conditions.
• Exposure to fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts and vehicles.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays as well as unforeseen emergency situations.

Benefits

White Oak Conservation offers competitive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and more.

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time position with flexible schedule.

Skills

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, proficiency in computer use, and strong interpersonal communication skills are essential.

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other perks are offered.