Veterinary Technician, #JR-00815

The Virginia Aquarium is seeking a licensed Veterinary Technician with experience working with a diverse range of animals—including fish, elasmobranchs, reptiles, birds, and both terrestrial and marine mammals—to join its Veterinary Science & Research team. The successful candidate will assist the team in providing medical care, including a comprehensive preventative health‑care program, to the Aquarium’s resident animals.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinary staff in identifying, diagnosing, and treating conditions, disease, injury, and health maintenance of all animals at the Virginia Aquarium.
• Follow directions of senior veterinary staff (or approved protocols) while often working independently to perform minor medical procedures, diagnostic tests, and prescribed treatments/therapies.
• Create and maintain accurate case documentation in the medical record‑keeping system (ZIMS) and other relevant databases.
• Monitor and observe animal behavior, condition, health indicators, and clinical signs, reporting appropriately to veterinarians.
• Perform a variety of sample‑collection techniques, prepare samples for external diagnostic labs, conduct in‑house laboratory testing, and other diagnostics.
• Utilize equipment such as digital radiograph system, ultrasound, endoscope, bronchoscope, incubator, ventilator, i‑STAT, therapeutic laser, and centrifuges.
• Conduct diagnostic imaging, including patient positioning, exposure techniques, ALARA compliance, and upload images for veterinarian review.
• Prepare for regular veterinary exams and rounds with needed equipment and supplies; assist with examinations, recording, and communicating treatment plans to animal‑care staff.
• Under direct supervision, assist with procedures requiring sedation and/or anesthesia, intubation, or surgery; perform pre‑ and post‑op duties, set up anesthesia and surgery equipment, administer anesthesia, monitor responses, maintain sterile field, act as surgical assistant, and provide recovery and supportive care.
• Accurately calculate dosages, prepare, and administer medications, fluids, and other treatments as prescribed; dispense medications and help maintain staff training schedule for medical administration protocols.
• Perform and/or assist with euthanasia, necropsies, post‑mortem sampling, and data collection as directed.
• Assist in developing protocols and training other staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Ensure veterinary protocols are adhered to and staff safety training is current according to approved schedules.
• Adhere to all regulations, standards, and guidelines of OSHA, USDA, DEA, AZA, and the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine.
• Coordinate with the veterinary team to carry out daily/weekly medical care plans, communicating and scheduling with animal‑care staff as needed.
• Communicate regularly with the Hospital Manager and veterinarians regarding case status, procedures, treatments, and diagnostics.
• Maintain quality standards through regular maintenance and cleaning; keep service areas and personal workspace clean and organized.
• Maintain courteous and professional demeanor with volunteers, staff, collaborators, guests, and the public.
• Assist the Lead Veterinary Technician – Hospital Manager in maintaining supplies and equipment across several Aquarium facilities, monitor inventory of medical supplies and controlled drugs, and keep logs.
• Clean and sterilize instruments and materials; maintain veterinary equipment and machines with daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning and maintenance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in veterinary technology, animal sciences, biology, zoology, conservation, or a related field.
• Three (3) or more years of experience working as a licensed veterinary technician.
• One (1) or more years working in an animal‑care related position at an aquarium, zoo, or wildlife facility.
• Prior experience in an avian, exotic, or urgent/emergency veterinary practice.
• Experience with sea turtles, teleosts, elasmobranchs, or marine mammals.
• Knowledge and experience performing basic live‑animal diagnostic testing, using portable blood‑gas analyzers (e.g., i‑STAT), reading fecal cytology, collecting vital signs, blood draws, sample preparation, and digital radiograph safety/technique.
• Experience with public speaking or guest engagement (oral presentations, tours, conservation messaging).
• Experience assisting with and conducting necropsies, including proper sample collection.
• Experience working in and around water.
• Strong listening, communication, retention, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain the highest levels of professionalism and a positive attitude as a representative of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the City of Virginia Beach.
• Willingness to provide and follow direction and procedures to ensure health and safety of staff, volunteers, and animal patients, and to ensure compliance with laws and guidelines.

Schedule

5 days per week, 8‑hour day shifts including up to one weekend day per week, with rotational standby coverage. Schedule may change seasonally or annually depending on program needs. Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required. Required to receive a rabies pre‑exposure vaccination provided by the City’s Occupational Health Services Office.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance.
• Retirement and savings plans.
• Maternity, paternity, and parental leave.
• Paid holidays and leave.
• Employee Wellness Program.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Professional Development Opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.