Veterinary Technician Part Time

Under general direction of the staff veterinarian, the veterinary technician assists the veterinarian in all aspects of health care for the animal population, including the coordination of quarantine care.

Responsibilities

• Assists the veterinary team with preventative health procedures and emergency care.
• Maintains the hospital and other animal care areas in sanitary condition.
• Performs administrative duties including ordering supplies, data entry, and record keeping.
• Engages in guest relations and general zoo team involvement.
• Assists the Veterinarian in the medical care of the animal collection including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.
• Under general supervision, assists with injections, venipuncture, administering medications and vaccines, and wound dressings.
• Prepares patient, medications, equipment, and instruments for surgical procedures or basic examinations.
• Holds or restrains animals during procedures.
• Assists with anesthesia and chemical immobilization, anesthesia monitoring, and surgery.
• Completes routine laboratory tests and prepares biological specimens for shipment.
• Stores and archives biological samples.
• Operates and maintains radiographic equipment and oversees the staff radiation monitoring program.
• Provides husbandry for hospitalized and quarantined animals, including hand-rearing when necessary.
• Adheres to quarantine protocols in the care and maintenance of quarantined animals.
• Assists with necropsies and maintains the necropsy facility.
• Maintains the veterinary hospital, quarantine facility, and necropsy facility in a clean and sanitary state.
• Maintains all medical equipment and capture equipment.
• Supervises and performs cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of surgical instruments, equipment, and hospital areas.
• Participates in animal health-related training such as darting, weapons, zoonotic disease, and animal training for medical behaviors.
• Maintains the pharmacy, including rotating inventory and removing expired drugs, and orders pharmaceuticals and supplies.
• Maintains the SDS/GHS system.
• Assists the Veterinarian with research and conservation programs, including fieldwork and providing medical skills when required.
• Performs all animal-related procedures safely, following established Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and protocols.
• Communicates veterinary information in a timely and friendly manner to both the animal health and animal care teams.
• Provides training to keepers on basic veterinary procedures such as administering injections and medications.
• Refers animal health problems to the appropriate source in the absence of the Veterinarian and assists in implementing care.
• Acts as a liaison with referral or on-call veterinarians and animal care staff.
• Assists with coordination of veterinary and veterinary technician students, volunteers, and other individuals.
• Performs other related duties required by the Veterinarian to maintain and operate the hospital safely and efficiently.
• Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual.
• Attends monthly all-employee meetings.
• Purchases animal health supplies, medications, and services in accordance with the animal health budget.
• Maintains animal health and collection status record keeping through ZIMS & ZIMS Medical and other related digital files.
• Compiles and generates required reports on animal health and collection status.
• Assists with animal transactions and documentation as needed.
• Coordinates maintenance and purchasing of veterinary equipment.
• Assists with animal health budgeting through tracking expenses and preparing budget reports.
• Manages accounts with vendors and the finance department.
• Performs quarterly hazard reports.
• Confirms that exhibits are presented to maximize a positive guest experience and meet zoo goals for cleanliness and maintenance.
• Conducts tours for visitors and volunteers as requested.
• Associates with guests regularly to share information and offer assistance.
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relation procedures.
• Develops and presents formal and informal educational programs.
• Supervises volunteers and interns.
• Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures with staff.
• Coaches coworkers, volunteers, and interns, providing informal feedback.
• Provides training for new keepers on husbandry Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs).
• Exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure the health and well-being of the animal collection.
• Adheres to all regulatory standards such as OSHA, USDA Animal Welfare Act, regional, federal, and AZA standards.
• Reports animal maintenance issues and potential hazards for staff.
• Ensures consistent productive operating practices by identifying areas for potential revenue generation, cost reduction, and more efficient procedures.
• Holds peers accountable for their performance.
• Performs routine maintenance when appropriate.
• Greets every guest with a smile and thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo.
• Answers phone calls, voicemails, and emails promptly.
• Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met.
• Maintains a clean, neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code.
• Stays informed about happenings at the Zoo by reading employee communications and attending meetings.
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge.
• Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible.

Requirements

• Completion of an accredited veterinary technician program and a minimum of 2 years paid veterinary technician/assistant experience, preferably with non-domestic and exotic animals in a zoo or similar facility, or in a veterinary hospital.
• Registered veterinary technician (RVT) certification in California, or eligibility to obtain licensing in CA at time of employment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Positive, calm, and professional attitude to work successfully in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to work well independently as well as with a team.
• Reliability and excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to successfully multi-task various duties and responsibilities in a timely and reliable manner, with appropriate follow-through and accuracy.
• Understanding and ability to follow established hospital processes and procedures (SOPs).
• Valid CA driver’s license with a good driving record is desirable.
• Bachelor’s degree in Life Science such as Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or a closely related discipline is preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of animal health, including species and individual-specific behavior to assess medical situations.
• Knowledge of the USDA Animal Welfare Act, regional, state, federal, and AZA standards associated with animal care and welfare.
• Knowledge of animal nutritional needs.
• Knowledge of weaponry use.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions when working around potentially dangerous animals.
• Ability to develop and present formal and informal educational programs.
• Ability to interact within a team environment.
• Ability to work within a budget and manage expenses.
• Basic computer skills (ZIMS, Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to follow oral and written directions.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop warm and friendly relationships at work.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and guests.
• Ability to exercise safe work practices while in the proximity of potentially dangerous animals or substances.
• Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals.

Pay

Wages range from $24.30 to $26.20 per hour, depending on experience and certification status.

Schedule

Part-time, three days a week between Wednesday and Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some exceptions may apply based on business necessity.