Veterinary Technician (Part Time)

About the role

Based at the Bronx Zoo’s Wildlife Health Center, this position assists veterinarians and full-time veterinary technicians in providing healthcare to animals in the WCS collection at all 5 Parks and assists in training professionals, students and volunteers, as part of the health care team.

This position contributes to, enlarges, and upholds the WCS policies toward the Equal Employment Opportunities for women, minorities, veterans, the handicapped and other designated groups.

Principal Responsibilities

• Perform treatments on and monitor animals in the hospital or on-grounds, which includes preparation and administration of daily medications; setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting intravenous catheters, fluids, and constant rate infusions; and record keeping.
• Prepare for, assist during, and clean up after any clinical procedures (including surgical procedures) on collection animals and occasional wildlife animals in the hospital and on zoo grounds. This includes providing and monitoring anesthesia, intubating, and recovery of animals as part of the routine medical management of the WCS collection.
• Operate and maintain veterinary diagnostic imaging equipment, including digital-based radiology (portable and stationary equipment), CT equipment, endoscopy, and ultrasound systems.
• Prepare and ship laboratory samples in accordance with current IATA shipment regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness and overall organization of the WHC.
• Maintain the Preventative Medicine Program via coordination of dispensing monthly preventative medications and administration of routine vaccines to collection animals within guidelines provided by Veterinarians.
• Assist Laboratory Supervising Veterinary Technician with testing as needed.
• Absentee of Laboratory Supervising Veterinary Technician, perform clinical pathology testing as needed in a zoo laboratory setting.
• Absentee of Laboratory Supervising Veterinary Technician, assist in training the hospital volunteers, students, and new employees as required.
• Perform related tasks and duties as required.
• Ability to work in a complex healthcare environment with animals of diverse taxa and with multiple veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team that interacts closely with other departments, including Animal Care and Facilities teams.
• Ability to provide daily oversight of technical support team.
• Ability to represent WCS in a professional manner in all activities and to provide a positive example to all staff.
• Must understand and be able to comply with DEA regulations pertaining to controlled substances in veterinary practice.
• Absorbs safety of self, staff, animals, and guests through regular participation in safety training and activities; compliance with standard operating procedures; and proper operation and maintenance of equipment.

  Qualification Requirements

  • Veterinary technician degree required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree; New York State Veterinary Technician license required or license eligible (to obtain licensure within 6 months of hire).
  • Maintenance and possession of a valid driver’s license.
  • Full-time experience as a Licensed Veterinary Technician at a small, large, or exotic companion animal veterinary practice.
  • Preference given for experience with avian and exotic animals, hoof stock, or a zoological institution.
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
  • Some knowledge of computer databases desirable.

    Physical Demands

    • Frequent use of a computer, including keyboarding, mouse use, and telephone communication.
    • Regular sitting, standing, walking, stair climbing, bending, reaching, and driving.
    • Lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis.
    • Occasional kneeling, overhead reaching, pushing and pulling, and navigating uneven terrain are required.

    Work Conditions and Environment

    • Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, including in all weather conditions, and may involve working closely with others or independently.
    • Occasional exposure to excess noise, potentially dangerous animals, and potentially infectious agents may occur.

    Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer

    The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies.