Zoological Veterinary Technician

About the role

The Virginia Zoo is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Zoological Veterinary Technician to join our animal health department. The department includes a Senior Director of Animal Health (diplomate of ACZM and ECZM), two associate veterinarians, an office manager/veterinary technician, two veterinary technicians, a Lead Animal Health Keeper, and two Animal Health Keepers. This position supports the department’s continued expansion.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate the veterinary clinic and laboratory in compliance with all relevant regulations
• Ensure cleanliness and maintenance of veterinary equipment and hospital areas
• Monitor and maintain appropriate environmental conditions for hospitalized and quarantined animals
• Absorb and support veterinarians during medical procedures, surgeries, and exams
• Monitor animal anesthesia and recovery
• Perform diagnostic testing including bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal analysis, radiography, and other diagnostics as instructed by veterinarians
• Maintain accurate medical records, daily reports, inventories, and supply logs
• Prepare, dispense, and administer medications, vaccinations, and treatments as prescribed
• Assist in approved research, field activities, and animal transportation between institutions
• Enforce zoo visitor safety regulations when applicable
• Support neonatal care and hand-rearing as needed
• Work weekends and holidays may be required
• Work includes both indoor and outdoor tasks in all weather conditions

Requirements

• Strong teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse professional environment
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Ability to follow established protocols and maintain a safe working environment

Qualifications

• Two-year associate's degree, diploma, or equivalent from a college, technical, business, vocational, or correspondence school
• Appropriate certification may be awarded upon satisfactory completion of advanced study or training

Skills

• Experience working with large carnivores, great apes, hoofstock, and megavertebrates
• Familiarity with technical skills related to the care of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians
• Proficiency in laboratory diagnostics: hematology, biochemistry, fecal analysis, cytology
• Experience with remote drug delivery systems
• Experience managing drug inventories, tracking expiration dates, and maintaining medical supply stocks
• Strong knowledge of animal behavior, restraint, and husbandry practices

Benefits

• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Employer-paid pension plan
• Basic life insurance
• Voluntary participation in medical and dental plans
• Section 457 deferred compensation
• Long-term disability
• Optional life insurance for self, spouse, and children
• Medical and dependent care reimbursement plans
• Access to membership in credit union
• Employer-provided parking

Pay

The expected hiring salary range for this position is $50,599.95 – $60,000, commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Working a flexible schedule, which can vary. Working weekends and holidays may be required.