Veterinarian

Summary :

The veterinary technician reports directly to and works with the full-time veterinarian to coordinate and implement animal health programs throughout the zoo. The technician aids the full-time veterinarian with medical record entry and is responsible for preparing and assisting routine and emergency animal procedures, including but not limited to anesthetic events in the field and hospital, examinations, collection of diagnostic samples, and administration of treatments. The veterinary technician is responsible for maintaining hospital cleanliness, inventory / restocking, and maintenance of the veterinary equipment. The technician will work with veterinary students, veterinary technician students, and house officers on a regular basis and will actively participate in the guest special events throughout the year.

Education Required :  Associate’s degree; Graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association Accredited Veterinary Technology Program.

Preferred : Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university

Area of Study (Major) Required : Combination of veterinary technician work experience and associate or bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, wildlife management, zoology, biology, or related field may be considered.

Preferred :  Veterinary-Science Technology

Certification(s) Required : Licensed (LVT, RVT, CVT) veterinary technician

Preferred :  Registered Veterinary Technician Certificate in the State of Louisiana or eligible for credential transfer

License(s) Required :  Valid driver’s license. Must be able to obtain LA driver’s license within 60 days of hire.

Years Relevant Work Experience : At least two years of full-time veterinary technician clinical experience. At least one year spent preferably with zoo, exotic, wildlife, and / or emergency room experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred :  (5) or more years related experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Exhibits strong attention to detail and organization.
• Collaborates with full-time veterinarian to uphold and update the standard operating procedures and practices of the zoo's veterinary hospital.
• Knowledge of and experience using, maintaining, and troubleshooting anesthetic machines (rebreathing & nonrebreathing systems), anesthetic monitoring equipment, fluid pumps, digital radiology equipment (including portable x-ray unit), dental unit, tabletop CBC and biochemistry machines, microscopes, centrifuge, and autoclave.
• Knowledge of / experience with veterinary and human medications, treatments, and potential drug reactions.
• Knowledge of controlled drug regulations and experience with appropriate controlled drug use, record keeping, and proper storage and handling.
• Knowledge of, experience, and comfort using remote capture equipment, ultra potent opioids, preparing / firing darts, and using firearms is preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience detecting multiple species of animals’ behaviors and ability to detect abnormalities.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and disease of a variety of exotic / zoo animals.
• Experience handling a wide variety of taxa including avians, mammals, herps, and fish.
• Knowledge of infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic) and appropriate practices to reduce crosscontamination / spread and improve treatment success.
• Exhibits sufficient strength, agility, and coordination to assist in capture and / or restraint of large, strong animals.
• Able to work safely around high-stress, delicate, and sometimes dangerous exotic animals.
• Ability to perform accurate, detailed data input for effective record keeping in a computerized animal management system. Exhibits proficiency in the use of computers and software applications, including MS Office Suite. Experience with Zims Species 360 is also preferred.
• Exhibits effective verbal and written communication, strong interpersonal skills, and professionalism with ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, volunteers, employees and zoo guests.
• Exercises sound judgment during emergency situations with the ability to learn all zoo protocols, participate actively, and follow them adequately, including instances of animal escape and venomous species handling.
• Experience working at an AZA-accredited zoological institution / aquarium is desired

Days / Hours Worked : This is a full-time position, generally, 5 days per week, 8 hours per day with a 1- hour lunch break daily, and overtime as required. Some evening, weekend, and holiday work is require

Essential Functions and Duties :

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. He or she will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties as requested by his or her supervisor.

Necessary Equipment, Instruments, and Materials : Equipment includes but is not limited to computers, Abaxis, Vetscan, radiograph machine, autoclave, centrifuge, microscope, remote capture equipment, and firearms.

Environment : The individual works outdoors about 40% of the time and indoors about 60% of the time. This individual is required to work in various climatic conditions both indoors and out. Exposure to severe conditions such as storms can generally be avoided, with some exceptional circumstances; heat, cold, humidity, dust and odors cannot be avoided. There are occasional bites and scratches associated with working with wild animals.

Mental Involvement : Judgment, memory and emotional control are involved in treating and handling animals of different temperaments. The Veterinary Technician must have a moderate to high degree of concentration to follow precise instructions and administer drugs. Direct involvement with the health and welfare of animals also presents a moderate degree of stress.

Language Skills : The Veterinary Technician must have a strong command of English – both written and spoken – and be able to give clear information, understand and follow complex and precise instructions – either written or verbal.

Testing Required : Must be able to pass the pre-employment Tuberculosis Screening and produce evidence of an effective rabies vaccination titer or be able to obtain vaccination prior to employment.

Training Required : New Hire Orientation including, but not limited to : Benefits, Safety and Workman’s Comp, Compliance Training, and Personnel Policies and Procedures and Departmental Training, Finance / HR Software, Department Specific Software, Public Relations Purchasing Procedures, Ethics, MS Outlook.

Disclaimer : Performs other duties as needed upon request of immediate supervisor.