Part-Time Veterinary Technician

The work of the technician must be performed under the supervision of the licensed veterinarian and general curator. The responsibilities of veterinary technicians include all the obligations associated with performing technical duties and carrying out medical orders as prescribed by the veterinarian.

It may also include any other related work tasks as deemed necessary. The veterinary technician assists in the practice of the veterinary medical care of animals at the zoo (domestic and non-domestic species) and this requires a thorough understanding of veterinary science.

There are some physical risks involved in the work due to the nature of the animals. The employee may have to hold, move, or lift animals of up to 50 pounds weight.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

• The veterinary technician will assist the veterinarian with the preparation and management of patients, the flow of the workday, organizing and assisting with all technical aspects of patient care and procedures ( medical records, anesthesia, surgery, radiology, laboratory, intensive care, emergency care).
• Under the supervision of the veterinarian, the technician will assist with routine and emergency in-hospital procedures and field immobilizations.

These tasks include but are not limited to setting up for the procedures, monitoring of anesthesia, administration of drugs, assisting during procedures and surgery, radiology (including proper positioning of the patient and selection of techniques), intensive care, cleaning after each procedure, medical records, laboratory procedure and sample handling.

The veterinary technician will also collect appropriate specimens, perform in-house laboratory procedures (parasitology, chemistry analysis, hematology analysis, cytology, urinalysis, etc) and necropsies.

The technician is responsible for preparing samples to be sent to outside laboratories, maintaining records and organizing banked samples.

• The technician will also be responsible for preparing and administering medications following medical orders prepared by the veterinarian.
• The technician is expected to maintain complete, accurate and up to date animal health records, necropsy reports, anesthetic records and assist the veterinarian in maintaining controlled substance records.
• The technician may be called upon to instruct animal keepers as to proper administration of medications and in the collection of samples (feces, urine).
• The technician is responsible for maintaining cleanliness, disinfection, and organization of the hospital and associated rooms.

This also includes ordering and stocking supplies and equipment, maintaining drug inventory, performing routine maintenance of hospital equipment based on manufacturer recommendations, cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment as mandated by standard medical guidelines.

Additionally, the technician is responsible for maintaining daily communications with the veterinarians regarding new and ongoing cases and medications and assist in public education.

PERFORMANCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Excellent knowledge of veterinary sciences, medical procedures, and medical terminology. This includes an understanding of medications and vaccines used appropriately in a variety of animal species.
• Working knowledge of sample collection, anesthesia and surgical techniques and ability to perform associated technical skills.
• Ability to recognize species-specific parasites, read blood smears and cytology.
• Working knowledge on how to operate veterinary equipment including for radiology, laboratory, surgery, anesthesia, and dentistry.
• Skills in handling zoo animals, both large and small species, and observing animals to determine behavioral or health problems.
• Ability to set up and maintain a comprehensive filing and cataloging system for animal health records. Working knowledge of ZIMS medical record system is beneficial.
• Ability to carry out complex oral and written instructions.
• Additional essential qualifications include the following : ability to monitor and communicate via two-way radio, ability to work as a member of a team, excellent people skills, ability to get along with a wide variety of personalities, excellent organizational skills, a high degree of independence and attention to detail, ability to multi-task, ability to operate a motor vehicle, and ability to maintain good communication with veterinary staff.
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : - At least 3 years of working in a veterinary hospital, zoological setting preferred.

The following qualifications are mandated by Article 135 of Title 8 of the New York State Education Law, Section 6708, 6709 and REVISED.

Possession of a temporary or permanent license and current registration as a Veterinary Technician from the New York State Education Department.

Special Necessary Requirement : Appointees to this position must possess a permanent license and current registration as a Veterinary Technician from the New York State Education Department prior to successful completion of the probationary period for this position.