Virginia Zoo Vet Tech

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Join Our Team as a Zoological Veterinary Technician and Help Shape the Future of Wildlife Care

The Virginia Zoo is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Zoological Veterinary Technician to join our animal health team. Our current team consists of a dual-boarded ACZM and ECZM diplomate, an associate veterinarian, a hospital manager/LVT, a licensed veterinary technician (the position we are currently hiring for), and two commissary/hospital keepers.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the care, health, and welfare of our diverse collection of species. As a vital part of the veterinary team, you’ll play a key role in maintaining the health and well-being of our resident animals and supporting global conservation efforts. Come live by the beautiful Chesapeake Bay; kayak launch sites are just outside our perimeter fence.

We are situated 30 minutes from the ocean front and 3 hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

* This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Key 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
• Assist 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

Required Qualifications:

• Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) in the State of Virginia (must be obtained before start date)
• Associate’s or Bachlor’s (preferred) degree in Veterinary Technology from an AVMA-accredited program
• Minimum of 2 years of post-graduate clinical experience as a veterinary technician, including at least 1 year working as a zoo veterinary technician in an AZA-accredited (or equivalent) institution
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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
• Ability to consult with animal keepers regarding medication plans and health updates
• Strong knowledge of zoo animal behavior, restraint, and husbandry practices

Work Environment and Safety:

Zoo Veterinary Technicians must be aware of the inherent risks associated with working in close proximity to exotic animals, including exposure to zoonotic diseases. Adherence to strict safety protocols is required at all times to minimize the risk of injury or disease transmission.

Due to the nature of the role, weekend shifts are required and occasional after-hours work may be necessary based on caseload. Work includes both indoor and outdoor tasks in all weather conditions. In the event of severe weather (e.g., hurricanes or snowstorms), this role may be required to stay on-site as part of the ride-out team.

Kind, and supportive culture; 10 days PTO per year; 16 paid holidays per year; health insurance; dental insurance; close to the beach

$50,000 - $60,000 (hiring salary, commensurate with experience)

Virginia Zoological Society
3500 Granby St
Norfolk, VA 23504
Phone: