Veterinary Technician

The Living Desert Zoo/Gardens Veterinary Technician

Job Title: Veterinary Technician

Department: Veterinary Care Services

Division: Animal Care

Exemption: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Veterinarians

Summary:

The Veterinary Technician is a full-time position which assists in the administration of the zoo’s animal health program and wildlife confiscations. The technician works closely with the Veterinarians to provide exemplary health care for animals across diverse taxonomies. This position participates in multiple aspects of veterinary medicine in order to provide uncompromising excellence in animal care, well-being, and guest engagement.

The Veterinary Care team is expected to support the Zoo in its’ mission to support “desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation.” The team will help the Zoo achieve a forward-thinking vision of a modern zoo and inclusive culture.

Job description is a summary of the typical duties of the role, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

Mission:

• The Veterinary Care team is considered the primary animal health team for The Living Desert animal collection and confiscation animals that we take in.
• The Veterinary Care team endeavors to practice state of the art veterinary medicine and maintain high standards of veterinary professionalism.
• The Veterinary Care team must have great enthusiasm for the profession of zoological medicine.
• The Veterinary Care team must have strong ethic and team-oriented work style.
• The Veterinary Care team performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that will move The Living Desert forward into the future.

Administrative:

• General knowledge of zoo animal biology and wildlife husbandry.
• Helps maintain and implement preventive medicine schedules.
• Maintains timely and accurate medical records in Species 360/ZIMS and other record systems.
• Processes and ships samples to reference laboratories.
• Maintain an organized, clean and tidy hospital including disinfecting and sterilizing as necessary.
• Report equipment and facility maintenance needs.
• Assist in training animal care keepers, students and volunteers.
• Maintain accurate time cards and approve in a timely manner.
• Must check emails regularly and respond in a timely manner including but not limited to surveys and questionnaires.

Animal Health:

• Facilitates and assists with medical and surgical procedures, anesthesia, and diagnostic imaging.
• Performs laboratory analyses (including, but not limited to, fecal examinations, urinalysis, CBC, and cytology), and processes samples for reference laboratories.
• Maintains hospital and hospital equipment in clean and working repair.
• Assist in maintaining pharmacy, supplies and hospital. Dispense supplements, medications, vaccines and other medical supplies as requested.
• Collect, transport, and process samples while maintaining accurate and clear records. Prepare samples for analyses in, but not limited to, hematology, chemistry, microbiology, mycology, parasitology, urinalysis, cytology and research projects.
• Provides nursing care for patients, including patient observations; communicates daily with veterinarians regarding animals under care
• Provides husbandry and veterinary care to wildlife from government confiscations.
• Understands and utilizes proper radiology techniques, positioning, and radiation safety.
• Has the ability to handle and restrain a variety of animals, including wildlife confiscations.
• Understands the contemporary practice standards of zoo veterinary care particularly as established by the AAZV and as practiced in AZA accredited institutions.
• Has knowledge of zoonotic diseases that may affect the animal residents, personnel, and guests.

Leadership and Communication:

• Collaborates with Animal Care team to implement operant conditioning for husbandry/veterinary procedures.
• Provides mentorship and feedback to veterinary and veterinary technician students.
• Provides assistance to other departments as needed.
• Communicates effectively both orally and written, and maintains open communications with both the Veterinary Care and Animal Care Teams
• Interacts with guests courteously and effectively while…