The Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute is seeking an Animal Health Technician to support the veterinary care and health management of one of the nation's most diverse zoological collections. Working within the Department of Wildlife Health Sciences, this position plays a critical role in providing veterinary technical, clinical, and laboratory support for a wide variety of non-domestic species housed at the Smithsonian National Zoo.
- This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled veterinary technician who is passionate about animal welfare, conservation, and collaborative zoo medicine.
Position Summary
- The Animal Health Technician supports veterinarians and veterinary consultants in delivering comprehensive medical care to the Zoo's animal collection. Responsibilities include assisting with clinical procedures, diagnostics, anesthesia, surgery, preventive medicine programs, inventory management, and medical record maintenance.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical support during animal anesthesia, treatment, surgery, dentistry, radiology, and preventive medicine procedures.
- Assist with diagnostic imaging, including obtaining and developing radiographs.
- Collect biological samples including blood, urine, and fecal specimens and perform associated laboratory procedures.
- Prepare blood smears, conduct diagnostic tests, and complete clinical pathology documentation.
- Maintain accurate medical and surgical records.
- Monitor and maintain veterinary hospital equipment and coordinate servicing when necessary.
- Manage medical inventories and supplies, including ordering, purchasing, stocking, and tracking materials in accordance with standard operating procedures
Experience Required
Minimum Qualifications:
- Candidates must possess qualifying experience that demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide veterinary technical support.
- Examples of qualifying backgrounds include:
- Veterinary assistant or technician experience working with livestock or exotic animals.
- Animal welfare or animal health inspection experience.
- Direct animal care experience involving livestock or wildlife.
- Experience supporting veterinarians in clinical settings.
- In addition, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level supporting veterinary medical programs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Veterinary technician experience in a zoo, aquarium, wildlife, or exotic animal setting. Experience with animal anesthesia and surgical support. Clinical laboratory and diagnostic imaging experience. Strong organizational and inventory management skills. Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Further Comments
- Why Join NZCBI? The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a global leader in wildlife conservation, animal care, veterinary medicine, and scientific research.
- Team members have the opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of rare and endangered species while supporting cutting-edge conservation programs.
- Compensation & Benefits Salary: $70,623 - $91,815 annually Federal benefits package Paid leave and holidays Retirement and insurance programs Professional development opportunities
Salary
- $70,623 - $91,815 annually
