Hospital Manager/Veterinary Technician

Under the direction of the Veterinarian and Zoo Curator, the Hospital Manager/Veterinary Technician manages the daily operation and maintenance of the Zoo’s hospital and records and is involved in the medical care and management of the health and well-being of our animal collection. 

Essential Functions:

• Liaison to Veterinarian and Zoo Curator.
• Manage hospital operations.
• Train, schedule and supervise assigned hospital staff, including CVTs and Animal Health Technicians.
• Monitor and maintain hospital inventory (medications, supplies, etc.) and order as needed.
• Monitor and schedule maintenance and repair for all hospital equipment (x-ray machine and processor, anesthesia machines, oxygen tanks, autoclave, microscope, etc.).
• Schedule all vet exams (annual and diagnostic) and other procedures (immobilizations, surgeries, x-rays, etc.) for all animals in zoo.
• Maintain all animal records, including medical and husbandry records, for current and historical collections.
• Maintain all tissue and serum samples (organize physical samples, log in ZIMS, order supplies as needed).
• Render treatment to sick or injured animals as directed by the Veterinarian and/or Zoo Curator.
• Medicate animals as prescribed.
• May perform preliminary visual or physical examination of animals and report findings to the Veterinarian and/or Zoo Curator.
• Perform diagnostics, including radiographs and routine laboratory tests.
• Have knowledge of animal care and handling, and provide general husbandry and medical care for all hospitalized zoo animals.
• Assist in surgery by participating in sedation/immobilization, surgery site preparation, IV catheter placement,  anesthetic monitoring and patient recovery.  Duties also include record keeping, sterilizing instruments, securing supplies, and cleaning the operating area.
• Disinfect cages for the control and eradication of infections and communicable diseases.
• Under the direction of the Veterinarian, would be involved in euthanasia and necropsy of terminally sick animals.
• May provide direction to Animal Keeping staff regarding animal medical issues.
• Gather and record information regarding cases to prepare animal patients for examinations and ready drugs and equipment for use.
• Help to organize and maintain the Zoo’s technical library to ensure a complete selection of necessary volumes pertinent to the Zoo’s operation.
• May attend conferences or continuing education courses related to the veterinary care field.
• Have knowledge of zoology, biology, and animal management.
• Is able to recognize and analyze problems with the purpose of solving them in an efficient and effective manner.

Education and Other Requirements:

• B.S. or Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology, or related field, preferred
• Zoo or exotic animal experience preferred

Schedule:

• Full Time, 40 hours per week
• Occasional overtime
• Must work one weekend day and some holidays

Benefits include:

• Paid time off (vacation, sick, personal, holiday)
• Medical, prescription and dental insurance plans
• Pension plan