Registered Veterinary Technician I

The Registered Veterinary Technician supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission integrating wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions. The Registered Veterinary Technician assists the veterinary staff with clinical and surgical procedures, is responsible for performing diagnostic radiographs, and provides technical support and nursing care for the collection, while advocating for the animals entrusted to our care. This position reports to the Veterinary Services Wildlife Care Supervisor.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Recognize, provide care for, treat, evaluate, medicate and maintain records for the compromised, sick, ill, dying, and/or arresting patients.
• Setup for various scheduled and emergency procedures, as well as clean, sterilize and care for all specialized instruments associated with the procedures.
• Perform diagnostic radiographs on all animal species in our collection using various radiographic modalities such as mammography, digital radiography (in house and in the field), Computed Tomography (with and without intravenous contrast).
• Maintains all anesthetic machines to ensure proper function and monitor animal patients before, during and upon recovery from anesthetic procedures.
• Fill or compound prescribed medications including controlled drugs for animal patients as well as maintain appropriate records.
• Correctly handle and use pneumatic CO2 darting pistol and rifles as well as other remote injection delivery equipment in a safe and professional manner.
• Proficient in operating Class IV Laser, following all safety and training guidelines and protocols.
• Follows all CDC quarantine regulations and protocols.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• The San Diego Zoo Safari Park Veterinary Services department is seeking an additional RVT to join our growing medical team. 
• You will join our existing team in caring for a wide variety of taxa in our Safari Park population, and contribute to our eight SDZWA Conservation Hubs, including our Northern White Rhino Initiative and local amphibian, avian and mammal population sustainability programs. 
• Desired candidates hold a passion for wildlife well-being, a drive to practice high quality medicine, the ability to embrace teamwork, and the skillset to exercise veterinary nursing within both a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital and wildlife field habitats.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Prior paid experience working as an RVT in a zoological setting preferred.
• Prior paid experience working as an RVT in veterinary setting required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree or some college preferred. 
• California licensure as a Registered Veterinary Technician within 180 days required.
• Graduate of an AVMA accredited program or VMB approved RVT program within 180 days preferred.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of the dangers and be situationally aware when ultra-potent narcotics are in use required.
• Strong working knowledge of laboratory procedures in the analysis of biological samples preferred.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement preventative heath projects as directed for overall health of collection animals required.
• Human CPR and first aid is desirable.
• Ability to operate moderately complex computer software programs required.
• Demonstrated ability to work with teams and communicate effectively with others required.

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

Salary

• Hourly Rate: $31.15 to $34.44