Veterinary Technician

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

• Under supervision, perform duties necessary to ensure the health, care and maintenance of zoo animals and the cleaning and maintenance of zoo enclosures, buildings and grounds.   
• Provide animal care for a large and diverse zoological collection, closely monitor health and behavior.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Maintains and enriches the environment of zoo animals appropriately under the direction of Veterinarian, lead veterinary technician, and managers. 
• Assists veterinarian in performing treatments, running diagnostics & monitoring patients, placing IV catheters, drawing blood, running lab tests, administering IV fluids, cleaning, feeding and caring for patients as needed.
• Prepares animals for surgery and monitors anesthesia and recovery as directed by zoo veterinarian. Assists zoo veterinarian with radiology and dentistry needs. Assist with inventory control of medicines.
• Responsible for overseeing laboratory duties such as collecting, preparing and running or submitting samples under direction of zoo veterinarian.
• Observes and evaluates animal behavior, social interactions, feeding and breeding to identify animal health, security and well being. 
• Records and reports observations to supervisor and in relevant record-keeping systems. 
• Prepares foods and follows established feeding schedules and prescribed diets.   
• Cleans animal enclosures and performs basic related animal care duties such as trimming nails, hooves, beaks and fur.   Directs and controls animals within and between exhibit spaces. 
• Assists veterinary staff in the diagnosis and treatment of animals. 
• As directed, draws bodily fluids, takes fecal samples, and administers medications.  Accurately records and maintains animal health details. 
• Recommends changes to improve animal care and work method efficiencies. 
• Cleans and disinfects animal habitat spaces.  Cleans zoo buildings and grounds. 
• Performs grounds maintenance duties such as cutting grass, trimming shrubs and snow removal. 
• Operates motorized equipment such as golf carts. 
• Takes necessary precautions to ensure the safety of workers, animals, and the general public.  Makes minor repairs to exhibit buildings and equipment. 
• Picks up, loads and unloads animal food and supplies. 
• Communicates, assists and interacts positively with the public. 
• Trains, directs, and monitors the work of others as necessary. 
• Assists the Maintenance Mechanic and other staff as necessary. 
• Works effectively and cooperatively with lead vet tech, Zoo Keepers and management staff.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements
Education, Training and Experience:  

• Requires two (2) year associate degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – accredited college.
• Prefer two (2) years of paid experience in the care and maintenance of zoo specimens at an AZA accredited or related facility within the last three (3) years. 
• Two (2) years of coursework in zoological or closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. 
• Other combinations of education, training and/or experience that provide an equivalent background may also be considered.  

Special Requirements:  

• A valid Driver's License (or eligibility for) is required. 
• Must be available for work on nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies.
• Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities.
• Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record.  However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

 For Bilingual Positions: 

• Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, etc.). 
• Applicants being considered for Bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process.
• This may consist of either being able to respond to questions in that language (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, etc.) during the interview; or passing an oral translation (English to foreign language / foreign language to English) exam prior to employment.
• Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
• This position is active for the entire shift (standing, walking, stooping, twisting, lifting, bending, pushing, reaching, climbing, crouching and crawling). 
• Must be able to repeatedly lift up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted and heavier loads with assistance.
• Must have the ability to use hands and feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling and operating controls and equipment. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of all aspects of zoo animal care, including husbandry, operant conditioning and training, animal behavior, habitat enrichment, nutrition, healthcare, reproductive physiology and animal diseases.
•   Knowledge of proper animal handling, feeding, cleaning and care methods. Ability to observe animal behavior, identify changes and accurately record and report findings.
• Knowledge of animal hygiene and welfare requirements.
• Perform laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood counts, fecal parasite exams, assist with dental prophylaxis, prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and assist veterinarians in a variety of tests and analyses as directed.
• Proficiency in working with different types of medical equipment, such as sterilization and diagnostic equipment, positioning and development of radiographs, and provide specialized nursing care.
• Knowledge of building and grounds cleaning and maintenance methods and materials as they relate to the maintenance and cleaning of zoo exhibits and animal hospitals. 
• Knowledge of the operation and routine preventative maintenance of motorized equipment, such as small tractors, etc. 
• Knowledge of relevant safety precautions and practices.   
• Ability to organize and perform necessary duties in the most efficient, effective and safe manner. 
• Ability to effectively train, direct, and monitor the work of others. 
• Ability to work efficiently and cooperatively with others. 
• Ability to make minor repairs to buildings, structures and equipment. 
• Must have functional reasoning skills and the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and/or diagrammatic form. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally, with other workers, supervisors and the general public.
• Ability to keep daily records related to animal care, wellbeing, feeding and other relevant information. 
• Knowledge of emergency procedures including willingness to be on the safe assist team and the ability to effectively carrying out these procedures under extremely stressful conditions.

Salary

• $31.81 - $34.21 Hourly