Veterinary Technician

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 representing TLD at the highest standard of professionalism.
• Assures hospital and associated facilities are ready to provide medical care in an emergency.
• Possesses excellent observational skills, active listening, and strong organizational skills.
• Has the ability to work with potentially dangerous animals and exercise sound judgement in emergency situations.
• Readily performs other related responsibilities as necessary to accomplish department objectives.
• Able to professionally articulate thoughts, ideas and suggestions to Animal Care and Veterinary Care leadership.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to accurately report daily information written, orally and with computer programs.
• Motivated, self-starter who can work with minimal supervision. 
• Should also be able to work with others in a team setting.
• Able to establish and maintain effective and professional working relations with co-workers and other department personnel, and to do so in accordance with The Living Desert Employee Handbook
• Communication skills for effective working relationships with all Zoo staff and outside professionals. 
• Courteous with guests, staff and volunteers at all times while representing the institution at the highest standard of professionalism.
• Ability to professionally and effectively provide and accept feedback.
• Ability to record and articulate observations intelligently.
• Ability to give and comprehend written and oral instructions, and to accurately carry out such instructions.
• Excellent guests service and communication skills for effective & engaging public speaking; Gives knowledgeable and engaging tour/talks for guests, staff, and donors.

Safety:

• Maintain key box protocol.
• Serve as a member of the animal escape immobilization team, with the ability to use all tranquilization equipment in the event of an animal escape.
• Document and file SDS sheets for all chemicals used by veterinary services.
• Emergency situations - be able to remain calm. Give and receive instructions succinctly and stabilize an animal in the absence of a veterinarian (including tranquilization, transport, emergency treatment).
• Maintain a safe and productive workplace for animals, guests, and staff.
• Ability to work safely with potentially dangerous animals and withing the Two key/Two keeper/LOTO protocols.
• Have knowledge of zoonotic diseases that may affect the collection animals, personnel, and guests.
• Actively participate in training exercise drills and debriefs.

Experience Required

• Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
• Graduation from an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary technology.
• Bachelor’s, AA or AS degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree preferred.
• (Will substitute training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities. Generally, one year of paid full-time animal husbandry experience substitutes for one year of college level work.)
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a licensed veterinary technician; 1-2 years of experience with exotic and/or zoo animals is preferred
• Must be a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in the state of California or obtain CA licensure within 6 months of hire.
• Prefer exotic or zoo animal experience but will substitute experience with domestic animal practice that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must obtain a valid California driver’s license within 3 months of hire.
• Must be insurable on The Living Desert’s automobile policy.
• Covid vaccination plus one booster required.
• Annual TB test with negative reading required.

Equipment Used:

• PC computer, general office equipment, radio, vehicles, medical equipment, radiograph machines, standard capture equipment, small hand-held power tools.

Physical Position Description:

Essential Physical Tasks:

• Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting (up to 50lbs).
• Typical Working Conditions:
• Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals, and dust/airborne materials.
• Works with potentially dangerous animals (carnivores, venomous animals) and potential for zoonotic disease exposure.

Holiday Work:

• Holiday, evening and weekend work required. Available on an as needed basis for emergencies. Travel: Occasional off-site travel to release rehabilitated animals.
• Continuing education conferences and workshops, as required to maintain licensing. 
• This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job.
• The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.

Salary

• $25.99/hr