This position will work closely with the entire staff to help care for the zoo’s animal collection as well as incoming animals for rehabilitation. The position is supervised by our Head Veterinarian and works alongside the associate veterinarian and another veterinary technician to form the Dickerson Park Zoo Hospital Team.
Primary Purpose
- Performs laboratory tests, maintains medical records and animal histories, and maintains sanitary conditions within the laboratory, hospital, isolation or quarantine facilities for the Dickerson Park Zoo.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Experience, Education, and Training
- Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Sciences, or a related field of study;
- Or any combination of four years of education, vocational/technical training, and/or experience in biological sciences, zoology, animal science, medical technology, animal laboratory technician or veterinary assistant work, or a related area.
Licensing/Certification
- Must possess a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
- PREFERRED
- Licensed Veterinary Technician
- Knowledge
- Knowledge of laboratory procedures and laboratory tests; principles, procedures, and equipment involved in the care of domestic, native, and exotic animals
- Abilities
Effectively perform laboratory tests
- Prepare and maintain a variety of manual and computerized records and reports
- Maintain and operate microscopes, centrifuges, and other laboratory equipment
- Control and care for a variety of animals
- Maintain sanitary conditions in the laboratory, hospital, quarantine and isolation facilities
- Follow oral and written instructions
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- Present an overall professional image
- Effectively welcome and embrace differences among employees and citizens
- Perform effectively as a member of a team
- Deal effectively and courteously with associates and the general public
- Perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of self or others
FUNCTIONS
- Essential Functions
- Performs all laboratory tests as directed; collects blood, fecal, and urine samples from animals; prepares specimens for examination; and performs a variety of analysis.
- Maintains manual and computerized records of lab results, animal genealogy, medical histories such as weight, temperature, food intake, medications received, etc.
- Provides food and water, cleans and administers medications according to prescribed schedules and instructions on a rotating basis.
- Utilizes hypodermic syringes and/or a variety of devises to propel darts to administer medication and anesthetize animals.
- Adjusts the temperature, humidity, and climate according to the animal's needs.
- Monitors the condition of animals and notifies superiors of changes in appearance, appetite, physical condition, etc.
- Maintains quarantined animals according to regulations.
- Sterilizes laboratory equipment and instruments and cleans and disinfects the laboratory, hospital, nursery, pens, and cages.
- Assists the veterinarian, zookeepers, and supervisors in examinations, administration of medications, and surgery as needed.
- Prepares reports as required.
- Maintains and orders supplies and materials for the laboratory, animal hospital and quarantine and isolation facilities
Important Functions
- Attends conferences, workshops, seminars, and other training for professional development purposes.
- Performs related work as required.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Supervision
- Under the general supervision of the Head Veterinarian.
Physical Requirements
- Performs bending, squatting, kneeling, and reaching from ground level and overhead; push and pull up to 75 pounds; hold and grip objects.
Working Environment
- Both indoors and outdoors with exposure to a variety of extreme weather conditions; subject to safety hazards associated with caring for domestic, native, and exotic animals such as injuries resulting from bites or other physical contact; susceptible to strong odors, fumes, poor lighting, and cramped spaces. Possible exposure to disease due to contact with animals.
Miscellaneous Requirements
- This position may work around animals susceptible to specific diseases, thus may be subject to regular tuberculosis and rabies titer testing, and the routine use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, face masks.
- Subject to emergency call-in; must be able to work a flexible work schedule including weekends and/or holidays.
- Further Comments
- This position is a Friends of the Zoo Veterinary Technician at Dickerson Park Zoo and works a Sunday-Thursday schedule.
Perks
- This is a full-time position offering the following benefits:
- Medical (Employer Paid for Employee - No cost to Employee) Dental (Employer Paid for Employee
- No cost to Employee) Vision (Employer Paid for Employee
- No cost to Employee) AD&D (Employer Paid for Employee
- No cost to Employee) 401(k) match up to 3% with a potential 5% additional in profit share adjustment Supplemental options include:
- Aflac and Life Insurance EAP Program Paid Time Off Vacation Sick Holidays Personal Days/Floating Holidays
- 32 hours (4 days) Free Zoo Membership Discounts on Food,
- Merchandise, and Educational Programs InBalance gym benefits to Springfield-Greene County Park Board Fitness Centers
Salary
- Salary Range starts at $17.68 an hour
