Veterinary Technician

The Houston Zoo is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Veterinary Technician to provide a variety of semi-technical and technical animal health tasks encompassing animal management, diagnostic radiology, laboratory and surgical procedures, and therapy/treatment techniques for a diverse collection of more than 850 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Competitive candidates will possess strong technical skills, and proven ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Preferred candidates will have substantial experience in the veterinary tech atmosphere with taxonomic group of exotic animals as well as excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills. This position does not directly supervise staff and reports to the Veterinary Technician Supervisor.

Our Mission:

• Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision:

• Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Assisting veterinarians with routine, diagnostic, and emergency procedures, including, but not limited to surgery, digital radiology, ultrasonography, dental prophylaxis and radiology, anesthesia induction, monitoring and recovery, medication administration, IV catheter placement, and record keeping.
• Performing routine pharmacy related skills including medical calculations involving dilutions and dosages compounding medications, prescription dispensing and medication administration, when needed.
• Participates in gross necropsies and sample preparation as needed.
• Triage native wildlife cases as directed by a veterinarian.
• Preparing specimens and performing diagnostic laboratory tests at the Houston Zoo in-house laboratory, including, but not limited to fecal analysis, hematology, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and cytology.
• Preparing specimens for shipment to reference laboratories.
• Maintaining animal anesthesia and health records during procedures.
• Performing routine equipment maintenance to assure proper function and quality results.
• Maintain surgical suite and supplies including, but not limited to, instrument sterilization and preparation.
• Training veterinary technician interns/externs or other volunteers on procedures and protocols.
• Participate in regular staff meetings.
• Ensure a safe work environment by following all safety guidelines and modeling safe work practices.
• Understand and apply a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to veterinary procedures and partner with animal keepers to train medical husbandry behaviors.
• Exhibits good teamwork, collaboration and both verbal and written communication skills.
• Performs husbandry tasks such as cleaning, feeding, and/or maintenance as needed within the clinic.

 Education and Experience

Required:

• A two or four-year degree from an accredited program in animal technology and current status as a Licensed Veterinary Technician is required or ability to obtain Texas license within 6 months of employment.

Required:

• Recent experience working in a veterinary clinic or hospital.

Preferred:

• Two years of zoo experience in a veterinary clinic or hospital.

Preferred:

• At least one year in a laboratory setting for diagnostic sample processing or research.
• May be required to safely operate a motor vehicle. Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.

About Houston Zoo’s Veterinary Program 

• In addition to managing clinical cases, the veterinary program maintains a strong focus on preventive medicine with a busy schedule of quarantine and  routine health  exams, diagnostic screening, and vaccinations.
• The veterinary staff also works closely with veterinary and human medical specialists when advanced diagnostics or therapies are needed for animal patients.
• The Denton A. Cooley Animal Hospital at the Houston Zoo includes a full suite of diagnostic and treatment facilities, as well as advanced anesthetic monitoring, digital cordless radiography, in-house and portable ultrasound units, rigid and flexible endoscopy, and specialized laboratory equipment.
• In 2017, the staff moved into a brand new state of the art medical facility that further allows the team to practice the highest level of veterinary care and welfare for our zoo patients.   
• The Houston Zoo supports staff in professional development such as conferences, workshops, and other learning opportunities.
• Members of the veterinary team are involved in a number of local and international in situ conservation programs, including the USFWS Recovery and Reintroduction Programs for the critically endangered Attwater’s prairie chicken and Houston toad, sea turtle rehabilitation, and an ongoing elephant herpes virus research program with Baylor College of Medicine.
• The veterinary department regularly hosts senior students, summer veterinary interns, colleagues, and other visiting professionals.
• The veterinary team includes five veterinarians (including 4 ACZM diplomates), five licensed veterinary technicians, four animal care staff (including an animal care staff supervisor), and two administrative staff.
• The veterinary clinic team is part of the larger Animal Health Team which includes: animal nutrition, pest control, and sea turtle recovery teams.

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO

• The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education!
• There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment.
• Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests.
• We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
• Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. 
• Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer