Veterinary Technician Virginia Zoo

The Virginia Zoological Park in Norfolk, VA is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Veterinary Technician.  This position primarily assists in veterinary medical procedures and oversees animal hospital facilities for quarantine and medical procedure recovery at the Virginia Zoo. The Vet Tech provides care and daily husbandry for animals in hospital and quarantine facilities. This position is responsible for providing clinical support to the veterinarians, to include assistance with medical diagnostics and clinical procedures, patient care, laboratory analysis, filling prescriptions, administration of treatments, maintenance of clinical facilities, equipment, and medical records. 

• This position must also be aware of the risks inherent in working with exotic animals including exposure to zoonotic diseases and must take proper safety precautions to minimize the potential for injury by animals and the potential for disease transmission.
• This position may also be involved in assisting with acquisition and disposition of animals, transportation of animals between institutions, and managing rearing of young including hand-rearing when necessary.
• The management of the quarantine and hospital spaces fall under the responsibility of this position which includes keeping areas clean and always well organized.
• This position partners with the animal care team at the Zoo.
• The responsibilities include a strong emphasis on teamwork and the ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively within a diverse team of professionals. 

• Departmental Hiring Salary Rate: $41,231 - $47,415

Essential Functions
Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Maintains and operates the veterinary clinic and clinical laboratory in compliance with all federal, state and local regulations. Under general supervision of the Veterinarian, prepares, dispenses and administers medications to animals; assists in the performance of surgery and treatment of animals.
• Conducts blood, urine and fecal laboratory sample analysis, radiography and radiograph developing, water quality testing and other testing as required.
• Prepares and maintains medical records, animal daily reports, inventories and stores of medications, medical supplies, and laboratory and clinical equipment; initiates purchase orders as needed. Provides equipment, supplies, and recordkeeping for all animal examinations, surgical procedures, and necropsies.
• Cares for animals by preparing individual diets, feeding, grooming, administering medications, and observing behavior.
• Cleans clinic and laboratory facilities; monitors and maintains appropriate environmental conditions for animals.
• Assists in or conducts approved research; participates in field activities and the transportation of animals; and enforces visitor regulations.

Experience Required

• Education/Experience Work requires knowledge of a specific vocational, administrative, or technical nature which may be obtained with a two year associate's degree, diploma or equivalent from a college, technical, business, vocational, or correspondence school.
• Appropriate certification may be awarded upon satisfactory completion of advanced study or training.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology from a program approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Also may include Biological Sciences, Zoology, Science, Animal Husbandry, or related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and one year progressive experience in zoological work in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of experience in the care and maintenance of exotic animals.

Preferred:

• Must be a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) in the state of Virginia or the have the ability to obtain licensure in the state of VA within 6 months of hire Minimum of 2 years postgraduate clinical experience as a veterinary technician with 1-2 years of experience working in a zoo setting General knowledge of technical skills, restraint techniques, anatomy, physiology, and diseases of a wide variety of species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians Knowledge of laboratory diagnostic techniques for evaluation of samples including hematology, biochemistry, fecal examination and cytology. Experience administering medications to non-domestic species under veterinarian supervision, ordering and monitoring supplies, drugs and medical equipment. Experience utilizing remote drug delivery systems Additional Information & Requirements Licensure in the State of Virginia as a Veterinary Technician.
• Valid Driver's License. Work hours: Working a flexible schedule, which can vary. Working weekends and holidays may be required.

Further Comments

• Signing Bonus:
• This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus.
• The signing bonus will be paid in two (2) increments: $2,500 upon completion of 60 days of employment, and $2,500 upon completion of your probationary period.
• To receive the signing bonus, you must be an active employee in good standing.

Salary

• Departmental Hiring Salary Rate: $41,231 - $47,415