Veterinary Technician

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist veterinarians during medical procedures including set up and use of equipment and supplies, assisting with chemical or manual restraint, monitoring patients, administration of treatments, production of radiographs, sample collection, record keeping, and observation of patients during recovery, breakdown and clean up after procedure
• Conduct all in house laboratory analysis for hematology, chemistry, serology, cytology, parasitology, bacteriology, and proper sample handling and processing for reference laboratories, long-term storage and research projects  
• As directed by the veterinarian, fill prescriptions, administer treatments, and interface with keepers on administration instructions and compliance   
• Perform emergency treatment and triage of animals in the absence of the veterinarian and under their remote direction if available
• Assist in the daily care of ICU and neonatal patients, following protocols for patient care, monitoring, record keeping and sanitation that have been established by the senior technician, veterinary support manager or veterinarian
• Follow all safety protocols and comply with regulatory requirements concerning:
• Disposal of biological products
• Inventory of controlled drugs (DEA)
• Radiation Safety (Federal Radiation and Safety Administration)
• Protection from zoonotic disease
• OSHA
• Stay familiar with and respond appropriately to emergency situations, including:
• Animal escapes

Potent drug exposures

• Assist in the maintenance of the clinical supply inventory, including stocking and ordering; and in the proper maintenance of medical equipment, sterile supplies and surgical instruments
• Input laboratory and treatment data into computerized medical records database 
• Maintain established log books for in house record keeping

Qualifications:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Must possess working knowledge of:

• Basic methods and techniques of veterinary clinical procedures
• Observational skills for medical procedures and patient monitoring
• Basic principles of anatomy, physiology and behavior of a variety of animal species
• Basic principles and procedures of safe animal handling and restraint techniques of a variety of animal species
• Operational characteristics of veterinary equipment and instruments

Must possess the ability to:

• Provide appropriate and timely assistance with medical procedures in a variety of situations and conditions
• React appropriately and calmly in emergency situations
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions and priorities as set by supervisor
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Work independently in the absence of immediate supervision
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Maintain mental capacity which permits making sound decisions and good judgments, prioritizing work activities, demonstrating intellectual capabilities
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting, walking or standing for extended periods of time, working closely with others, operating assigned equipment

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability
• Proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) screening within previous six months of hire date
• Rabies/titers immunization and TB testing as required

Education and/or Experience:

• Completion of a zoo technician internship program or,
• Two years of clinical experience in a private practice or zoological setting and,
• Graduation from an accredited veterinary technology program and ability to obtain (and maintain) licensed veterinary technician status in the state of Texas within 12 months of commencing employment

Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations:

• Must obtain veterinary technician licensure in the state of Texas within 12 months of employment

Physical Demands: 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand;
• walk;
• sit;
• use hands to touch, handle, or feel;
• reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
•   The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Team oriented zoo environment
• Exposure to a variety of animals, animal body fluids and animal odors
• Exposure to potentially dangerous animal situations
• Exposure to potentially zoonotic diseases
• Exposure to disinfecting, laboratory, and medical chemicals
• Exposure to working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Flexible work schedule that requires being on call during off hours (including weekends and holidays)
• Ability to work special events and functions as required
• This position may be safety sensitive
• 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

Disclaimer

• The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.
• Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
• Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities.
• To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
• Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

Benefits 

• This is a full-time position and offers the following benefits: 
• Medical and Prescription Drug (Employee Coverage 90% Employer Paid, Dependent Coverage 55% Employer Paid)
• Vision
• Dental
• Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
• Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Supplemental Life
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401k
• Paid Time Off (Accrual Equivalent to 5 Weeks Per Year)
• PTO Rollover
• PTO Sell Back
• Free Zoo Membership
• Free Guest Passes
• Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs