Veterinary Technician - Zoo

Under the general supervision of the Zoo Veterinarian and the directive leadership from the Abilene Zoo’s most senior zoo veterinary technician, this veterinary technician assists in the care of all zoological specimens in the collection. Assists, prepares and performs laboratory testing on various samples as directed.  Employees have access to controlled substances in the performance of their job duties.  Therefore, employees are required to not have any previous felony convictions related to a controlled substance.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position has no direct supervision over other staff members. However, the zoo veterinary technician is required to teach fellow staff members and students about veterinary care.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provide direct assistance to the veterinarian as requested during the performance of all veterinary procedures including anesthesia, surgery, routine exams, radiographs, euthanasias, necropsies, etc. 
• Perform clinical pathology tasks and sample preparation including, but not limited to hematology, serum chemistries, microbiology, parasitology, urinalysis, and cytology.
• Dispense medications with proper labeling, prescribed by the veterinarian and administer treatment as directed. Maintain an inventory of all drugs/supplies, ensure expired materials are disposed properly, and follow all USDA/DEA/OSHA regulations.
• Keep the Veterinary Hospital clean, stocked, and fully functional. This includes the maintenance, disinfection, and sterilization of medical equipment.
• Serve the veterinary team in being the primary technician caring for all quarantined animals and keeping the quarantine facility clean and orderly, including minor maintenance and groundskeeping (lawn mowing, weed eating, rust prevention, drains clear, assuring pest control, etc.) 
• Assist the veterinary team in being the backup keeper for the avian rehabilitation patients and the rehabilitation facility in the absence of the primary avian rehab keeper. 
• Maintain accurate medical records and assist with entering records into ZIMS and filing into individual medical charts.
• Participate in annual continuing education for veterinary technicians and share what was learned that are most applicable to the Abilene Zoo.
• Instruct students (including zoo teens), veterinary preceptors, and other visiting personnel regarding various veterinary procedures. 
• Required to be on the Abilene Zoo’s ESC (Emergency and Safety Committee) by being proficient in darting and other emergency response protocols.
• Operating motorized vehicles around zoo grounds as well as potentially transporting animals off or onto zoo grounds utilizing City vehicles. 

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

• Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• A wide variety of exotic mammals, birds, fish, reptile and amphibian husbandry in a Zoo/Aquarium setting.
• Various types of medications, especially their use in exotics and the risk of human Exposure.
• Techniques for various medical procedures.
• Operant Conditioning and its application to zoo animal care. 
• Rehabilitation of various bird species; or a willingness to learn.
• OSHA/safety regulations in a veterinary setting.
• Medical recordkeeping, preferably, familiarity of ZIMS.

Skill to:

• Safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Maintain and operate veterinary equipment for anesthesia, x-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy, microscopy, laser, blood analysis, cytology and chemical immobilization.
• Administer pharmaceuticals accurately by a variety of methods, including by pole syringe and darting. 
• Operate a computer for email use, medical recordkeeping, and medical supply ordering.

Ability to:

• Work in a variety of environments in order to provide care to the entire animal collection.
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays.
• Work a flexible work schedule, including being on-call for emergencies.
• Respond calmly during an emergency event.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain confidentiality of medical records.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

• For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels.
• Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:

• A minimum of (2) two years of professional experience working with exotic animals in the zoo field, especially within an AZA Accredited Zoological Institution is preferred.

Education/Training:

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• A two (2) year degree or higher from an accredited college or technical school in Veterinary Technology or its equivalent is preferred.  
• A licensed Veterinary Technician certification is preferred.

License or Certificate:

• A valid current Texas driver’s license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
• Out of state LVT certifications will be required to obtain a Texas LVT within six (6) months of employment.    

Special Requirements:

• In accordance with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), employees are required to not have any previous felony convictions related to a controlled substance.
• Exposure to the outdoors, radiation, zoonotic diseases, potentially hazardous chemicals, narcotics and biohazard waste.
• Occasional travel to Continuing Education meetings or to other zoological institutions, and airports for animal transport.
• Work in close proximity to dangerous or potentially life-threatening exotic animals.
• Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
• With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

___    Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___    Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

_X_    Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___    Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___    Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes: 

The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N     =    No

E    =    Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M    =    Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I    =    Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A    =    Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_M_    Standing

_M_    Sitting

_M_    Walking

_M_    Lifting

_M_    Carrying

_I__    Pushing/Pulling

_I__    Overhead Work

_M_    Fine Dexterity

_M_    Kneeling

_M_    Crouching

_I_    Crawling

_M_    Bending

_I__    Twisting

_I_      Climbing

_I_      Balancing

_E_    Vision

_E_    Hearing

_E_    Talking

___    Other:  _____________________

Salary

• $23.77 - $28.53