The Virginia Zoo is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Zoological Veterinary Technician to join our animal health team. Our current team consists of a dual-boarded ACZM and ECZM diplomate, an associate veterinarian, a hospital manager/LVT, a licensed veterinary technician (the position we are currently hiring for), and two commissary/hospital keepers.
- This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the care, health, and welfare of our diverse collection of species.
- As a vital part of the veterinary team, you’ll play a key role in maintaining the health and well-being of our resident animals and supporting global conservation efforts.
- Come live by the beautiful Chesapeake Bay; kayak launch sites are just outside our perimeter fence.
- We are situated 30 minutes from the ocean front and 3 hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain and operate the veterinary clinic and laboratory in compliance with all relevant regulations
- Ensure cleanliness and maintenance of veterinary equipment and hospital areas
- Monitor and maintain appropriate environmental conditions for hospitalized and quarantined animals
- Assist veterinarians during medical procedures, surgeries, and exams
- Monitor animal anesthesia and recovery
- Perform diagnostic testing including bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal analysis, radiography, and other diagnostics as instructed by veterinarians
- Maintain accurate medical records, daily reports, inventories, and supply logs
- Prepare, dispense, and administer medications, vaccinations, and treatments as prescribed
- Assist in approved research, field activities, and animal transportation between institutions
- Enforce zoo visitor safety regulations when applicable
- Support neonatal care and hand-rearing as needed
Experience Required
- Required Qualifications:
- Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) in the State of Virginia (must be obtained before start date)
- Associate’s or Bachlor’s (preferred) degree in Veterinary Technology from an AVMA-accredited program
- Minimum of 2 years of post-graduate clinical experience as a veterinary technician, including at least 1 year working as a zoo veterinary technician in an AZA-accredited (or equivalent) institution
Valid driver’s license Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with large carnivores, great apes, hoofstock, and megavertebrates
- Familiarity with technical skills related to the care of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians
Proficiency in laboratory diagnostics:
- hematology, biochemistry, fecal analysis, cytology
- Experience with remote drug delivery systems
- Experience managing drug inventories, tracking expiration dates, and maintaining medical supply stocks
- Ability to consult with animal keepers regarding medication plans and health updates
- Strong knowledge of zoo animal behavior, restraint, and husbandry practices
Further Comments
- Work Environment and Safety: Zoo Veterinary Technicians must be aware of the inherent risks associated with working in close proximity to exotic animals, including exposure to zoonotic diseases.
- Adherence to strict safety protocols is required at all times to minimize the risk of injury or disease transmission.
- Due to the nature of the role, weekend shifts are required and occasional after-hours work may be necessary based on caseload.
- Work includes both indoor and outdoor tasks in all weather conditions. In the event of severe weather (e.g., hurricanes or snowstorms), this role may be required to stay on-site as part of the ride-out team.
Perks
- Kind, and supportive culture; 10 days PTO per year; 16 paid holidays per year; health insurance; dental insurance; close to the beach
Salary
- $50,000 - $60,000 (hiring salary, commensurate with experience)
