Wildlife and Zoological Medicine Technician

The Wildlife and Zoological Medicine Technician contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by providing experienced technical medical support to the veterinary staff while performing wildlife field work as part of a grant-funded initiative in collaboration with the University of Illinois and the Forest Preserves of Cook County.  This position is in critical to creating innovations and excellence in conservation leadership and animal welfare by enabling the Veterinary Services Department to meet the most current standards for wildlife population medicine. 

Primary duties and responsibilities;  

• Prepare for and assist veterinary staff in performing clinical field wildlife and limited zoo-housed animal procedures. Maintain and monitor anesthesia, including operation of inhalation anesthesia equipment and patient monitoring devices.
• Conduct various types of laboratory tests including, but not limited to, comprehensive hematology and serum chemistry, cytology, and fecal analysis for parasites.  Create and maintain accurate medical record documentation of clinical procedures, prescriptions, and diagnostic laboratory work.  Forward samples for analysis of non-routine tests and research requests to outside referral laboratories.  Under necessary conditions, assist with sample preparation and service areas as required. 
• Operate and maintain imaging equipment under direction from veterinary staff.  Perform cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of the laboratory space.  Perform troubleshooting, quality control procedures, and required maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment. 
• Accurately dispense and record medical prescriptions.  Properly administer medications and vaccinations as directed by veterinarians. Maintain current pharmacy inventory, treatment areas, laboratory, and equipment inventory. Assist with ordering drugs, medical supplies, laboratory supplies, and inventory maintenance
• Communicate regularly with the Veterinary Clinical Support Manager and Veterinarians regarding management of active medical cases with wildlife population management concerns.  
• Report equipment and facility maintenance needs and perform minor maintenance tasks.  Assist in training interns, seasonal employees, and volunteers. Other related duties as assigned.  

Experience Required

• The requirements for this position include the following: Graduation from an AVMA certified school of veterinary technology required.
• Licensure in the state of Illinois within 90 days of hire required.
• Excellent technical skills, including proficiency in restraint, sample collections techniques, patient monitoring, intravenous catheter placement, cytology, parasitology, and blood analysis, with domestic animals required.
• Completion of a relevant zoo-focused internship and/or one years’ experience with non-domestic/exotic species in a zoo or private practice.
• Detailed and current knowledge of veterinary medical practices, animal anatomy and physiology, basic pharmacology and principles of anesthesia required.
• Able to work with live animals safely.
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical equipment cleaning and sterilization in addition to knowledge of infection control and quarantine practices.
• Able to deliver various medications through standard practices.
• Capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Good decision-making skills and sound judgment.
• Proficient in perceiving and acting upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.
• Able to maintain confidentiality with regard to animal matters, personnel and other privileged information.
• Team player and able to develop and maintain good working relationships.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong communications (reading, writing, and speaking) and interpersonal skills required.
• English fluency at a professional proficiency required.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel required. Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver’s license required at time of hire.

Preferred qualifications:

• Previous experience with free-ranging wildlife preferred.
• Knowledgeable in the management of wildlife populations including related AZA conservation programs preferred.
• Initiative in identifying and solving problems and recommend ideas and viable suggestions to improve operations is strongly desired.
• Experience with PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office software packages preferred.

Further Comments

This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Must represent the Society in a professional manner at all times. Incumbent must demonstrate knowledge of occupational hazards and safe work practices around such hazards. Veterinary technicians are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals. These positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures. This position will include working in the field. This is a temporary position. The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary

• commensurate with experience