Zoo Hospital (Vet) Technician

Zoo Miami currently has a full time Zoo Veterinary Technician position available to provide medical, surgical, and preventive veterinary care and laboratory services for the animal collection at Zoo Miami by ensuring the highest standards of hospital clinical support and operations. We are searching for a team-oriented candidate that will be engaging and deliver exceptional customer service by creating friendly and positive interactions with all guests and co-workers. 

• This position reports directly to the Animal Health Manager.
• The Department of Animal Health consists of one chief veterinarian, four associate veterinarians, one hospital manager (who is also a veterinary technician), two additional veterinary technicians, five hospital/quarantine keepers, and one clerk.

Responsibilities/duties include, but are not limited to:

• Prepare for and execute clinical procedures, including setting up necessary supplies and equipment, collection of diagnostic samples, patient anesthetic monitoring, administration of treatments, and break down and clean up following the procedure.
• Administer treatments and medications to hospitalized and outpatient animals under veterinary care.
• Perform laboratory diagnostic evaluation as well as prepare and ship biomedical samples to off-site laboratories or research investigators. 
• These duties include processing samples for hematology, biochemistry, fecal examination, microbiology, cytology, and sample storage for banking and research purposes.
• Organize hospital and laboratory workflow to maximize operational efficiency, including investigating new medical equipment and laboratory protocols.
• Fill and dispense prescription medications and organize and maintain pharmacy supplies and inventory.
• Assist zoo veterinarians with triage of medical cases presented for evaluation.
• Work with zoo keeper staff throughout the zoo on behavioral training of animals for medical procedures.
• Assist in performing euthanasia and necropsy examination of animals under the direction of the zoo veterinarians.
• Perform data entry and maintaining complete and current applicable medical records using ZIMS record-keeping system.
• Work with hospital keeper staff to meet animal husbandry needs for hospitalized patients.
• Instruct and coordinate a variety of veterinary students, interns, and volunteers working in the zoo hospital.
• Ensure proper biosecurity and sanitation protocols and maintain clean and organized hospital facilities.
• Ensure hospital standard operating procedures comply with animal care standards set forth by USDA, AZA, and Zoo Miami. 
• Performs related work as required. 

Experience Required

• Minimum Qualifications: Completion of 60 semester credits to include 15 semester credits in Veterinary Medicine.
• One year of experience in a zoological park, veterinary office or related experience is required.
• Additional work experience may substitute for the required education on a year-to-year basis.
• Must obtain the Veterinary Technician license or certification during the probationary period.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Preferred Qualifications: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology from a program approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
• Possess Registered, Certified, or Licensed Veterinary Technician status with the ability to become licensed in the State of Florida within 1 year of hiring date.
• Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience as a veterinary technician in a zoological park or client-based non-domestic animal hospital setting.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience as a veterinary technician.
• Possession of working knowledge of veterinary clinical procedures, patient assessment and monitoring, equipment and instrument operation and maintenance, safe animal handling, and anatomy and physiology of a variety of animal species.
• Ability to react calmly and objectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently in the absence of immediate supervision.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle multiple and complex responsibilities at the same time.
• Ability to work well with all levels of staff, volunteers, vendors and guests.

Perks

• This is a full-time position with excellent benefits as an employee of Miami-Dade County.

Salary

• $43,052.06 - $72,948.18