Zoo Veterinary Technician

A sign-on bonus of $1800 is being offered for eligible candidates.  See eligibility at https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy

•  Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider.

Primary Purpose of the Position:

• The North Carolina Zoo is expanding!  We are seeking experienced Veterinary Technicians to work within the Veterinary Medical Services Division of the North Carolina Zoo.
• The Veterinary Technician assists the Director of Animal Health, Associate Veterinarian and Hospital Manager, with the medical care and husbandry of the zoo's diverse collection of live animals including all species of mammals, birds, reptiles (venomous and non-venomous), amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinates supplies and equipment for routine and emergency procedures; provides chemical and manual restraint, anesthesia monitoring, surgical assistance, necropsy, sample collection, and diagnostic image collection. 
• Calculates, dispenses and administers medications as prescribed. Understands drug uses and interactions before administering. 
• Obtains diagnostic images with radiology and ultrasonography equipment.
• Provides surgical support to the veterinarians by maintaining equipment and instrument sterility, patient preparation, anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery. 
• Performs emergency procedures, which may include various diagnostic tests, drug administration, attaching and operating equipment, performing necropsy, and collecting appropriate biological specimens. 
• Provides routine and intensive care for any animals hospitalized or quarantined at the medical center. 
• Observes behaviors and dietary intake of any species housed at the hospital.  
• Operates the diagnostic laboratory including parasitology, hematology, clinical chemistry, cytology, urinalysis, and microbiology. Laboratory duties also include detailed sample collection and preparation to send to outside laboratories and researchers. 
• Participates in training programs for Zoological Residents and senior Veterinary Students through North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as, veterinary technician interns, volunteers, and other individuals as required.
• Engages with the public to promote the scientific and education aspect of the North Carolina Zoo’s Mission.  Takes an active role in supporting the education mission through participation in teaching at the veterinary camps, tours and outreach/public engagements.
• Participates in clinical research associated with the health of animals in human care and free-ranging wildlife.  Provides veterinary assistance as needed to other research efforts within the Veterinary Medical Section and through external collaborators.  

Job Requirements:

• Must be able to work a rotating schedule including weekends, holidays, and some after work shifts.
• This position is considered “Essential/Mandatory Staff” and required to work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
• Must participate in occupational health program due to potential exposures to zoonosis.
• Must have good physical agility, strength, good hearing and vision, and perform physically demanding labor in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments e.g. animal enclosures. Specifically, this means the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, walk, stand, see animals & exhibits for observation and safety as well as hear animal’s sounds, radio communication and emergency situations.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid NC driver’s license within 60 days of hire.
• Must be able to manage emergency situations efficiently and effectively by determining priorities in a highly active and stressful environment.
• Must be able to both establish and maintain effective working relationships with vet staff members, residents, veterinary students, staff from other areas of the park, the public and the media. 
• Must be able to communicate effectively in oral and written form and maintain detailed accurate records and files. 
• Must be able to work with a team of diverse skill level with minimal supervision.
•  Learn about the NC ZOO: https://www.nczoo.org   
•  Learn about employee perks/benefits: https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies:

Qualified candidates will have:

• Demonstrated working experience with animal anatomy, physiology, diseases, treatments and restraint techniques.
• Demonstrated working experience with aseptic techniques, medications and surgical instruments to administer medication and injections to animals and carry out specialized treatments.
• Demonstrated working experience in laboratory techniques to include complete blood counts, serum chemistries, urinalysis and/or parasitology.
• Proven working experience with a variety of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and/or fish.
• Proven working knowledge of the signs of common diseases of animals.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Associate degree from an appropriately accredited institution in an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program 
• AND pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)
• AND North Carolina State Exam regarding jurisprudence of the NC Practice Act.

Perks

• https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits