Registered Veterinary Technician - MMR

Vancouver Aquarium; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a renowned marine mammal rehabilitation center, where your veterinary skills will make a significant impact. As a Registered Veterinary Technologist, you'll provide critical care to marine mammals, assist in surgeries, and educate the public about conservation. This role is perfect for passionate individuals ready to work in a dynamic environment, ensuring the health and safety of marine life while engaging with the community. If you thrive in challenging conditions and are committed to animal welfare, this opportunity is your chance to shine.

Qualifications

• Veterinary Technology Diploma/Degree required.
• Experience with wildlife or marine mammals is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily rounds to monitor patient progress.
• Assist in routine and non-routine veterinary procedures.
• Educate the public about marine mammal care.

Skills

Animal Handling

Veterinary Care

Data Entry

Leadership Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Veterinary Technology Diploma/Degree

Current Registration with BC Veterinary Technologists Association

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Vancouver Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, prides itself on working towards bringing families closer together and to creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values – greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, constantly improving – give us purpose and guidance.

The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMR) is a dedicated off-site facility located in downtown Vancouver that focuses on the rehabilitation of ill, injured, and abandoned marine mammals rescued along the British Columbia coastline.

Role Overview

The VAMMR Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT), under the supervision of the Assistant Manager, works closely with RVT’s and veterinarians to provide both routine and emergency veterinary care to marine mammals. This includes performing diagnostic imaging, clinical pathology, and diagnostic sampling for ongoing research. The RVT is responsible for implementing treatment protocols, administering medications, maintaining detailed records, and assisting with the daily operations of the rehabilitation center. In addition, the role involves supervising and training volunteers, students, and veterinary externs, while also engaging in public education about marine mammal care and rehabilitation.

Hours

• Up to 37.5 hours per week, with the potential for overtime during peak season.
• Flexible hours may extend beyond peak season, including weekend and on-call shifts, with occasional overnight shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct daily rounds to monitor patient progress, note any variations, and escalate issues as needed.
• Assist in a variety of routine and non-routine veterinary procedures such as anesthesia, surgery, diagnostics, and necropsies.
• Provide medical care, including administering medications, performing laboratory procedures, blood collection, fluid therapy, physical exams, and wound care.
• Participate in research by collecting, processing, and storing biological samples.
• Prepare and administer prescriptions, maintain quality control, and ensure proper dispensing of medication.
• Educate the public about marine mammal care as needed.
• Supervise and train volunteers, practicum students, and veterinary externs.
• Participate in fieldwork, including the capture, transportation, and in-field assessment of marine mammals.
• Assist in preparing animals for release, including tagging and microchipping.
• Manage and maintain accurate administrative records, including data entry, reports, and phone logs.
• Communicate with veterinarians and apply treatment plans remotely.
• Ensure adherence to safety and organizational standards.
• Assist with the release of rehabilitated animals back into the wild.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
• Veterinary Technology or Veterinary Technician Diploma/Degree.
• Proof of current registration with the British Columbia Veterinary Technologists Association.
• Basic understanding of marine mammal anatomy and physiology.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Experience with wildlife or marine mammals is an asset but not required.
• Skills:
• Strong animal handling, husbandry, and technical abilities.
• Proficient in data entry and computer applications such as Word and Excel.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent leadership and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility in scheduling and availability.
• Quick decision-making and problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations.
• Effective time management and ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Alignment with the organization's values and mission.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to animal bites, pathogens, and chemicals.
• Requires a high level of alertness when working with animals, particularly under changing conditions.
• Physical demands include standing for long periods and lifting up to 20 kg.
• Rotating shifts, weekend work, and the potential for overnight shifts.
• Exposure to slippery surfaces and extreme weather conditions.

This role requires a passion for marine mammal conservation and a commitment to providing exceptional care in a dynamic and challenging environment.