Veterinary Technician

Blank Park Zoo; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Excellent working environment

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

A prominent zoological institution in Des Moines seeks a Veterinary Technician to support animal care and medical procedures. The ideal candidate will need to possess a strong collaborative spirit while also being capable of independent work. Responsibilities include maintaining medical records, supporting treatments, and supervising students. The position requires 3-5 years of veterinary experience, preferably in a zoo environment, and a graduate from an AVMA-accredited program. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Ability to operate independently and collaboratively.
• Capable of managing flexible workloads with various assignments.
• Skills in clear verbal and written communication.
• Experience with emergency situations and guest interactions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct medical and surgical procedures.
• Perform sample collections and evaluations.
• Manage complete and current medical records.
• Maintain cleanliness in the hospital area.
• Supervise veterinary students and assistants.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Customer Service

Organizational Skills

Flexibility

Independence

Education

Graduate from AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology Program

3-5 Years professional work experience in veterinary field

Clinical experience in zoological facility

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Experience 3-5 Years Professional Experience

Posted March 12, 2026

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is a non-profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation.

Under the direction of the Hospital Manager/Senior Technician, while collaborating with the Senior Veterinarian, the position of Veterinary Technician has a key role in the implementation of preventative medicine programs. The Veterinary Services Team along with the Animal Care Staff, strive to maintain a hospital culture that is based on high quality patient care and welfare. The ideal candidate should emphasize collaborative and teamwork behaviors but have the ability to take initiative and work independently. This person must have good organizational skills and be able to handle multiple responsibilities during routine and/or under emergency conditions.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Preparing for and performing technical duties during medical and surgical procedures.
• Performing sample collection and evaluation, including fecal parasite examinations, urinalysis, and other laboratory tests including preparing samples for shipment.
• Assisting in administration of medications and treatments for animals.
• Maintain complete and current computerized medical records as well as performing data entry into ZIMS medical system.
• Maintain hospital standards or cleanliness, including but not limited to sweeping, mopping, removing trash, disinfecting, and when necessary, performing animal husbandry duties.
• Follows all protocols to maintain safe conditions for staff and animals.
• Supervise, direct, and mentor senior veterinary students and veterinary technician students.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Resourceful - Understanding of or ability to research all applicable topics as it relates to modern zoological veterinary medicine.
• Flexible - Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments.
• Independent - Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative, and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow up.
• Positive = Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships.
• Clear communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Customer-Oriented - Must be able to exercise professional customer service skills at all times, with many different types of people and all situations.
• Innovative - Ability to propose solutions to areas of concern as related to animal health and welfare.

Collaborates with Hospital Manager to oversee part-time assistant and veterinary students on rotation.

While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit and work at a desk for extended periods of time, stand, walk on uneven terrain, climb, and utilize manual dexterity to use various tools, machines, medical and computer equipment. The incumbent is regularly exposed to all types of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, snow, hail, wind and rain. Some work is required in small and/or confined spaces.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to successfully perform essential functions.

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like. ☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly
• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces. ☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. ☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another. ☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions. ☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly
• Communicating with others to exchange information. ☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. ☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly
• Operating machinery and/or power tools. ☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment. ☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned. ☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly
• Driving. ☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling – ☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly
• Reaching with hand and arms. ☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly
• Vision

Required Education and Experience

• Graduate from an AVMA - accredited Veterinary Technology Program.
• 3-5 Years professional work experience in the veterinary field.
• A minimum of one year clinical experience at a zoological facility is preferred.
• Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments.
• Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of the Blank Park Zoo.
• Employment with the zoo is the employee's primary employment responsibility.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Must be able to operate independently and collaboratively, exercise initiative, and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow-up.
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.
• Must be positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships.
• Ability to react calmly and objectively in emergency situations and under adverse conditions.
• Eligible to obtain an Iowa Drivers License.
• A negative TB test is required.
• A current Rabies titer is preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office required.

License/Certifications

• First Aid/CPR Training.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and gives employment and promotional consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and any other protected class as required by local, state, or federal law. We seek applicant for employment who are dedicated, hardworking and seek fulfilling employment. In return, Blank Park Zoo offers competitive income, benefits, and an excellent working environment.