Veterinary Technician

Houston Zoo; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Zoo seeks a Veterinary Technician to provide medical care and welfare for a diverse animal collection and to support conservation and research. You will collaborate with veterinarians and care teams in anesthesia, diagnostics, and treatment in a dynamic zoo setting.

The role requires a licensed veterinary technician with lab work, imaging, and strong regulatory compliance. Join our team to help keep animals healthy while contributing to wildlife conservation and public education.

Qualifications

• Degree from an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician program.
• Licensed Veterinary Technician able to obtain Texas license within 6 months.
• Minimum of three years experience in a veterinary clinic or hospital with at least one year of diagnostic testing.
• Minimum of one year zoo experience in a veterinary clinic or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery of patients.
• Administer and monitor anesthesia in multiple species, ensuring patient safety during procedures.
• Handle controlled substances following DEA and Texas guidelines.
• Assist in surgical procedures and provide diagnostic imaging support.
• Perform veterinary laboratory tests and analyze results.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Anesthesia administration

Surgical assistance

Laboratory procedures

Diagnostic imaging

Zoonotic biosecurity

Education

AVMA-accredited Vet Tech program

Tools

Radiography equipment

Laboratory instruments

Job description

The Veterinary Technicianis responsible forprovidingmedical care and upholding welfare for a diverse collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates, supportsconservation and research initiatives,anddepartmental operations.Our Mission:TheHouston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.Our Vision:To be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery of patients
• Responsible for administering and monitoring anesthesia in a variety of species including large,dangerousand venomous animals, ensuring patient safety throughout surgical and diagnostic procedures.
• Utilize controlled substances and super-potent narcotics (schedule II) responsibly and safely following DEA and Texas Animal Health Commission regulatory guidelines.
• Serves on dart team and works collaboratively with the firearms team during animal containment emergencies.
• Surgicalassistancein sterile and non-sterile procedures
• Diagnostic imaging, including radiology,ultrasonography, and computed tomography
• Adheres to radiation safety practices and regulations outlined by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Dental prophylaxis and dental radiography
• Administration of medications via oral, intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC) routes.
• Performs a range of veterinary diagnostic laboratory procedures, including manual preparation and microscopic interpretation of blood smears, fecal examinations, cytologic evaluation of various sample types, and comprehensive urinalysis.
• Proficient in operating laboratory equipment for the processing and analysis of routine and diagnostic samples and ensures proper handling and shipment of specimen samples to reference laboratories
• Euthanizes animals humanely and ethically aligned with AAZV and AVMA Euthanasia Guidelines under the guidance of a veterinarian.
• Performs animal necropsy procedures with veterinary oversight, including specimen collection, tissue sampling, and proper handling and submission for diagnostic testing; ensuresaccuratedocumentation, follows AZA SSP/TAG necropsyguidelinesand adheres to all biosecurity and safety protocols.
• Responsible for triaging native wildlife cases, performing initial evaluations, andinitiatingbasic supportive care under veterinary guidance.
• Prepares medical procedures by setting up necessary equipment and supplies, ensures proper cleanup and disinfection following procedures, andmaintainsmedical instruments and equipment in good workingcondition.
• Maintainsaccurateandtimelydocumentation, including anesthesia monitoring data, veterinary medical records, daily logs, and research data,in accordance withestablished protocols. Utilizes TRACKS and Microsoft Office applications to record and manage data.
• Partners with animal keepers to train medical husbandry behaviors.
• Performs husbandry tasks such as cleaning, feeding, and/or maintenance as needed.
• Executes pharmacy related duties with accuracy such as calculating precise dosages and dilutions, medication preparation and compounding, prescription fulfillment and handling, and drug administration.
• Responsible for the secure handling, preparation, dispensing, and documentation of controlled substancesin accordance withfederal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Ensuresproper inventory control,accuraterecordkeeping, and compliance with DEA guidelines.
• Ensures the veterinary clinicremainsclean, well-organized, and fully functional by managing inventory levels, restocking supplies, andmaintainingcleanliness and readiness of all treatment and exam areas.
• Maintains a safe work environment andmaintainsstandards and regulations of AZA, AAZV, USDA, OSHA, DEA, Texas Department of State Health, Texas Animal Health Commission, and other regulatory agencies and associations as they apply to zoological institutions and veterinary programs/facilities.
• Ensures compliance and provides guidance on zoonotic disease risks and implementsappropriate biosecurityand public health practices in compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations
• Demonstratestheappropriate useofandperformsmaintenance onveterinary medical and diagnostic equipment.
• Identifiespotential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to supervisor.
• SupportsHZI conservation programs (APC, Houston toads, sea turtles, Brazos water snake, EEHV) and other research efforts by collecting samples, gathering data, and collating information.
• Assists with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA, or other industry activities as directed/approved by supervisor; provides support for the Zoo projects.
• Representsthe Houston Zoo in media requests, which may include, but is not limited to, audio, visual film, social, and written media.
• Supports Zoo fundraising and development efforts through veterinary focused tours and donor event participation.
• Trainsandsupports,veterinary students,ACZMresident,volunteers, and veterinary technician internsonproceduresandprotocols.
• Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within theveterinary clinicteam and when working with other teams or departments.
• Demonstratesbothverbalandwrittencommunicationskills.
• Activelyparticipatesin regular staff meetings to support communication, team collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Maintainsgood communicationand relationships with service providers, vendors;cantrouble shoot problems with service providers via verbal (phone), written (email) or in person communication.
• Remains current on annual Texas state mandated Continuing Education requirements for licensure
• Active member of the Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (AZVT), contributing to professional development through ongoing participation in annual meetings, workshops, and industry initiatives.
• Required to safelyoperatea motor vehicle.
• Contributesto saving animals in the wild throughreduction of waste, water and energy use andinspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protection actions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Degreefrom an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician program.
• StatusasaLicensedVeterinaryTechnicianandabilitytoobtainTexasVeterinary Technicianlicensewithin6months.
• Minimum of three (3)years’experienceworkingin aveterinaryclinic orhospital(or similar setting)with at least(1)year of diagnostic testing experience in a clinical or research laboratory setting.
• Minimum ofone (1)yearofzooexperienceinaveterinaryclinicorequivalent work experience.
• ValidTexasdriver’slicense orabilitytoobtainonewithin60daysofemployment.

ABOUT THE HOUSTON ZOO

Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.