Veterinary Technician

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Pueblo (CO); On-site; USD 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pueblo Zoo seeks a full-time Veterinary Technician to support its veterinary hospital, engage in the care of diverse species, and ensure medical evaluations when needed. This position offers a competitive benefits package, a dynamic work environment and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

HMO and HSA-qualified health plans

Employer matched SIMPLE IRA

Paid time off

Sick days

Flexible work schedules

Qualifications

• Graduate of an AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technology Program.
• Minimum of 2 years as a technician in a zoo or exotic animal position.
• Proficiency in ZIMS and dart gun use desired.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily medical care and managing the veterinary hospital.
• Provide care for quarantined animals and assist in medical evaluations.
• Conduct in-house veterinary diagnostics and maintain veterinary facilities.

Skills

Veterinary sciences

Exotic animal husbandry

Anesthesia techniques

Communication

Multitasking

Education

Veterinary Technology Program

Tools

ZIMS - Species360

Dart gun

Job description

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings.How to post a job

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The Pueblo Zoo is a vibrant, collaborative, and flexible workplace. The Pueblo Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is home to nearly 250 animals representing more than 100 species. Driven by our mission to empower people to engage in conservation of animals and their natural habitat, we serve 100,000 annual visitors, provide educational outreach to tens of thousands of students, and directly support global species conservation.

Veterinary Technician

JOB SUMMARY

The zoo’s veterinary technician is responsible for supporting the zoo veterinarian and managing the veterinary hospital. The position is full time at 40 hours a week. The zoo veterinary technician’s schedule will include work days without the zoo veterinarian, during which they are responsible for discussing any medical concerns with animal care staff and deciding if the on-call zoo veterinarian needs to be contacted.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the daily medical care of the animal collection including the administration of medications and care of hospitalized patients.
• Provide care for quarantined animals, including basic animal husbandry and medical care.
• Assist in safely capturing and restraining animals of all taxa for examination and treatment.
• Assist the veterinarian during on-site and off-site procedures and surgeries. Anesthesia monitoring using a PetMap, VetCorder, and Surgivet.
• Provide medical evaluation on members of the animal collection when the veterinarian is not present as to determine the need to contact or call in the veterinarian.
• Perform basic in-house veterinary diagnostics such as fecal analysis, hematology, cytology, urinalysis, dental and traditional radiography. Prepare and send samples to outside laboratories when necessary.
• Fill, order, and/or prepare prescriptions for medications timely and accurately.
• Assist in the upkeep and maintenance of all veterinary facilities and associated equipment.This includes: ordering and maintaining adequate stocks of hospital supplies and medications, cleaning and hygiene of all areas of the veterinary facility, as well as disinfection and sterilization of medical equipment.
• Perform excellent medical record keeping in ZIMS - Species360 software.
• Transport animals to airports or between facilities, which may include driving for multiple hours at a time.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent knowledge of veterinary sciences, medical procedures, and medical terminology.
• Excellent knowledge of exotic animal husbandry, behavior, and anatomy to proficiently identify and triage abnormal behavior or health problems.
• Proficiency in handling a wide variety of animal species, including small and large carnivores, primates, birds, reptiles,amphibians, and hoofstock.
• Working knowledge of sample collection, anesthesia, and surgical techniques and ability to perform associated technical skills on a wide variety of animal species.
• Working knowledge on how to operate veterinary equipment including radiology, laboratory, anesthesia, and dentistry equipment (dental radiography and portable dental unit).
• Working knowledge of basic epidemiology, infectious disease control, biosecurity, and personal protective equipment.
• Flexibility to work after hours, on weekends, on holidays when needed.
• Ability to carry out complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, work well within a team, and prioritize excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Maintain a high degree of independence, attention to detail, and ability to multitask.
• Must be highly motivated, organized, and demonstrate a willingness to adapt positively to change.
• Additional essential qualifications include the following: ability to monitor and communicate via two-way radio, ability to operate a motor vehicle

Experience Required

Experience & Qualifications● Graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association Accredited Veterinary Technology Program with an active Colorado veterinary technician license or ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of employment.● A minimum of 2 years as a technician in a zoo, wildlife, or exotic animal position.● Previous experience and proficiency in ZIMS use, dart gun use, and familiarity with AZA, USDA, and Colorado State standards and regulations is desirable.

Further Comments

Physical and Environmental:● Ability to work both indoors and outdoors, with several hours spent standing, at a desk, driving, or in inclement weather.● Must possess physical strength and stamina, including lifting up to 50 lbs, traversing the zoo on foot, and the ability to safely capture and restrain a variety of animal species.● Understands the occupational hazards and health-related risks inherent to working with zoo and wild animals.● Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description is intended as a guide to the general job responsibilities and is not inclusive of every duty the employee is expected to perform.

Competitive benefits package including HMO and HSA-qualified health plans, a 3% employer matched SIMPLE IRA, 12 days of paid time off, eight holidays, six sick days, and a commitment to flexible work schedules and professional development.

$44,870

How to Apply

Send resume and cover letter to [e-mail]