Licensed Veterinary Technician

Virginia Living Museum • Newport News, VA

9d • $43,000 - $47,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Living Museum inspires people to discover, care for, and protect the natural world. As an institution accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), it connects with the community through immersive experiences, innovative partnerships, and investments in sustainability. This full-time position offers a comprehensive benefits package and a dynamic organizational culture focused on inspiring and connecting people with the natural world.

Requirements

• Degree obtained from an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technology Program
• Maintains all appropriate veterinary technician licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Proficiency in animal restraint, sample collection techniques, sedation and anesthesia monitoring, cytology, hematology, parasitology, radiograph positioning, and intravenous catheter placement
• Knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, behavior, handling, and anesthesia techniques of zoological species including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical equipment cleaning and sterilization in addition to knowledge of infectious disease control and quarantine practices
• Experience in maintenance of electronic records
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work independently; must display initiative, good judgement, and self-driven, motivated demeanor
• Must be able to remain calm, make sound decisions, and provide direction in a crisis situation
• Must have proof of current rabies vaccination or agree to be vaccinated at the museum’s expense
• First Aid & CPR certification or willingness to obtain at the museum’s expense
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to work occasional weekends, evenings, and holidays and be on-call when necessary
• Must be able to receive detailed information through oral communication
• Must display excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to lift and/or exert up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to move throughout the museum’s building(s) and outdoor trail as needed
• Must have a visual acuity to be able to operate motor vehicles and/or equipment
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crawl, reach, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, and utilize repetitive motions
• The candidate will be subject to outdoor environmental conditions such as heat, cold, wind, rain, and humidity

Nice To Haves

• Three or more years of experience preferred
• Experience with ZIMS preferred
• Chemical immobilization training preferred
• Experience with operant conditioning/training for cooperative care behaviors in domestic or zoological species preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical support in the medical care of the museum’s live animal collection.
• Collaborate with the museum’s Lead Veterinarian, Senior Director of Living Exhibits, Curators, animal care staff, and volunteers to implement the veterinary care program.
• Maintain all veterinary department equipment and protocols to the highest AZA standards.
• Ensure the medical care at the Virginia Living Museum meets or exceeds AZA requirements.
• Perform, or assist the veterinarian in preparation for, and execution of, all medical procedures including setting up equipment and supplies, chemical and/or manual restraint, monitoring patients under anesthesia or sedation and during recovery, administration of medical treatments, production of radiographs, diagnostic sample collection and analysis, medical record keeping, and gross necropsy.
• Conduct all in-house laboratory analysis including chemistry, cytology, fecal, hematology, and urinalysis, and practices proper sample handling and processing for outside laboratories and research collaborations.
• Fill prescriptions and administer treatments as directed by the veterinarian.
• Create and maintain medical records of all diagnostics sample results, anesthesia records, histopathology reports, veterinary specialist consult reports, and keeper communications.
• Maintain medical supply and drug inventory, controlled drug logs, and appropriate disposal of expired drugs and supplies.
• Perform emergency triage and treatment of the collection in the absence of a veterinarian and under remote instruction, and serves as a liaison for all animal health concerns to the Lead Veterinarian.
• Perform gross necropsy and tissue sampling on all mortalities as instructed by the veterinarian.
• Maintain clinic, surgery, radiology, and necropsy areas in a professional manner.
• Assist in the operation and maintenance of all veterinary laboratory and imaging equipment.
• Maintain chemical immobilization equipment and participate in routine staff training.
• Participate in cooperative care training sessions for voluntary medical behaviors such as injections, blood draws, and diagnostic imaging under the direction of the Training and Enrichment Coordinator.
• Maintain professional relationships with local AZA facility veterinarians and consulting veterinary specialists.
• Integrate volunteers and/or interns into workflows, providing clear guidance and ensuring a positive, meaningful experience.
• Follow museum safety policies and procedures.
• Be a positive, enthusiastic representative of the Virginia Living Museum.
• Enhance the guest experience by communicating and educating guests about the medical care of collection animals when appropriate.

Benefits

• 35 days of paid time off per year (9 holidays, a birthday, 10 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 3 personal days)
• Fully paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
• Dental coverage
• Health insurance costs full or partially subsidized by the Museum
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Option to participate in a 401(k) retirement plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree