Veterinarian Technician [Full-Time]

San Antonio Zoo•San Antonio, TX

1d•$0 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Health Center (AHC) Veterinary Technician is responsible for preparing and assisting with routine and emergency animal procedures, including immobilizations, examinations, and collection of diagnostic samples. This role involves following veterinarian directives for treatment plans, prescriptions, and testing of biological samples. The technician will also be responsible for the cleanliness and stocking of the hospital, maintenance of veterinary equipment, and modeling excellent veterinary care standards. Additionally, the position includes participation in guest experiences through educational, media, and conservation programs. This is a full-time position requiring work from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. The role offers an opportunity to collaborate with innovative and diverse individuals within the San Antonio Zoo.

Requirements

Working knowledge of veterinary nursing, clinical pathology, and animal behavior based on experience working in high volume general practice, mixed species practice or emergency hospital.
Perform full range of veterinary nursing skills including, but not limited to intubation, phlebotomy, catheter placement, gavage feeding, and fluid therapy.
Able to read, understand, and follow veterinary medical orders, oral and written instructions and communicate in English.
Exercise sound judgment in analyzing animal behavior concerns, emergencies and to respond with appropriate action.
Able to communicate with veterinarians, hospital manager, and veterinary support team clearly and concisely about any updates to animal treatment plans.
Able to work safely around delicate, wild and occasionally dangerous animals.
Able to safely open, enter, exit, and secure animal enclosures and service areas.
Operate typical veterinary equipment such as digital X-ray, ultrasound, endoscope, dental machines, autoclave, microscopes, blood chemistry machinery, gas anesthesia machinery.
Ability to perform routine lab tasks such as manual CBCs with differentials, cytology, complete urinalysis, and fecal analysis.
Computer literate and able to become familiar with the medical data system (ZIMS).
Sufficient strength, agility, and coordination to assist in netting, capturing, and/or restraining animals of extreme size, strength, and agility.
Sufficient delicacy to handle, examine, and move; without harming; sick, injured, and/or struggling small animals.
Must be highly motivated, organized, and demonstrate a willingness to adapt positively to change.
Possess excellent public speaking skills to deliver quality educational presentations, tours, and potential media requests.
Ability to collaborate with team members efficiently and effectively to execute group projects.
Two years of full-time veterinary clinical experience.
Must be 18 years of age or older with a clean driving record for vehicle operation.
Valid Texas driver's license or obtain within 3 months of employment.
Must complete a pre-employment National Sex Offender Search, Criminal Background Check, and Drug Screen.

Nice To Haves

Zoo, exotic, wildlife, and/or emergency room experience preferred.
Licensed (LVT, RVT, CVT) veterinary technician highly preferred.
Combination of veterinary technician experience and associate or bachelor degree in veterinary technology, wildlife management, zoology, biology, or related field may be considered.

Responsibilities

Monitor behavior and health of animals in the Animal Health Center and appropriately reporting animal’s status to veterinarians, hospital manager, and veterinary support team.
Coordinate and delegate with team members the medical treatments of hospitalized and quarantined animals in accordance with instructions of veterinarians.
Routinely perform all aspects of anesthesia, patient monitoring, radiology, ultrasonography, endoscopy, surgery, and dental work.
Routinely obtain various biological samples from zoo animals and preparing them for diagnostic laboratory testing such as fecal analysis, hematology, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and microbiology.
Perform routine pharmacy related skills including medical calculations, reading and entering prescriptions as directed by a veterinarian, filling and dispensing medications, and administering medications in various routes.
Maintain medical packs, perform routine equipment maintenance tasks, and assist in the up-keep of the hospital supplies inventories to ensure proper function of the hospital.
Ensure medical records are notated and entered in a correct, timely, and orderly fashion.
Assist with necropsies including collecting and preparing tissues for histopathologic evaluation.
Collaborate in creating, updating, and upholding the standard operating procedures for the veterinary hospital.
Serve as relief for the Animal Health Center Animal Care Specialists as required.
Upholds all company policies as outlined in the Zoo Standard Operating Procedures, SA Zoo Team Handbook, Safety Handbook, and Code of Business Conduct.
Constantly exhibit an attitude of service inside and outside the zoo, showing hospitality to all.
Be fully committed to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wild world we steward and the animals we protect.
Perform other work-related duties as required and assigned.