Veterinary Technician

National Marine Mammal Foundation•San Diego, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF) is seeking a Veterinary Technician to provide direct support to the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program in San Diego, California. The role supports medical care for Navy marine mammals and involves daily animal care, assisting veterinarians and animal care staff with medical procedures, hospital maintenance, and medical record keeping. The position may be part-time or full-time, depending on program needs and candidate availability. Full-time positions are benefits-eligible. The role includes approximately four weeks of travel per year in support of the Navy program, with travel varying according to animal and mission needs. The technician participates in an on-call rotation for at least three weeks per quarter and must be able to respond in person within one hour while on call. Weekend work may be scheduled, and holiday work may be required as needed. The application deadline is November 30, 2026.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen.
Possess a valid driver’s license.
Be able to obtain a Secret clearance.
Be able to carry 40 pounds and remain on their feet for extended periods.
Be comfortable working on floating docks and in pier-side, boat-based, and marine environments.
Be able to respond in person within one hour while on call.
Demonstrate technical and laboratory skills, such as patient assessment, diagnostic imaging, emergency response, biologic sample collection and processing, cytology, and other in-house analyses.
Have experience in, or an interest in gaining experience in, anesthesia, patient monitoring, and surgical assistance.
Demonstrate attention to detail and the ability to gain proficiency in equipment setup, use, and maintenance, including routine laboratory analysis, endoscopy, digital radiography, anesthesia, laser therapy, instrument sterilization, and ultrasonography equipment.
Have experience in database management, data entry, data analysis, and word processing.
Demonstrate professionalism, self-motivation, strong organizational and time-management skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication.
Be able to work independently without supervision.
Have strong interpersonal skills, good decision-making, and the ability to respond calmly and quickly to urgent matters.
Bring a positive attitude and creative, independent thinking, and be able to work both individually and within a dynamic team environment.
Participate in an on-call rotation for a minimum of three weeks per quarter.
Be available for approximately four weeks of travel per year and for weekend or holiday work as scheduled or needed.

Responsibilities

Collect, analyze, and archive biologic samples.
Participate in physical examinations and the Marine Mammal Program’s preventive medicine program.
Dispense medications and prescriptions.
Operate and maintain medical and laboratory equipment.
Complete medical data entry and reconciliation.
Perform water quality sampling and analysis.
Manage HAZMAT labeling and disposal, and maintain Safety Data Sheet (SDS) binders.
Work with animal care staff to train husbandry behaviors and assist with nutritional preparation and support.
Participate in daily animal care and medical procedures with veterinarians and animal care staff.
Maintain the hospital and medical records.