Veterinary Technician

Lincoln Park Zoological Society • Chicago, IL

41d • Onsite

About The Position

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org . GENERAL SUMMARY Provide skilled and collaborative technical assistance to the veterinary department. This position works in a team atmosphere that strives to provide a progressive and consistently high standard of care to ensure animal health, safety, and well-being.

Requirements

• Graduation from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program and successful completion of the Veterinary Technician National Examination as required to be certified as a veterinary technician in the State of Illinois.
• Knowledge of current standard practices in zoo veterinary medicine.
• Strong veterinary technical skills including but not limited to patient restraint and positioning, anesthetic maintenance and monitoring, phlebotomy, radiography, dental cleaning, sterile and nonsterile surgical assistance.
• Strong laboratory technical skills including hemacytometer leukocyte count, point of care biochemistry analysis, cytology and fluid analysis, parasitology, and water quality monitoring utilizing a coliform count system.
• Knowledge of safe work practices and proper use of personal protective equipment relating to potentially infectious material, ultrapotent anesthetic drugs, and venomous or other dangerous animals.
• Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions, and otherwise communicate effectively and efficiently with coworkers and supervisors.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and to respond with appropriate action in all situations including emergencies.
• Knowledge of basic computer programs/software (Word, Excel, and internet/intranet navigation).
• Ability to interact courteously, respectfully, and productively with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, our visitors, and the general public.
• Ability to represent Lincoln Park Zoological Society in a professional manner at all times.
• Ability to remain standing and physically active for extended periods of time
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds without vehicle
• Ability to perform a variety of physical tasks that include but are not limited to climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, crawling
• Physical strength, including ability to regularly move up to thirty (30) pounds and occasionally up to fifty (50) pounds
• Ability to work in small, confined spaces
• Ability to work in all weather conditions
• Ability to wear requisite Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that may include rubber/latex/vinyl gloves, facemasks, eye goggles or face shields
• No allergy related to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to perform essential functions
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, or ability of movement that might interfere with ability to perform essential functions
• Ability to maintain immune response to exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases
• Available to work all necessary hours, including weekends, holidays, special events, and all shifts
• Available to attend on-grounds training sessions as needed
• Non-infectious tuberculosis status via testing as directed by Human Resources or established by a physician-directed treatment regimen.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain rabies and COVID-19 vaccinations
• Certification as a veterinary technician in the State of Illinois within the initial six (6) month probationary period.
• Maintenance of certification in good ethical standing with required continuing education.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience of at least two (2) to three (3) years as a certified veterinary technician is preferred.
• Previous experience of at least one (1) year as a zoo veterinary technician, or zoo internship experience, is highly desirable.
• Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify, provided the individual can be certified as a veterinary technician in the State of Illinois.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision by veterinarians, participates in all aspects of medical care of zoo animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
• Administers anesthesia under direct supervision by veterinarians, including drug handling, dart preparation, induction, maintenance, monitoring, recovery, and recordkeeping.
• Performs skilled patient care and nursing under direct or indirect supervision by veterinarians.
• Performs diagnostic testing using in-house laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Prepares biological specimens for shipment to external laboratories, pursuant to IATA and DOT requirements and training.
• Dispenses and administers medications and vaccinations as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Maintains accurate records of clinical activities, laboratory results, and biomaterials storage, including competent use of Tracks or similar electronic medical record system.
• Participates in the veterinary team response to animal escape, human ultrapotent drug exposure, fire and other zoo emergencies, and all related drills.
• Performs triage assessment and treatment of free-ranging wildlife under indirect supervision, including administration of euthanasia as directed by veterinarians.
• Participates in positive reinforcement training related to the medical care of zoo animals in coordination with the Behavioral Husbandry and Enrichment team.
• Prepares hospital areas, equipment, and supplies in advance of scheduled procedures, including sterile surgeries.
• Operates and coordinates preventive maintenance of hospital equipment including but not limited to radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, dentistry, anesthesia and ventilator systems, and patient monitoring and support.
• Coordinates and performs cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and organization of hospital areas, equipment, and instruments, including coordination of support from other Veterinary and Operations Department personnel as applicable.
• Operates and coordinates preventive maintenance of instrument cleaning and sterilization equipment including but not limited to ultrasonic cleaner, steam autoclave, and plasma sterilizer.
• Operates and coordinates preventive maintenance of diagnostic laboratory equipment, including but not limited to point-of-care analyzers, microscope, centrifuge, incubator, fume hood, and cold storage.
• Organizes and maintains pharmacy and supply inventory, and orders pharmaceuticals and supplies as directed by veterinarians.
• Coordinates separation and appropriate disposal of pharmaceutical, laboratory, and necropsy waste pursuant to EPA regulations, including scheduling waste disposal contractors.
• Assists with post-mortem examinations by participation in necropsies, sample handling, and cleaning as requested by veterinarians.
• Participates in onboarding of newly hired certified veterinary technicians in coordination with veterinarians, including orientation to hospital operations and specialized training in zoological medicine as requested.
• Guides and instructs veterinary preceptors and veterinary technician students, Zoo Med Support Intern, and volunteers as directed by veterinarians.
• In cooperation with other certified veterinary technicians, organizes daily and annual role schedules and conducts team meetings as needed to coordinate tasks.
• Ensures clinical and laboratory protocols are updated on an annual or as-needed basis in coordination with veterinarians.
• Assists in coordination of hospital maintenance and repair by Operations Department personnel or outside contractors as required.
• Works in coordination with other zoo departments as required.
• Participates actively and with professional integrity in the zoo veterinary technical community.
• Promotes and contributes to a positive work environment and guest experience.
• Assists in educational and/or research programs and participates in special projects as requested.
• Conducts hospital tours for visitors and volunteers as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned by veterinarians.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• disability coverages
• 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match
• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!

What This Job Offers

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