Veterinary Technician, Exotics

Ethos Veterinary Health•Bel Air, MD

6d•$24 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Technician, Exotics provides advanced nursing care, diagnostic support, client education, and procedural assistance for birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and small mammals. The position also contributes to staff training and mentoring, daily operations, departmental protocols, and collaboration with veterinarians and the Emergency and Critical Care team. The posting describes this as a Lead Exotics Veterinary Technician role focused on helping develop the Exotics Department and its patient-care standards and workflows. The role includes patient monitoring and treatment, emergency triage and stabilization, diagnostic sample collection and imaging, anesthesia and surgical support, and maintaining accurate medical records. It also involves client communication, team development, inventory and equipment oversight, and keeping treatment areas safe and organized. The schedule is Friday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; candidates must be flexible to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Compensation is $24–$29 per hour based on experience and skill set.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience.
Strong knowledge of exotic animal husbandry, handling, restraint, anesthesia, diagnostics, and nursing care.
Ability to work confidently with a variety of exotic species.
Excellent communication, organization, leadership, and multitasking skills.
Ability to prioritize responsibilities and remain calm in a fast-paced emergency and specialty hospital environment.
Positive attitude, strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to work well with others.
Commitment to exceptional patient care, client education, and teamwork.
Flexibility to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT, LVT, or RVT); experienced veterinary technicians with extensive exotic animal experience will also be considered.
Specialty or exotic animal experience.
Fear Free® certification.

Responsibilities

Provide compassionate nursing care to birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and small mammals.
Monitor hospitalized patients, identify changes in condition, and promptly communicate concerns to the attending veterinarian.
Prepare and administer prescribed medications and treatments.
Perform assisted feedings, including syringe, gavage, and tube feeding as appropriate.
Place and maintain intravenous catheters; manage fluid therapy and continuous rate infusions; and assist with blood transfusions when indicated.
Triage and help stabilize emergent and critically ill exotic patients, collaborating with the Emergency and Critical Care team.
Collect blood and other diagnostic samples for laboratory testing.
Prepare patients for diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, and surgery; induce, monitor, and recover anesthetized patients.
Perform diagnostic imaging, including radiography and computed tomography (CT).
Assist veterinarians with examinations, surgeries, diagnostic procedures, and advanced treatments.
Maintain accurate treatment sheets and medical records.
Obtain medical and husbandry histories and review estimates for diagnostics, treatments, and procedures with clients.
Provide patient updates, discharge instructions, medication demonstrations, and species-specific husbandry recommendations.
Provide compassionate, professional client service and help clients understand their pets’ medical needs.
Help develop and maintain departmental protocols, workflows, equipment needs, inventory standards, and patient-care guidelines.
Train, mentor, and support technicians and assistants in exotic animal husbandry, safe handling, anesthesia, and nursing techniques.
Assist with scheduling and daily staffing needs; support team development through feedback, coaching, and one-on-one meetings.
Promote Fear Free® principles and low-stress handling techniques whenever possible, and serve as a resource for continued education in exotic animal medicine and patient care.
Ensure accurate medical records, billing, and charge capture.
Monitor inventory and order medications, supplies, and equipment as needed.
Maintain clean, organized, and safe treatment areas; assist with equipment maintenance, surgical instrument preparation, and infection control.

Benefits

Shift differentials of $3 per hour for overnight shifts and $4 per hour for weekend shifts.
Pet bill discounts and employee pet wellness days.
Extremely discounted employee pet bloodwork.
Cell phone discounts.
Vacation accrual beginning right away, with the opportunity to accrue up to 160 hours.
PTO and sick time.
Insurance benefits.
401(k) with employer match.
Free short-term disability coverage for eligible employees.
Free therapy and Employee Assistance Program.
Employee professional mentorship programs.
Onsite classes, training, and continuing education opportunities.
Full scholarships for the Penn Foster Veterinary Technology associate degree program and scholarships for the CCBC Veterinary Technician program after at least six months of employment.
Veterinary Technician Specialist support groups, resources, webinar training, and mentorship opportunities in emergency and critical care.
Rabies vaccinations.
Employee referral bonuses.
Continuing education and conference allowance for RVTs of up to $3,000.
Coverage of licensing costs and professional fees.