Veterinary Technician

State of North Carolina•Randolph, NC

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Zoo is growing, and it is an exciting time to join our team! The North Carolina Zoo is seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Veterinary Technician. The Veterinary Technician assists the veterinarians and Vet Tech Supervisor/Hospital Manager, according to the guidelines set by the zoo veterinarian, for the medical care and husbandry of assigned exotic animals which may include all species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish housed at the zoo. This position is responsible for providing full clinical support to the veterinarians in both a hospital and field setting as well as operating the diagnostic laboratory. This position also provides daily husbandry care to ill, injured, or quarantined animals temporarily housed at the veterinary medical center. At times, students and faculty from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine (NCSU-CVM) will visit the zoo, and in the absence of the veterinarian and the Veterinary Technician Supervisor/Hospital Manager, the veterinary technician will be responsible for them. The veterinary technician assists with the coordination of the activities of veterinary students, veterinary technician students, temporary help, and other individuals as directed by the zoo veterinarian and the Veterinary Technician Supervisor/Hospital Manager.

Requirements

Associate or bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology from an appropriately accredited institution.
NC Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or ability to obtain NC Registration within 12 months of hire.
Licensure with the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board as a Registered Veterinary Technician.
NC General Statue Chapter 90, Article 11; NC Administrative Code, Title 21 – Occupational Licensing Boards, Chapter 66 – Veterinary Medical Board.
Must have good physical agility, strength, good hearing and vision, and perform physically demanding labor in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments e.g. animal enclosures.
Specifically, this means the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, walk, stand, see animals & exhibits for observation and safety as well as hear animals’ sounds, radio communication and emergency situations.
Completion of post-high school coursework in the care and treatment of animals that conforms to the standards required for accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association OR holds a degree in veterinary medicine from a college of veterinary medicine recognized by the Board for licensure of veterinarians.
Registered with the Board as a veterinary technician.

Nice To Haves

Two years experience as a licensed veterinary technician
One year experience in a zoological setting

Responsibilities

Possess and maintain a strong working knowledge of current medical procedures and best practices to facilitate care of the zoo’s amphibian, reptile, bird, fish, mammal, and invertebrate collection.
Prepare for and assist in all aspects of animal medical care including clinic and field anesthesia, surgery, general exams, diagnostic procedures, medication administration and dispensing, etc.
Perform accurate and timely analysis of laboratory samples including but not limited to whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, feces, secretions and exudates.
Possess knowledge of animal care and husbandry techniques related to all animal species in residence at the NC Zoo, and utilize outside or internal resources to determine appropriate housing, feeding, etc. care of each new arrival.
Provide daily care to sick or quarantined animals being housed at the veterinary hospital.
Ability to manage emergency situations efficiently and effectively by determining priorities in a highly active and stressful environment.
Able to effectively communicate vital animal information to veterinarians, technicians, keepers, curators, etc.