Summary

The Veterinary Technician is a full-time position which assists in the administration of the zoo’s animal health program and wildlife confiscations. The technician works closely with the Veterinarians to provide exemplary health care for animals across diverse taxonomies. This position participates in multiple aspects of veterinary medicine in order to provide uncompromising excellence in animal care, well-being, and guest engagement.

The Veterinary Care team is expected to support the Zoo in its mission to promote "desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation." The team will help the Zoo achieve a forward-thinking vision of a modern zoo with an inclusive culture.

Job description is a summary of the typical duties of the role, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

Mission

• Serve as the primary animal health team for The Living Desert animal collection and confiscated animals.
• Endeavor to practice state-of-the-art veterinary medicine and maintain high standards of veterinary professionalism.
• Demonstrate great enthusiasm for the profession of zoological medicine.
• Exhibit a strong ethic and a team-oriented work style.
• Perform all job assignments with a positive attitude to help move The Living Desert forward.

Administrative

• Possess general knowledge of zoo animal biology and wildlife husbandry.
• Assist in maintaining and implementing preventive medicine schedules.
• Maintain timely and accurate medical records in Species 360/ZIMS and other record systems.
• Process and ship samples to reference laboratories.
• Keep the hospital organized, clean, and tidy, including disinfecting and sterilizing as necessary.
• Report equipment and facility maintenance needs.
• Assist in training animal care keepers, students, and volunteers.
• Maintain accurate time cards and ensure timely approvals.
• Regularly check and respond to emails, surveys, and questionnaires in a timely manner.

Animal Health

• Facilitate and assist with medical and surgical procedures, anesthesia, and diagnostic imaging.
• Perform laboratory analyses (including fecal examinations, urinalysis, CBC, and cytology) and process samples for reference laboratories.
• Maintain hospital facilities and equipment in clean and working order.
• Assist in managing the pharmacy and hospital supplies by dispensing supplements, medications, vaccines, and other medical supplies as requested.
• Collect, transport, and process samples while keeping accurate records; prepare samples for various analyses.
• Provide nursing care for patients with regular observations and communicate daily with veterinarians regarding animals under care.
• Provide husbandry and veterinary care to wildlife from government confiscations.
• Use proper radiology techniques, positioning, and adhere to radiation safety standards.
• Handle and restrain a variety of animals, including those from wildlife confiscations.
• Understand contemporary zoo veterinary care standards as established by the AAZV and practiced in AZA accredited institutions.
• Possess knowledge of zoonotic diseases that may affect animal residents, personnel, and guests.

Leadership and Communication

• Collaborate with the Animal Care team to implement operant conditioning for husbandry and veterinary procedures.
• Provide mentorship and feedback to veterinary and veterinary technician students.
• Assist other departments as needed.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, maintaining open channels with both the Veterinary Care and Animal Care teams.
• Interact courteously with guests while representing The Living Desert at the highest standard of professionalism.
• Ensure the hospital and associated facilities are prepared for emergency medical care.
• Demonstrate excellent observational, active listening, and organizational skills.
• Exercise sound judgment when working with potentially dangerous animals in emergency situations.
• Perform additional job-related responsibilities as necessary to accomplish department objectives.
• Establish and maintain effective professional relationships with co-workers and other department personnel in line with The Living Desert Employee Handbook.
• Exhibit excellent guest service and public speaking skills during tours, talks, and donor engagements.

Safety

• Maintain key box protocols.
• Serve as a member of the animal escape immobilization team and operate tranquilization equipment in the event of an animal escape.
• Document and file SDS sheets for all chemicals used in veterinary services.
• Remain calm during emergency situations, follow instructions succinctly, and stabilize animals in the absence of a veterinarian.
• Maintain a safe and productive workplace for animals, guests, and staff.
• Follow proper protocols when working with potentially dangerous animals.
• Possess knowledge of zoonotic diseases that may affect animals, personnel, and guests.
• Actively participate in training exercises, drills, and debriefs.

Requirements

Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Graduation from an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary technology.
• Bachelor’s, AA, or AS degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or a related field is preferred (relevant training and experience may substitute for college-level work).
• Minimum of 2 years experience as a licensed veterinary technician; 1-2 years experience with exotic and/or zoo animals is preferred.
• Must be a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in the state of California or obtain CA licensure within 6 months of hire.
• Preference for candidates with exotic or zoo animal experience, although domestic animal practice experience may be acceptable.
• Must obtain a valid California driver’s license within 3 months of hire.
• Must be insurable under The Living Desert’s automobile policy.
• Covid vaccination plus one booster is required.
• An annual TB test with a negative reading is required.

Equipment Used

PC computer, general office equipment, radio, vehicles, medical equipment, radiograph machines, standard capture equipment, and small hand-held power tools.

Physical Position Description

• Essential Tasks: Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching, and lifting (up to 50 lbs).
• Working Conditions: Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals, and airborne dust; working with potentially dangerous animals including carnivores and venomous species, with a risk of zoonotic disease exposure.
• Holiday Work: Required during holidays, evenings, weekends, and on an as-needed basis for emergencies.
• Travel: Occasional off-site travel for the release of rehabilitated animals and for continuing education conferences and workshops to maintain licensing.

Salary Description

$25.99 per hour