VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Metro Richmond Zoo’s mission is to promote animal conservation and inspire guests by providing up-close, educational encounters with the wild. The zoo is situated on 150 acres of land and is home to over 2,000 animals representing 190 species from around the world. The zoo is accredited by the Zoological Association of America and is well-known for its conservation programs for cheetahs, African penguins, and Diana monkeys. The zoo has an on-site animal hospital with a small pharmacy, surgery room, blood chemistry analyzer, and x-ray equipment.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the guidance of the veterinarian, the vet tech is responsible for providing high quality healthcare to all animals at the Metro Richmond Zoo including all species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. The vet tech collaborates with the animal care team to promote the general well being of all animals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee medical care of all zoo animals under the direction of the veterinarian
• Perform veterinary diagnostics and prepare treatment plans
• Provide care for sick and injured animals
• Collaborate with veterinarian and lead keeper to schedule necessary procedures/surgeries
• Administer anesthesia, monitor animals under general anesthesia, and assist in surgery
• Assist in animal emergencies
• Perform cleaning of surgical instruments, equipment, and animal hospital
• Prepare biological specimens for lab exams and shipment
• Assist with preparing animals for transport
• Organize and maintain pharmacy and order drugs and medical supplies
• Dispense and administer medications and vaccinations as prescribed by veterinarian
• Operate and maintain radiographic equipment
• Train animal care team members on protocols for administering medications
• Assist with post-mortem examinations
• Assist in safely capturing and restraining animals for treatment
• Maintain accurate medical records, including entry into ZIMS medical system
• Assist in quarantine care; hand-raising and training animals when necessary and appropriate
• Assist animal care team as needed and completes other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Vet tech must have the ability to:

• Walk and stand and bend over for long periods of time
• Navigate zoo grounds with or without a vehicle
• Handle and restrain animals
• Traverse animal exhibits by climbing, bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and crawling
• Regularly move 50 lb objects
• Perform duties for 8 hours a day
• Have a full range of motion in the back and all extremities
• Work in a non-smoking environment

QUALIFICATIONS

Vet tech must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a graduate from a veterinary technician program
• Be a licensed vet tech in Virginia or become licensed in Virginia ASAP
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Have recent experience in a vet tech position
• Be self-motivated in work ethic and be willing to learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly
• Be reliable and show initiative
• Be able to work outdoors in all weather from 0°F to over 100°F
• Be able to communicate clearly in written and verbal forms
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Be able to interact with guests in a courteous and professional manner
• Be able to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively
• Be able to maintain focus and mental stability at all times
• Be able to handle multiple tasks
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Have great attention to detail
• Have a deep love for animals and their wellbeing
• Have intermediate computer skills (proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Drive)
• Experience with exotic animals is preferred but not required
• Experience with darting equipment and proficiency with nets are preferred but not required

HOURS

• Full-time employment
• 40 hours a week (Zoo does not offer overtime hours)
• 5 days a week
• Must have ability to work flexible hours, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and some early evenings

PERKS AND BENEFITS

• Free zoo and zipline tickets
• Food and merchandise discounts
• Work with a variety of exotic animals
• Day-time hours (no nights)
• Variable work tasks
• Fast-paced: no dull moments
• Work outdoors and indoors
• Career advancement opportunities
• Medical Insurance
• Retirement with company match
• PTO
• Some paid holidays
• Potential for bonuses

ALCOHOL AND DRUG TESTING

Team members may not arrive on duty under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Since this position is a safety-sensitive position, team members may be subject to random alcohol and drug testing.

DISCLAIMER

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the team member or intern. All team members are required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their supervisors.

HOW TO APPLY

1   Complete employment application (ranking work interests section is not necessary)

2   Prepare resume and cover letter

3   Drop off in person or email all three documents to [email protected] and include your name followed by “Vet Tech” in the subject line of the email.

This position will be open until filled. We will contact qualified candidates who we have chosen to move forward in the interview process.

The Metro Richmond Zoo is an equal opportunity employer.