Veterinary Technician

General Summary: 

The Veterinary Technician will assist the veterinarians with any duties as directed, perform diagnostic testing, and keep hospital equipment and areas in good working order.  The Veterinary Technician will receive direction from the Associate Veterinarians, Senior Veterinary Technician, and Hospital and Conservation Program Director in regards to hospital operations, including scheduling, ordering of medical, laboratory and research supplies, and maintaining laboratory, pharmacy, and equipment.

Essential Functions:

Primary Function:

• Assist in all veterinary medical procedures requested by the veterinarians or Senior Veterinary Technician;
• Check clinical log books to know when procedures are scheduled;
• Prepare all materials required for procedures as well as clean up equipment and all portions of procedure rooms after procedures;
• Prepare and administer treatments and medications, refill prescriptions as directed;
• Maintain surgery areas,  treatment areas, including quarantine, and the materials in the hospital van in good working order, and keep well-stocked; discard out of date drugs and materials in compliance with applicable laws and policies;
• Maintain sterilization and stocking of surgical instruments and other equipment, including darting materials
• Perform laboratory work on hospital and research samples, including fecal analysis, urinalysis, hematology, chemistries and microbiology;
• Operate clinical hematology and chemistry equipment;
• Responsible for the preparation and shipment of out of hospital tests;
• Attend required continuing education to maintain licensure;
• Maintain appropriate records, including data entry into ZIMS system;
• Research and obtain bids on replacement medical equipment
• Obtain donated equipment and tools as appropriate with the needs and storage of the hospital;
• Drive to specified locations as needed to deliver or pick up samples and carcasses;
• Participate in the Animal Recapture Team
• Promote the mission of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore;

·         Perform other duties as assigned; and,

·         Adhere to all policies and procedures of the Zoo.

Communication (Internal and External):

• Attend required meetings;
• Conduct tours of the hospital building, perform oral presentations on zoo grounds when required;  and
• Participate in Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (AZVT) 

Management of Resources (financial, human resources, facilities):

• Train new staff as directed by the Senior Veterinary Technician
• Manage the veterinary technician student program. Train students and volunteers. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Registered Veterinarian Technician (RVT), Licensed Veterinarian Technician (LVT), or Animal Health Technologist (AHT).
• Bachelors of Science in Biology, Animal Science or related field strongly preferred. 

Experience/Training:

• Valid Maryland license for the appropriate degree within 3 months of hire;
• Minimum one year of veterinary technician and/or laboratory experience;
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software; and,
• Valid driver’s license.

Traits Desirable:

• Ability to work with individuals from a wide variety of ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Extremely well organized; Self-directed, collaborative and detail-oriented. 

Equipment:

• Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, radio, and vehicles, hand tools, animal restraint and capture devices, medical laboratory equipment, darting equipment,  incubators, gardening/carpentry tools and machinery, scales, etc. 

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to exert up to 70 pounds of force occasionally, 50 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.  Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;
• Must be able to travel large areas of the Zoo as needed;
• Must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
• Wear appropriate personal protective gear provided by the Zoo;
• Contact with hazardous chemicals, animal related injury and diagnostic radiography; anesthesia equipment; and,
• Exposure to zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack. 

We offer an excellent benefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off, Sick and Safe Leave and 2 paid holidays. Eligible for medical/dental/vision coverage as well as short term disability/long term disability/life insurance. 401k with employer match available.

Disclaimer:

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.  Therefore, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.

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