Veterinary Technician

SUMMARY

Coordinates zoo animal veterinary care with consulting zoo veterinarians and animal management team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Hires, supervises, and provides guidance on the training of pre-veterinary and veterinary medicine interns and externs.

Monitors physical and psychological condition of the animal collection.

Manages computerized animal records in Species 360 veterinary modules.

Coordinates zoo veterinary care with consulting zoo veterinarian and curator of animals, collaboratively managing animal health, preventative medicine, parasite, and pest control programs within the zoo.

Coordinates with curator of animals on emergency management plan drills associated with animal escapes and participates in all monthly drills associated with AZA accreditation guidelines.

Assists in developing policies regarding veterinary care, animal escape, euthanasia, quarantine, research and other issues in accordance with AZA-accreditation guidelines and government agencies.

Develops Radiology Safety Program including compliance with radiology regulations of the state of West Virginia and dosimetric monitoring of animal care team.

Develops and adaptively manages veterinary care program budget.

Conducts fecal, water chemistry, and minor blood tests and laboratory procedures.

Oversees management of raptor rehabilitation program.

Oversees care and management of the zoo animal hospital as well as individuals being cared for in the hospital.

Manages zoo preventative medicine and quarantine programs.

Cares for individuals in quarantine and maintains and ensures compliance with established quarantine procedures.

Performs radiographs for diagnostic purposes based upon direction of the zoo veterinarian(s).

Assists zoo veterinarian(s) with necropsies and coordinates histopathology examination of tissues.

Maintains inventory of all hospital equipment, materials, and medications.

Performs or coordinates maintenance of hospital equipment.

Labels and distributes prescriptions.

Participates in the development of institutional collection plan in concert with AZA regional collection plans, SSP, and TAG recommendations.

Participates in operant conditioning efforts to facilitate training of zoo animals for participation in veterinary procedures.

Participates in educational tours and classes associated with veterinary care and/or the animal hospital.

Participates in regional field conservation efforts.

Assists with the development and implementation of zoo special events.

Monitors and reports physical plant concerns and fire/safety hazards to zoo director and zoo maintenance crew leader to determine coordination with WPC maintenance team; trained in CPR, first aid and crisis response, may discharge pepper spray.

Responds to resort resident wildlife concerns to include trapping, relocation or euthanasia of ill or nuisance animals in accordance with state and federal laws and AVMA and AZA guidelines.

Solves guest concerns and seeks methods to enhance guest experiences.

Maintains harmonious relationship with fellow team members.

Mentors animal care team and interns and fosters their development in the zoo profession.

Remains on call 24 hours per day.

Adheres to the Code of Professional Ethics of the AZA.

Interacts with the public with a cheerful and positive attitude, solves guest problems and complaints in a proper manner, and maintains harmonious working relationships with fellow employees.