Description

Reports to: Associate Veterinarian

Supervises: Volunteers for medical data entry and oversees appropriate medication administration and animal treatment for all animals under veterinary care

Coordinates with: Veterinary, Animal Care, Education and Interactive Staff

Summary of Responsibilities: Elmwood Park Zoo (EPZ) is seeking to hire a highly-motivated individual with in-depth knowledge of veterinary medical technical care and experience working with a wide variety of zoo animal species. The Veterinary Technician is responsible for performing tasks associated with the husbandry and maintenance of native and exotic animals in an education and conservation-oriented zoological park. The Veterinary Technician provides technical and medical assistance to the veterinarian in the care and daily treatments of all animals maintained by EPZ. A successful candidate will communicate effectively both in writing and orally, have a logical approach to problem solving, a dedication to a high standard of animal care, and a willingness to advocate for the welfare of the animals in the collection. The candidate should have experience with exotic animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, husbandry, safe animal restraint techniques and clinical diagnostic techniques including radiology, hematology and other clinical diagnostic testing. Candidate must be skilled at anesthesia monitoring for all species including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, and should be familiar with a wide variety of anesthetic monitoring equipment. The candidate should be comfortable working independently as well as within a team.

Elmwood Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is home to hundreds of animals. The Zoo currently occupies 16 acres within Norristown PA and recently completed construction on the Frank and Paige Engro Veterinary Health Center, an 18,000 square foot veterinary and quarantine facility equipped with state of the art diagnostics including computed tomography, flexible and rigid endoscopy, digital radiography and more.
 
EPZ Team Member Responsibilities:

• As essential personnel, animal department staff are expected to be available as per business needs which include weekends, holidays, evenings and in inclement weather.
• Assist management in ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficiency in all areas of the operation of the Zoo 
• Follow and adhere to all policies, procedures and safety protocols for the department and the Zoo 
• Use proper radio etiquette and adhere to proper uniform attire at all times Assist the Zoo in fostering an appreciation of wildlife and their habitats that will inspire active participation in conservation
• Exercise professionalism at all times
• Provide exceptional service to guests by answering questions and assisting them when needed

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for ensuring and promoting overall animal health and well-being
• Provides technical assistance to and communicates regularly with the veterinarianAssists veterinarian with animal examinations, surgical procedures, diagnostic sample collection, and anesthesia and maintains detailed anesthesia records
• Assists veterinarian with gross necropsy, tissue sample collection and processing
• Administers treatments and provides care to animals in the clinic and coordinates treatments and care for animals under veterinary supervision that are not housed in the clinic
  • Common treatments performed include oral, topical, and injectable medication administration, fluid therapy, collection of diagnostic samples, routine dental prophylaxis, assist feeding and wound management
• Enters daily notes in ZIMS, keeps all medical records in an organized and professional
  manner
• Responsible for daily up-keep of the veterinary clinic, quarantine, and appropriate maintenance of all medical and surgical equipment to AZA and USDA standards
• Helps to develop and maintain SOPs and protocols for veterinary equipment, procedures and other veterinary hospital functions
  Performs data entry for clinical diagnostic results
• Orders, stocks and maintains inventory of all supplies and medications needed for the veterinary clinic
• Provides care and daily husbandry to animals in quarantine
• Assists Animal Care staff with training activities relating to medical behaviors or diagnostic sample collection and participates in operant conditioning or other training programs as needed
• Has enthusiasm for participating in public outreach and educational programs
• Performs all other duties assigned by the Veterinarian or Executive Director
• Has knowledge of and adheres to all Policies and Procedures for the Department and the Zoo
• This is a physically demanding role that requires strength, stamina, and full-body mobility to perform essential functions. Responsibilities include the frequent movement and transport of materials weighing up to 50 lbs., as well as the ability to run, climb, bend, jump, or crawl as needed. Work is conducted in outdoor conditions year-round, regardless of weather
• Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Education & Experience Required

• Licensure or Certification in Veterinary Technology is required along with a degree in Veterinary Technology from an AVMA-accredited program
  A minimum of 3 years of full-time experience as a veterinary technician and a minimum of 2 years of experience at an aquarium, zoo, wildlife or other non-domestic institution
  Must be proficient in electronic medical record keeping, Microsoft Office, G Suite and should have a good general knowledge of computer operations
  Must have in-depth experience with a wide variety of zoo and exotic animal species
  Experience with advanced diagnostic equipment (i.e. CT scan) is a plus
  Licensed to practice in the state of PA, or ability to become licensed within 90 days of employment
  Must have negative TB test, rabies vaccination preferred

Pay and Identification:

• Pay: $21-$25/hour
• Identification: Two forms of official valid identification are required. Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances