Veterinary Technician -Animal Health Technician/Supervising Animal Keeper

County of Bergen

Department of Parks – Division of Park Operations

Under the direction of the Zoo Curator and Veterinarian, cares for, treats sick, injured animals and monitors the overall health of the animal collection at the Bergen County Zoo.

Job Responsibilities: (may include but not limited to)

• Duties include but not limited to medicating, observation, routine fecal analysis, run x-ray equipment, assist Veterinarian during surgeries, clean hospital cages, supervise assigned staff, trains staff in care and feeding of animal collection and other work as assigned.
• Renders treatment of sick or injured animals as directed by Veterinarian and/or Zoo Curator.
• Medicates animals as prescribed.
• Performs preliminary examinations of animals to determine symptoms of disease or injury and reports findings to the Veterinarian and/or Zoo Curator.
• Assists in the development of new zoo displays and animal exhibits.

· Renders treatment of sick or injured animals as directed by the Veterinarian.

· Medicates animals as prescribed by the Veterinarian.

· Performs preliminary examinations of animals to determine symptoms of disease or injury, and reports findings to the Veterinarian.

· Performs macro and microscopic studies on specimens of animal feces and skin scrapings in order to determine the kind and extent of any parasite infestation.

· When surgery is performed, may assist the Veterinarian by sterilizing instruments, securing supplies, handing him surgical instruments, and disinfecting and cleaning up operating areas.

· Removes diseased animal heads after decapitation and files appropriate reports with the State Health Department.

· May directly supervise the activities of the principal Animal Keeper and rest of the Animal Keeping staff regarding animal medical issues.

· Under the direction of the Veterinarian, injects animals to be disposed of with lethal drugs.

· Disinfects cages for the control and eradication of infections and communicable diseases.

· Establishes and maintains detailed records and files of animals treated, and assistance rendered.

Education/License Requirements:

· B.S. in Veterinary Technology or Associate’s Degree/Degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology.

· Licensed as a Veterinary Technician in New Jersey.

· One (1) year of experience in work involving animal nutrition, taxonomy, animal behavior, parasitology or bacteriology.

Schedule:

· Full Time – OT occasional.

· Must work one weekend day and holidays.

Other:

· Zoo or exotic animal experience preferred.

· Possess strong communications skills, both written and verbal.

· Effective multi-tasker who is organized, detail oriented and has the ability to problem solve.

Please send employment application to resume@co.bergen.nj.us – put in subject line job applying for, thank you.

The County of Bergen is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of The County of Bergen not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a BS in biology or related field?
• How many years of experience do you have in a vet technology program?

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person