Position Summary:

The Senior Veterinary Technician (SVT) works with a diverse team to support daily operation of the Animal Health Department (AH), including activities at our satellite facilities. Under the guidance of the veterinarians, the SVT works directly with collection animals performing diagnostic procedures and administering treatments in addition to assisting with the maintenance of clinical records and implementation of a program of preventative medicine. The SVT operates and maintains medical and diagnostic equipment and related instrumentation in all areas of AH. This individual is responsible for processing and management of diagnostic sample submissions as well as the organization and distribution of data generated from those samples. Under the direction and supervision of the SMAHCO and veterinarians, in cooperation with other technicians, this individual assists with management of the pharmacy and volunteer activities. The SVT will be responsible for schedule management and inventory control and ordering. The SVT works interdependently with other AH staff, Zoological Operations staff and veterinarians and staff from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine (UGA-CVM) to ultimately yield the highest standard of aquatic animal health care and provide a reliable program of quality control.

Responsibilities:

1. Supports GAI’s veterinary and animal care staff to ensure an exceptional level of daily, primary clinical care for all species maintained by GAI. 
2. Provides medical treatments and performs daily evaluations of patients under the guidance of staff veterinarians. If/when staff veterinarians are not on the premises, assesses emergent/novel cases, consulting with GAI veterinarians via phone and internet.
3. Assists other SVT’s and VT’s with the operation and maintenance of all veterinary diagnostic and related equipment within the GAI veterinary surgical and exam suite.
4. Primary for ordering and maintaining inventory of supplies, medications, and other clinically related items in the surgical and exam suite.
5. Responsible for maintaining the GAI veterinary pharmacy & inventory, ensuring compliance with controlled substances regulations, removing, and replacing expired therapeutics and supplies as needed.
6. Primary oversight for scheduling of routine and emergent exams of all collection animals as well as maintaining routine exam schedules and coordinating with Lab Supervisor for sample scheduling.
7. Maintains a high level of competency in operation of all diagnostic equipment as well as with standard, in-house diagnostic procedures such as cytological and/or microbiological sample collection, complete blood counts, parasite screening and necropsy techniques.
8. Supports maintenance and operation of the GAI Diagnostic Laboratory via sample processing, stocking/ordering supplies, cleaning/organizing, data entry of results into medical records, and notification of receipt of results to appropriate individuals.
9. Supports the GAI pathology program via transfer of specimens to the necropsy suite, performing postmortem evaluations ranging from basic data collection to full necropsies and cleaning/organizing the specimen refrigerators and necropsy suite. 
10. Works within GAI’s Hospital and Diagnostic Laboratory participating enthusiastically in a program of QC for all in-house veterinary diagnostic, medical/surgical equipment, and associated instrumentation.
11. Maintains GAI diagnostic and related medical records at the highest standards. Updates medical records daily as necessary. Attends medical rounds, gives progress reports.
12. Assists other SVT with oversite of the organization and direction of a team of volunteers that participate in and support daily clinical activities.
13. Serving as a strong leader in the department, provides guidance and mentorship to less experienced clinical staff, volunteers, and students.
14. Is on-call for emergency duty during certain critical time periods (i.e., when necessary, provides technical support outside standard working hours, during animal transports, critical medical cases, etc.).
15. With approval from the SMAHCO and Director, Animal Health & Nutrition, attends zoological/aquatic animal health related meetings and/or conferences for purposes of continuing education, networking, and dissemination of information. 
16. Participates in scientific studies and/or field operations as needed.
17. Works seamlessly with all GAI staff and volunteers and is a consistently positive role model helping to maintain a cohesive, harmonious working environment.
18. As needed, interacts on behalf of the Georgia Aquarium with guests, media, general public, etc.
19. Performs other duties as workload necessitates.

Qualifications:

1. Completion of a program in veterinary technology is required; equivalent experience working as a full-time technician may be acceptable upon review.
2. Six years of experience with veterinary care and handling of aquatic, zoo and/or non-domestic animals. 
3. Four years of clinical experience in an AZA accredited institution, or equivalent, working with aquatic animals and associated holding systems.
4. Effective problem analysis and resolution skills.
5. Above average leadership skills as well as the ability to organize, manage time and set priorities while meeting deadlines.
6. Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet departmental requirements and program needs.
7. Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
8. Superior verbal and written communication skills essential.
9. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook) and ability to research and analyze various types of data/information.
10. Valid passport, or the ability to obtain one.
11. SCUBA certification or the ability to become certified is ideal.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Commitment:

I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. the following:

Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide.

Vision: To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.

Values: Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Teamwork, Respect, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion