Licensed Veterinary Technician

Description

General Statement of Duties

The Veterinary Technician is responsible for providing the museum with clinical support in the medical care of the Museum’s live animal collection. The Veterinary Technician collaborates with the museum’s curators, volunteers, and full time veterinarian to implement the veterinary care program and maintenance of all veterinary department equipment and protocols to the highest AZA standards. The position recognizes the capacity to achieve greater results by integrating skilled volunteers and leveraging their diverse knowledge and abilities. The Veterinary Technician reports directly to the Lead Veterinarian. 

Qualifications

• Degree obtained from an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technology Program.
• Three or more years of experience as a veterinary technician in a zoological, aquarium, or exotic animal specialty practice/setting. 
• Maintains all appropriate veterinary technician licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Proficiency in animal restraint, sample collection techniques, patient monitoring, cytology, hematology, parasitology, radiograph positioning, and intravenous catheter placement.
• Knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, behavior, handling, and anesthesia techniques of zoological species. 
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical equipment cleaning and sterilization in addition to knowledge of infectious disease control and quarantine practices. 
• Experience in maintenance of electronic records 
• Chemical immobilization training preferred. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to work independently; self-starter.
• Must display initiative, good judgement, and self-driven, motivated demeanor.
• Must be able to remain calm, make sound decisions, and provide direction in a crisis situation.
• Must have proof of current rabies vaccination or agree to be vaccinated at the museums expense. 
• Fit Aid & CPR certified or agree to become at museums expense. 
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Be a positive, enthusiastic representative of the Virginia Living Museum.
• Ensures the medical care at the Virginia Living museum meets or exceeds AZA requirements. 
• Enhances the Guest Experience by performing or assisting a veterinarian in preparation and execution of all medical procedures including setting up equipment and supplies, chemical and/or manual restraint, monitoring patients under anesthesia or sedation and during recovery, administration of medical treatments, production of radiographs, diagnostic sample collection and analysis, medical record keeping, and gross necropsy.
• Conducts all in-house laboratory analysis including chemistry, cytology, fecal analysis, hematology, urinalysis, and proper sample handling and processing for outside laboratories and research collaborations. 
• As directed by a veterinarian, fills prescription and administers treatments.
• Creates and maintains medical records of all diagnostics sample results, anesthesia records, histopathology reports, veterinary specialist consult reports, and keeper communication. 
• Maintains medical supply and drug inventory, controlled drug logs, and appropriate disposal of expired drugs and supplies. 
• Maintains professional relationships with local AZA facility veterinarians and consulting veterinary specialists.
• Serves as a liaison for all animal health concerns to lead veterinarian 
• Performs emergency triage and treatment of the collection in the absence of a veterinarian and under his/her remote instruction.
• Performs gross necropsy and tissue sampling on all mortalities as instructed by the veterinarian
• Maintains clinic, surgery, radiology, and necropsy areas in a professional manner. Assists in the operation and maintenance of all veterinary laboratory and imaging equipment. 
• Maintains chemical immobilization equipment and participates in routine staff training. 
• Helps train and coordinate veterinary clinic volunteers
• Follows museum safety policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

  Essential Job Requirements 

• Must be able to work occasional weekends, evenings, and holidays and be on-call when necessary.
• Must be able to perceive detailed information through oral communication.
• Must display excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lift and/or exert up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to move throughout the Museum’s building(s) and outdoor trail as needed.
• Must have a visual acuity to be able to operate motor vehicles and/or equipment.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crawl, reach, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, and utilize repetitive motions.
• The candidate will be subject to outdoor environmental conditions such as heat, cold, wind, rain, and humidity.