Under the direction of the Senior Veterinary/Laboratory Technician, the Veterinary/Laboratory Technician provides assistance and support to the veterinarians with the comprehensive preventative medical and treatment program for the Zoo’s animal collection. The Technician assists during animal examinations, treatment and surgeries, analyzes clinical pathology and other samples, cares for hospitalized animals, and assists with hand-rearing of infant animals as necessary. The Technician also advances the educational mission of the department by assisting in the clinical instruction of veterinary, pre-veterinary and technician students and volunteers as well as collaborates with other departments to carry out the missions of the Philadelphia Zoo.

Essential Functions:

• Prepares for, assists during, and cleans up after anesthetic/surgical procedures in the hospital and on zoo grounds, including anesthetic induction, intubation, catheter placement, fluid therapy, and use of monitoring equipment.
• Performs clinical pathology testing including manual CBC techniques including differential analysis on mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, use of blood chemistry analyzers, urinalysis, parasitology, microbiology, and cytology.
• Performs water quality testing for aquatic features in animal exhibits in compliance with AZA standards.
• Coordinates with veterinarians, curators, researchers and keepers in processing biological sample requests and shipments to other institutions or laboratories.
• Calculates dosages, formulates, prepares and administers or dispenses medication prescribed by staff veterinarians.
• Is familiar with the set-up, use, care and disinfection/sterilization of diagnostic equipment and instruments used for veterinary procedures, including (but not limited to) endoscopes, ECG, ultrasound, IV pumps, electrocautery units, and remote injection equipment.
• Provides proper husbandry care, nursing care, record keeping and treatments of hospitalized patients or newly arrived animals being held in quarantine, including feeding and enclosure cleaning.  Consults with nutritionist, curators and keepers as needed on animal care and training.
• Provides proper care, feeding, cleaning and record keeping of animals being hand-reared.
• Performs or assists with radiographic studies.
• Provides instruction as appropriate for veterinary residents, veterinary and veterinary technician students, new department employees and visiting veterinary professionals.
• Participates in Animal Health Center tours and other events as requested by Development, Public Relations, and other departments.
• Provides proper handling and record keeping of cryogenic storage bank samples, including maintenance of ultra-cold freezers.
• Assists in maintaining microscope slide bank and image files for use as an educational resource.
• Assists keeper staff in implementation of operant conditioning training programs to facilitate veterinary care.
• Performs frequent inventory checks of the pharmacy, emergency, and veterinarians’ boxes for missing or expired supplies.
• Maintains medical equipment, requesting repairs or replacements as needed.   Participates in new product/equipment research.
• Assists in maintaining complete and thorough animal and medical records.
• Understands and follows Zoo-wide emergency protocols and the veterinary department’s role during emergency procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of prevention and protocols for zoonotic diseases.
• Develops and maintains skills in remote injection delivery (dart) systems.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Skills Required

• Degree from a veterinary technology program accredited by the AVMA CVTEA.
• Pennsylvania veterinary technician license (or eligible for licensure within 1 year).
• Minimum of 1 year clinical experience post-graduation from an accredited veterinary technology program.
• Experience in hematology with multiple species, including birds, reptiles and amphibians, microbiology, cytology, parasitology, urinalysis.
• Experience working with nondomestic animals under managed care; zoo experience highly preferred.
• Ability to work in a complex environment with animals of diverse taxa, multiple veterinarians and veterinary technicians, curators, nutritionists, and animal keepers.
• Excellent technical skills, flexible, self-motivated, detail-oriented, team player.
• Strong organizational, communication, observational, and time management skills.
• Ability to educate students and volunteers in animal health techniques and practices.
• Familiarity with USDA/AZA/AAZV guidelines.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Physical and Medical Requirements

This position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices, and hazardous chemicals and medications.  Frequent use of protective equipment or clothing (e.g., masks, gloves, gowns, face shields, etc.) is required.

• Successful completion of a post-offer medical screening including general physical examination (with emphasis on cardiovascular, respiratory, and skeletal systems), drug testing, and tuberculosis testing prior to beginning work.
• Rabies vaccinated. If not previously immunized, will require pre-exposure rabies vaccination series; post-vaccination and every 2-year rabies antibody titers.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
• Ability to ascend, descend and work atop stairs, ladders, move under low objects and navigate complex topography such as animal exhibits.
• Must be able to work around a large variety of plant and animal species.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to move and position animals and/or equipment of up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to use and handle hooks, tongs, catch poles, nets, and other animal handling equipment.
• Ability to drive Zoo vehicles including electric and gas-powered carts, cars, and cargo vans.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to detect sounds of varying amplitudes and frequencies including sounds emitted from animals, people and medical or other equipment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person as well as through radios, phones, and computers.

Other Requirements:

• Prior to starting work, successful completion of a background check to include: criminal records, Pennsylvania child abuse history clearance, and driving history.

Please confirm closing dates at original source link and ensure you take note of appropriate time zones for position closing times.  Please note, Veterinarycareers.com.au takes no responsibility for closing dates or removal of job positions advertised.

For next steps in application please register below.