Job Title: Veterinary Technician
Department: Animal Health
Reports To: Hospital Manager
FLSA Status: Non Exempt
Effective Date: September 2025
White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature. The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 22,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property. Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats.
White Oak Mission:
Saving endangered wildlife and habitats through sustainable populations, expanding education initiatives, and responsible land stewardship.
Job Summary:
The Veterinary Technician performs technical and clinical procedures in the treatment, surgery, medication, and laboratory evaluation of White Oak’s Wildlife collection. The position collaborates within the veterinary department and across departments to help achieve White Oak’s Conservation initiatives. The Veterinary Technician performs a combination of field and laboratory duties.
Essential Duties:
o Provides assistance to the veterinarian with the daily medical care of the animal collection, including preparation of equipment, animal restraint, sample collections, and diagnostic procedures.
o Prepares and administers medications to animals under the supervision of the veterinarian; Assists veterinarian during surgical procedures, monitors anesthesia, and keeps anesthetic records.
o Assists with field procedures (blood draws, medication administration, radiographs, etc.).
o Maintains the Animal Science Building facility, including the sterilization of instruments, preparation and maintenance of hospital equipment, other related equipment, and assists with supply inventory.
o Performs radiographs on animals utilizing stationary and portable x-ray machines; Labels and transfers radiographs to PACS system.
o Assists in the development of x-ray techniques for animals; Maintains x-ray unit and related equipment.
o Provides assistance to the veterinarian in the performance of necropsies; Prepares tissue samples for shipment or transport to outside laboratories with all applicable documentation.
o Performs laboratory procedures, quality controls, and diagnostic tests, including parasitology, hematology, serum chemistries, cytology, urinalyses and PCR.
o Enters clinical pathology data into electronic medical records database and archives conventional paper medical records.
o Oversees preventive parasitology screening program for the animal collection, Johne's disease screening program for ruminants, pre-shipment testing requirements, biomaterials banking, and other programs as needed.
o Provides assistance to the veterinarian in maintaining comprehensive animal health records; Enters data into veterinary records systems (ZIMS).
o Participates in developing the next generation of professionals through White Oak’s intern and student programs.
o Maintains hard copy and computerized calendars of preventive health programs and animal procedures.
o Participates in developing technical protocols and maintenance of quality control and accuracy of clinical techniques.
o Assists in all aspects of the veterinary medical practice as needed; Fills in for and performs duties of the other technicians as needed.
The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
- Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology, required; Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology, preferred.
- Successfully passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
- Must be eligible for certification through Florida state regulatory board.
- Minimum of three years’ veterinary technician small animal clinical experience.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Basic knowledge of veterinary clinical pathology procedures such as parasitology, hematology, serum chemistries, cytology and urinalyses; Some PCR knowledge is helpful.
- Understanding of preventative testing/screening requirements in zoological medicine for routine exams, pre-ship exams and quarantine exams.
- Basic knowledge of animal restraint, sample collections, and diagnostic procedures.
- Basic knowledge of anesthetic monitoring, surgical procedure assisting and performing radiographs.
- Basic mathematical skills with ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, dosages, and metric conversions.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Proficient in computer use, zoo industry record management software (ZIMS), and Microsoft Office.
- Strong systemic and strategic thinking in combination with a proven ability to translate thinking to action and impact.
- An excellent ability to build strategic networks and partnerships with various internal and external stakeholders.
- Solid interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Highly collaborative and team-oriented.
Physical Requirements, Hazards, and Special Working Conditions:
- Must have valid Florida or Georgia Driver’s License.
- Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects, climb a 5-foot ladder, and work outdoors in all conditions.
- Exposure to fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts and vehicles.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays as well as unforeseen emergency situations.
White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.
