Zoo Veterinarian Technician (Part Time/RVT only)
The Potawatomi Zoo is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Zoo Veterinarian Technician (Part time) to assist in clinical care for a diverse collection of 500 animals, over 100 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Potawatomi Zoo exceeds the standards for Zoos in animal care and quality of life, conservation, and education programs. In 1921, the Potawatomi Zoo was established in Potawatomi Park, where it continues to exist today. As one of the oldest zoos in Indiana, we are rich in history and building a promising future. Potawatomi Zoo has become a focus of fun and educational activity in the Michiana area. This is a great opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join a rapidly growing organization.
General Summary
Provide technical assistance to the veterinary department and provide quarantine keeper duties. Ability to work independently as needed is important. Hours and days may vary and will include weekends, evenings, and holidays. This would be a good fit for a newly graduated student.
Essential Functions
- Under general supervision, assists the veterinarian in the medical care of the animal collection including all species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates
- Set-up and clean-up after animal procedures, both in the hospital and in animal areas, including the preparation of necessary pharmaceuticals and equipment
- Administers anesthesia under the direction of the veterinarian, monitors said animals under general anesthesia, and assists in surgery
- Assists in veterinary and animal emergencies
- Supervises and performs cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of surgical instruments, equipment, and hospital and operating areas to maintain zoo hospital in a clean and orderly condition
- Performs other related duties required by the veterinarian to maintain and operate the hospital safely and efficiently
- Operates the diagnostic laboratory, including, but not limited to, hematology, biochemistry analysis, cytology, and parasitology
- Prepares biological specimens for shipment
- Organizes and maintains pharmacy including rotating inventory, removing expired products, and ordering pharmaceuticals and supplies, under the direction of the veterinarian
- Operates and maintains radiographic equipment
- Dispenses and administers medications and vaccinations as prescribed by the veterinarian
- Assists with post-mortem examinations through necropsies, cleaning, waste removal, or sample handling
- Maintains accurate records, including computer entry for ZIMS or similar programs
- Assists in any special maintenance project as required
- Must demonstrate knowledge of occupational hazards involved and the safe work practices to employ while in proximity of potentially dangerous animals or substances
- Perform general husbandry (including feeding, cleaning, and enrichment) of hospitalized and/or quarantined animals
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions, and to otherwise communicate effectively and efficiently with co-workers and supervisor
- Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action in a calm and efficient manner
- Excellent technical skills, including proficiency in restraint, sample collection techniques, patient monitoring, intravenous catheter placement, cytology, and parasitology in domestic animals
- Good skill in the safe operation of veterinary equipment including but not limited to remote injection, radiography and other imaging, and surgical, monitoring, and anesthetic equipment
- Knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical equipment cleaning and sterilization
- Knowledge of infection control and quarantine practices
- Detailed and current knowledge of standard veterinary medical practices, animal anatomy, basic pharmacology, and principles of anesthesia
- Knowledge of computer programs of basic word processing, spreadsheets, and internet database access
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Comprehensive knowledge of the zoo’s mission and philosophy
- Good interpersonal skills including ability to get along with diverse groups with tact and maturity. English fluency at a professional proficiency is required.
- Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, visitors, and the general public
- Ability to represent Potawatomi Zoo in a professional manner at all times
REQUIREMENTS
Education Requirements
Graduation from an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary technology.
Experience Requirements
- Preference will be given to those individuals with a least one year of experience as a veterinary technician, preferably with exotic or zoo animals.
- Note: A comparable combination of education, experience, or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills, and ability required may qualify an individual provided the individual can be certified as a veterinary technician in the State of Indiana.
- Familiarity with the management of captive populations, including AZA programs, preferred
Position Requirements
- Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time
- Ability to traverse zoo grounds without a vehicle
- Ability to perform a variety of physical tasks that include but are not limited to climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, crawling
- The employee will be regularly exposed to water, chemicals, and potentially loud noises.
- Physical strength, including ability to regularly move 30 lb objects and occasionally move 50 lb objects
- Ability to work in small, confined spaces
- Ability to work in all weather conditions – including potentially adverse conditions
- Ability to wear requisite Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that may include rubber/latex gloves, masks, eye goggles, and airway protection.
- No allergy related to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to work
- No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, or ability of movement that might interfere with ability to work
- Ability to maintain immune response to exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases
Additional Requirements
· Available to work any of seven days of the week or special needs or events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends or holidays, as required.
· Proof of a negative TB test within 6 months prior to hire date
· Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is preferred, or willingness to obtain upon hire
Licenses and Certificates
- Certified as a veterinary technician in the State of Indiana or similarly certified in another state. Must obtain an Indiana license within sixty (30) days from date of hire.
- Maintain said certification appropriately with continuing education and ethics.
- Valid IN driver’s license and the ability to maintain a good driving record.
The Potawatomi Zoo provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Application Question(s):
- Are you a registered vet tech (RVT)? This is required for this position.
- This is currently only a part time position, are you available to work Friday and Saturday?
Work Location: In person
