Veterinary Technician

SUMMARY

The Veterinary Technician utilizes their training and expertise to provide support to the Veterinarian in practicing high quality veterinary medicine for a diverse animal collection within the California Science Center’s mixed species exhibits. In conjunction with the Veterinarian and the Living Collections Department, the Veterinary Technician takes on a leadership role to maintain the operations of the veterinary clinic and coordinate schedules for the veterinary team to ensure prompt care and positive welfare for the animals.

QUALIFICATIONS

Good Candidates Have: 

• RVT license in good standing in any state with the ability to obtain a California RVT license within 6 months of hire.
• At least 1 year experience working as a registered Veterinary Technician with at least 2 additional years experience working in a veterinary medical setting.
• Some experience in exotic animal and/or aquatic animal husbandry and veterinary care.
• Demonstrated knowledge of collecting blood, fecal, and tissue samples to send out for external analysis.
• Demonstrated knowledge of surgical set up/preparation for a variety of animals and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to properly administer animal medications as directed by the veterinarian.
• Ability to use common veterinary medical supplies and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to safely anesthetize and monitor animals.
• Demonstrated proficiency of safely handling/restraining a variety of species.
• Experience maintaining medical records and other data entry.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and must have valid California driver's license
• Excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills.
• Basic computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to work positively in a team environment with both medical and non-medical staff.
• Ability to effectively coordinate and complete multiple tasks with efficiency.
• Ability to apply for, and maintain, a California Science Center credit card to procure medical supplies.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds, as well as work in various outside conditions.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include weekends, holidays and some evenings. 

Great Candidates Also Have: 

• California RVT license in good standing and graduation from an accredited RVT program and/or bachelor's degree.
• At least 3 years experienced working as a Veterinary Technician under the supervision of a Veterinarian.
• At least one year working with exotic and/or aquatic animals, preferably in an AZA accredited zoological or aquarium setting.
• Experience with Tracks record keeping software.
• Working knowledge of standard medical and husbandry skills for a variety of animals, including fish, mammals, herpetofauna, and invertebrates.
• Demonstrated ability to safely anesthetize and monitor fish, mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates.
• Demonstrated knowledge of microscopic fecal analysis. Knowledge of other diagnostic testing, such as acid-fast staining, skin scrapes, gill clips, etc.
• Previous experience overseeing inventory and ordering of medications and equipment.
• Knowledge of OSHA, USDA, and AZA standards and demonstrated ability to adhere to them.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs medical procedures, including administering/monitoring anesthesia, radiology, blood collection, etc. under the supervision of a veterinarian.
• Assists Veterinarian in performing routine diagnostic tests, including hematology, biochemistry analyses, cytology, and parasitology.
• Collects, prepares, and organizes transport of samples to outside processing facilities.
• Maintains a safe and sanitary hospital environment.
• Timely preparation, execution, and clean-up necessary for procedures conducted by the Veterinarian.
• Monitors the health and welfare of hospitalized and quarantined animals.
• Assists in administering medical treatments within the limitations of the law, including performing medical calculations and dispensing and tracking drugs with precision.
• Coordinates and streamlines veterinary rounds and case scheduling for efficient use of veterinary time.
• In conjunction with husbandry teams, they assess and communicate new animal problems to the Veterinarian, evaluating and triaging new cases as they arise.
• Maintains medical records, tracking treatments performed, medications given, and laboratory reports received.
• Follows approved SOPs and implements diagnostic and treatment procedures as directed by Veterinarian or outlined in SOPs.
• Assists with and performs necropsies, including recording observations and findings and collecting/preparing/shipping/tracking of tissues for evaluation.
• Performs pharmaceutical and supply inventories on a regular basis.
• Procures supplies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment through veterinary sources.
• Organizes routine equipment maintenance, as well as troubleshoots and facilitates servicing when equipment malfunctions.
• Helps the Veterinarian create meticulous budget information by generating expense reports, organizing invoices, payment vouchers, etc.
• Coordinates, trains, and supervises veterinary volunteers.
• Knowledge of, and ability to, uphold AZA standards for veterinary care.
• Contributes to the mission of the California Science Center Foundation by stimulating curiosity and inspiring science learning by creating fun, memorable experiences for the guests.
• Performs other duties as needed.

COMPENSATION

Salary Rage: $26.00 - $29.00 / Hour

APPLICATION PROCESS

Email all application materials (Resume, Cover Letter, Application) to [email protected]