Location: Tampa,FL, USA
Are you a Certified Veterinary Technician with a deep-seated passion for animal welfare and conservation?
* Do you have specialized experience in non-domestic animal medicine within a zoo, aquarium, or related facility?
* Can you adapt to different species' needs and administer complex treatments, both independently and within a team?
* Are you equipped with the knowledge and skills to assist veterinarians during intricate procedures, and can you efficiently perform in-house lab tests?
* Do you want to work in an organization where your technical skills can be leveraged for the greater mission of animal conservation and education?
If these questions resonate with you, ZooTampa is urgently looking to fill a Veterinarian Technician position. This is a critical role where you'll be an integral part of a collaborative veterinary team dedicated to the health and well-being of a diverse range of animals.
Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Animal Health, performs skilled veterinary technician duties related to the medical care of a variety of animals within a zoological park.
Who We Are
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country's most family-friendly zoos.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Your day to day
Essential Functions (including, but not limited to):
* Work with a veterinary team including three full-time clinical veterinarians and three full-time veterinary technicians.
* Administers medications to a variety of species.
* Restrains patients for the veterinarian during procedures.
* Performs most laboratory tests performed in house.
* Observes and points out signs of illness, peculiarities in appearance, etc.
* Carries out medical treatments on their own or with other staff members.
* Under general supervision, receives instructions both written and orally and is required to exercise initiative and independent judgment.
* Monitors patients while under anesthesia.
* Assists veterinarian and other veterinary staff in procedures, including anesthesia, collection and processing of diagnostic imaging and samples, and treatment including surgery.
* Instructs keeper staff on how to treat animals as prescribed by the veterinarian.
* Inputs patient records into the computer.
* Maintains the order of paper flow through the clinic.
* Assists veterinarian in developing protocols and policies.
* In the absence of the veterinarian, acts on his/her behalf and acts as a liaison between the zoo and the veterinarian on call.
* Additional management responsibilities as determined by veterinarian.
* Actively assists the veterinarian in the medical care/treatments of Florida manatees at the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center.
* Perform other duties as assigned to maintain hospital operations.
What are we looking for?
Qualifications and Experience:
* Some college coursework or preferably a minimum of the equivalent of a Bachelor's Degree.
* Graduate of an accredited professional Veterinary Technology program.
* Successfully passed credentialing exam to be a Certified Veterinary Technician by the State of Florida.
* Must have worked a minimum of five full years as a veterinary technician in a zoo or aquarium setting, or eight full years in an animal hospital setting.
* Must be team-oriented and exhibit strong communication skills.
* Can properly evaluate and interpret signs of illness in a variety of species.
* Ability and willingness to acquire knowledge of the husbandry and general habits of exotic and native species.
* Ability and willingness to acquire knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
* Ability and willingness to lead and instruct others in the care and feeding of wild and domestic animals.
* Good oral and written communication skills.
Other Requirements
* Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
* Ability to lift up to 50 pounds without difficulty.
* Ability to work in weather conditions typical to Florida, temperatures sometimes exceeding 90 degrees with frequent rainfall.
* Ability to work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
* Ability/flexibility to remain after-hours to assist veterinarian in receiving manatee critical care cases, or other animal emergencies as they arise.
Our Perks at ZooTampa
* Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options
* 403(b) Retirement Plan
* Competitive PTO plan (Vacation and Wellness time)
* Employee Assistance Program
* Free gym membership
* Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
* Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
* And so much more!
Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace