Veterinary Technician & Records Assistant - Great Plains Zoo

The Veterinary Technician & Records Assistant will provide the Zoo veterinarian with technical and medical support during veterinary procedures on animals including surgeries, treatments, anesthesia, dental care, radiology, etc.  Also supports laboratory and necropsy tasks. Enters veterinary data and manages the veterinary records system. The role requires preparing and updating reports on veterinary activities, applying for and maintaining required regulatory registrations, licenses and permits related to the veterinary function, and ensuring compliance with AZA standards and relevant regulations.

This is a new position within our organization. Our veterinary team is an integral part of the Great Plains Zoo with trusted relationships from zookeepers to leadership team. We provide veterinary care to our sister organization the Butterfly House and Aquarium and have a wildlife rehabilitation program. Professional development with committee and conservation programs are available. Our skill set is recognized and highlighted with social media and a guest viewing window in which our recently updated equipment is showcased. Including surgivet monitor, small & large animal mallard anesthesia machine with ventilators, shanks table, stationary and portable xrays, dental xray, dentalire unit with drill, scaler and polisher, portable sonosite ultrasound, ultra low sample storage, snyder intensive care unit and flexible & rigid endoscopy.

Reports To: Hospital Manager

Essential Functions:
Veterinary Technician (85%)
•    Support Veterinarian during medical procedures, including administering medications, performing treatments, and monitoring patient health and recovery.
•    Support anesthesia procedures, including induction, maintenance, and recovery to ensure patient safety.
•    Aid in surgical preparations, assist during surgeries, and manage the sterilization and maintenance of surgical instruments.
•    Provide dental care, including cleaning, polishing, and assisting with dental surgeries.
•    Perform radiology duties, including positioning patients and taking radiographs as needed for diagnostic purposes.
•    Perform collection, processing, preparation for shipment and evaluation of clinical laboratory samples, including blood, fecal, urine and water samples; provide accurate and timely reports for mammal, avian, reptile and fish hematology.
•    Support necropsy procedures and perform general cleaning and restocking of supplies.
•    Set-up and clean-up after animal procedures, both in the hospital and in animal areas, including preparation of necessary pharmaceuticals and equipment
•     Perform venipuncture, anesthetic induction and monitoring, injections, weighing, placement of intravenous catheters, and fluid therapy
•    Provide safe and effective animal restraint and handling as needed.
•    Maintain hospital and vehicle readiness, including cleaning, disinfection, restocking of materials, sterilization of instruments, maintaining workspace tidiness, upkeep of procedure kits and emergency boxes.
•    Develop and maintain proficiency on remote delivery (dart) system
•    Serve on emergency immobilization team and maintain readiness for animal emergencies.

Records Management (15%)
•    Duties to be performed under the advisement of the Registrar/Hospital Manager. 
•    Maintain required Federal, State, and Local permits for the maintenance and transport of wildlife. File annual reports, and monitor legislation related to wildlife and transport procedures.
•    Maintain accurate inventory of the animal collection, including daily transactions such as shipments, births, and deaths. Manage and organize the Zoo’s master animal records and paperwork in accordance with AZA standards, and input data into the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS).
•    Prepare and update daily reports on animal activities including breeding, food and water intake, and behavioral characteristics.
•    Assist in preparing and tracking animal transaction paperwork. Coordinate shipment schedules with other facilities and arrange transportation with professional animal shippers and airlines. Occasionally transport animals to the airport and monitor the status of loan specimens.
•    Maintain files for all documents related to animal transactions, including loan agreements, contracts, and permits.
•    Prepare and provide reports on animal population activity and management to the Registrar/Hospital Manager, Vice President of Animal Care, Animal Care Director/Supervisors, Aquarium and Conservatory Director, and Veterinarian, as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities
This position helps to train and mentor students and interns; however, this position does not have any direct reports.

Work Environment
•    Must be able to tolerate and be exposed to strong odors, toxic or caustic chemicals, dust, hay, animal fur/hair/dander, and wet or humid conditions (non-weather) and all variable outdoor weather conditions.  
•    Work may occasionally be performed in the Conservatory, which is typically 85 degrees with high humidity year round, and the Containment Room, which is usually 80 degrees, and the Aquarium Gallery, which is typically 70 degrees with high humidity. A high tolerance for warm temperatures is necessary for this role.
•    Will also include time in an office setting using standard office equipment including computers, telephones, photocopiers and filing cabinets.  

Physical Demands
Must be able to frequently bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, talk and listen; may be required to walk or stand for long periods of time; will use hands to manipulate, handle or feel; will reach with hands and arms; must be flexible enough to maneuver in and around animals within exhibits, corrals and holding areas.  The employee is often required to lift and carry animals or materials weighing 50 pounds or more.  Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions.

Travel
Occasional travel may be required.

Required Education and Experience
•    Completed an accredited veterinary technician program, earning at least an Associate of Applied Science degree, and successfully passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam.
• Must become eligible for Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) status in South Dakota within one year of employment. 
• Requires a minimum of 3 years of experience in a small and/or large animal veterinary practice.

Preferred Education and Experience
•    Internship experience or supplementary 1-2 years of experience at a zoological institution and/or exotic practice is preferred.
•    Wildlife experience is a bonus.
•    Knowledge of Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) preferred, but not required
• Maintain LVT license in good standing and required continuing education (CE)

Additional Qualifications
•    Maintain a current tetanus immunizations vaccination (5 years) and be willing to be TB tested annually.
•    Must complete the rabies vaccine series within six (6) months of employment. 
•    Must be certified or able to become certified in CPR/AED within 1 year of employment.
•    Must be able to work weekends, holidays and evenings as required.  
•    Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a pre-employment background check

Other Duties  
This job description is not designed nor should it be interpreted to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all qualifications, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.  Qualifications, duties and/or responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.