Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technician

National Aquarium is seeking a full time licensed veterinary technician to join the Animal Care and Welfare Team. The responsibilities of this role will include providing veterinary technician support to National Aquarium's collection (invertebrates, amphibians, fish, elasmobranchs, reptiles, birds, and mammals) and rescue animals (seals and sea turtles) under the direction of the veterinarians.

The Veterinary Technician is responsible for implementing clinical and preventative medicine care as directed by the veterinarian on all collection animals (invertebrates, amphibians, fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals). Including, but not limited to, daily monitoring and treatment of medical cases, inventory control of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, operation and maintenance of medical equipment, collection of diagnostic sample, collection animal anesthesia, preparation of medical case histories, and clinical laboratory procedures.

Essential functions include:

• Performs daily medical treatments as instructed by the veterinarians.
• Prepares medications to be administered, including accurate calculations of appropriate doses and filling of prescriptions.
• Performs phlebotomy on collection animals.
• Performs or assists in necropsies.
• Assists veterinarians in surgical procedures including anesthesia administration and monitoring and appropriate surgical equipment set up.
• Responds to emergency situations during or after hours.
• Updates computerized medical records as appropriate, including laboratory submissions.
• Maintains instruments and equipment.
• Performs laboratory procedures including blood analysis, CBC, serum/plasma prep for send outs and storage, parasitology, urinalysis, and microbiology when necessary.
• Provides feedback to veterinarians regarding clinical cases.
• Instructs veterinary preceptors and volunteers as needed.
• Support company mission.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications:

• Must have at least 1-3 years of veterinary technician experience in comparable practice (AZA or exotics/wildlife experience preferred).
• Registered through a state board as a Veterinary Technician or become registered within 6 months of employment.
• Obtain Maryland Veterinary Technician license within 6 months of employment.
• Ability to learn and effectively use all proprietary Aquarium software (Tracks)
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes weekend and/or evening hours, including on-call.
• Ability to perform duties that may include walking or standing for extended periods, lifting, climbing ladders, and working closely with others.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to work with diverse husbandry staff are essential.
• Employees assigned to this position will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator's license, have an acceptable driving record, and possess the ability to drive a variety of vehicles (cars, vans/trucks).

Competencies:

• Capable of performing clinical radiology demands of an exotic practice, including following technique charts, creating new machine settings if not available, and improvising with positioning techniques.
• Must be able to apply general principles of veterinary technician duties in novel animals and situations, utilizing primary experience, consulting with other professionals, and published references.
• Must be competent in practice of veterinary technology, drug calculations, medical department protocols (i.e. Quarantine, Controlled Drugs), clinical laboratory practices/procedures, ordering procedures, and equipment operation/maintenance.
• Must possess capacity to become knowledgeable regarding aquatic and exotic animal anatomy and be able to apply standard clinical/veterinary technician procedures to an aquarium setting.
• Must have an affinity for animals and have the capacity to make decisions based on the best interest of the collection.
• Additionally, they should be able to quickly make decisions in emergencies. Must be able to evaluate situations and to know when to act independently or to seek consultation from veterinarian.

Total compensation:

Hourly range ($18.27-24.87 per hour) with hours worked over 40 in a week eligible for overtime, premium pay for National Aquarium recognized holidays, and shift differential for overnight shifts. National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.