Veterinary Technician

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Provide skilled and collaborative technical assistance to the veterinary department. This position works in a team atmosphere that strives to provide a progressive and consistently high standard of care to ensure animal health, safety, and well-being.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Under supervision by veterinarians, participates in all aspects of medical care of zoo animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
• Administers anesthesia under direct supervision by veterinarians, including drug handling, dart preparation, induction, maintenance, monitoring, recovery, and recordkeeping.
• Performs skilled patient care and nursing under direct or indirect supervision by veterinarians.
• Performs diagnostic testing using in-house laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Prepares biological specimens for shipment to external laboratories, pursuant to IATA and DOT requirements and training.
• Dispenses and administers medications and vaccinations as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Maintains accurate records of clinical activities, laboratory results, and biomaterials storage, including competent use of Tracks or similar electronic medical record system.
• Participates in the veterinary team response to animal escape, human ultrapotent drug exposure, fire and other zoo emergencies, and all related drills.
• Performs triage assessment and treatment of free-ranging wildlife under indirect supervision, including administration of euthanasia as directed by veterinarians.
• Participates in positive reinforcement training related to the medical care of zoo animals in coordination with the Behavioral Husbandry and Enrichment team.
• Prepares hospital areas, equipment, and supplies in advance of scheduled procedures, including sterile surgeries.
• Operates and coordinates preventive maintenance of hospital equipment including but not limited to radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, dentistry, anesthesia and ventilator systems, and patient monitoring and support.
• Coordinates and performs cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and organization of hospital areas, equipment, and instruments, including coordination of support from other Veterinary and Operations Department personnel as applicable.
• Operates and coordinates preventive maintenance of instrument cleaning and sterilization equipment including but not limited to ultrasonic cleaner, steam autoclave, and plasma sterilizer.
• Operates and coordinates preventive maintenance of diagnostic laboratory equipment, including but not limited to point-of-care analyzers, microscope, centrifuge, incubator, fume hood, and cold storage.
• Organizes and maintains pharmacy and supply inventory, and orders pharmaceuticals and supplies as directed by veterinarians.
• Coordinates separation and appropriate disposal of pharmaceutical, laboratory, and necropsy waste pursuant to EPA regulations, including scheduling waste disposal contractors.
• Assists with post-mortem examinations by participation in necropsies, sample handling, and cleaning as requested by veterinarians.
• Participates in onboarding of newly hired certified veterinary technicians in coordination with veterinarians, including orientation to hospital operations and specialized training in zoological medicine as requested.
• Guides and instructs veterinary preceptors and veterinary technician students, Zoo Med Support Intern, and volunteers as directed by veterinarians.
• In cooperation with other certified veterinary technicians, organizes daily and annual role schedules and conducts team meetings as needed to coordinate tasks.
• Ensures clinical and laboratory protocols are updated on an annual or as-needed basis in coordination with veterinarians.
• Assists in coordination of hospital maintenance and repair by Operations Department personnel or outside contractors as required.
• Works in coordination with other zoo departments as required.
• Participates actively and with professional integrity in the zoo veterinary technical community.
• Promotes and contributes to a positive work environment and guest experience.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in educational and/or research programs and participates in special projects as requested.
• Conducts hospital tours for visitors and volunteers as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned by veterinarians.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of current standard practices in zoo veterinary medicine.
• Strong veterinary technical skills including but not limited to patient restraint and positioning, anesthetic maintenance and monitoring, phlebotomy, radiography, dental cleaning, sterile and nonsterile surgical assistance.
• Strong laboratory technical skills including hemacytometer leukocyte count, point of care biochemistry analysis, cytology and fluid analysis, parasitology, and water quality monitoring utilizing a coliform count system.
• Knowledge of safe work practices and proper use of personal protective equipment relating to potentially infectious material, ultrapotent anesthetic drugs, and venomous or other dangerous animals.
• Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions, and otherwise communicate effectively and efficiently with coworkers and supervisors.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and to respond with appropriate action in all situations including emergencies.
• Knowledge of basic computer programs/software (Word, Excel, and internet/intranet navigation).
• Ability to interact courteously, respectfully, and productively with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, our visitors, and the general public.
• Ability to represent Lincoln Park Zoological Society in a professional manner at all times.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program and successful completion of the Veterinary Technician National Examination as required to be certified as a veterinary technician in the State of Illinois.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience of at least two (2) to three (3) years as a certified veterinary technician is preferred.
• Previous experience of at least one (1) year as a zoo veterinary technician, or zoo internship experience, is highly desirable.

Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify, provided the individual can be certified as a veterinary technician in the State of Illinois.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to remain standing and physically active for extended periods of time
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds without vehicle
• Ability to perform a variety of physical tasks that include but are not limited to climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, crawling
• Physical strength, including ability to regularly move up to thirty (30) pounds and occasionally up to fifty (50) pounds
• Ability to work in small, confined spaces
• Ability to work in all weather conditions
• Ability to wear requisite Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that may include rubber/latex/vinyl gloves, facemasks, eye goggles or face shields
• No allergy related to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to perform essential functions
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, or ability of movement that might interfere with ability to perform essential functions
• Ability to maintain immune response to exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Available to work all necessary hours, including weekends, holidays, special events, and all shifts
• Available to attend on-grounds training sessions as needed
• Non-infectious tuberculosis status via testing as directed by Human Resources or established by a physician-directed treatment regimen.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain rabies and COVID-19 vaccinations

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

• Certification as a veterinary technician in the State of Illinois within the initial six (6) month probationary period.
• Maintenance of certification in good ethical standing with required continuing education.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Our Commitment Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

In addition to such standard benefits ( Blue Cross Blue Shield) as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages, and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match, benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full time employees):

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!

Salary: $31.06/hr.