Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technician Full Time Regular Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA, US Position Title: Veterinary Technician Reports To: Hospital Manager Date Revised: June 2026 Job Summary Responsible for assisting veterinarians in routine health procedures, laboratory work, radiology, surgery, anesthesia monitoring, medication administration, and maintaining hospital facilities. Responsibilities Assist veterinarians and other hospital staff in routine animal health procedures, including restraint, phlebotomy, catheter placement, anesthesia, anesthetic monitoring, radiology, imaging, sample collection, dental prophylaxis or surgery, prescription management, and other procedures to maintain optimal health in accessioned animals in accordance with federal, state, and AZA standards. Assist in maintaining hospital/clinic facilities: Maintain adequate medical inventory, sterile instruments, disposables, and medications in coordination with the Hospital Manager. Ensure equipment functionality, cleanliness, and compliance with regulations; repair or replace defective equipment. Ensure consistent facility cleanliness and hygiene; process equipment/supplies for sterilization. Perform common veterinary clinical pathology procedures in house to provide results to veterinarians. Manage diagnostic samples for shipping to other laboratories or in‑house examination, including parasite exams, cytology, urinalysis, hematology for avian, reptilian and mammalian species. Maintain accurate and detailed records of health, welfare, behavior, medical care, laboratory results, serum and tissue banks, and controlled substance logs. Pursue formal remote capture training and practice as assigned; demonstrate skills in humane observation, capture, restraint, and transport of animals. Follow animal care procedures established by the zoo and biosecurity protocols; assist other animal areas with appropriate biosecurity. Perform duties of a Hospital Keeper as needed; observe general animal health, welfare, and behavior daily; report any abnormal situations to a supervisor. Work overtime, travel to multiple facilities, and respond to institute animal emergencies. Must be able to work weekends and holidays. Understand physical and health risks in working with wildlife and managed zoo animals; act with discretion and good judgment. Supervise and train students, interns, residents, or other visiting trainees; provide engaging and informative tours for school or other groups, VIPs, or the public. Qualifications Graduate of an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technology Program and passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Louisiana licensure as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) within 1 year of hire. One (1) year of zoological/exotic animal medical experience. Maintain current Tetanus, hepatitis A/B, and influenza vaccines and periodic TB test (every 3 years). Current Rabies vaccine or titer (can obtain after hire). COVID‑19 vaccine series required. Humane treatment and affinity for animals. Ability to use a computer to obtain and retain information and generate reports. Proficiency in medical data management, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel. Effectively reconcile financial and medical reports accurately and on time. Proficiency with radiology, patient anesthesia and monitoring machines, microscopes, chemistry analyzers, surgical tools and equipment, mobile devices, computer, fax, scanner, phone, and copy machine. Work productively as a member of a team as well as independently with minimal supervision. Willingness to serve on the zoo’s Hurricane Team if necessary. Ability to drive to the Freeport‑McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center (FMASSC) at least once a week or as assigned. Willingness to work overnight shifts for ICU patients that must be maintained on IV fluids or given medications after hours. Bachelor of Science (nice‑to‑have). Physical Requirements Risk periodic exposure to hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases. Work long hours between breaks or meals. Ability to handle stress appropriately. Ability to wear personal protective equipment as required. Prolonged standing, walking, and climbing stairs or ladders. Lift, push, pull, and carry objects up to 50 pounds. Frequent bending, crouching, twisting, and reaching. Manual dexterity to operate machinery or handle tools. Use vision and hearing to assess surroundings and job tasks. Environmental Conditions Indoor and outdoor work environments. Exposure to varying weather conditions. Potential exposure to environmental hazards such as dust, chemicals, or loud noise. #J-18808-Ljbffr