Zoological Veterinary Technician

Zoological Veterinary Technician

The Virginia Zoo is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Zoological Veterinary Technician to join our animal health department. This position supports the department's continued expansion.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the care, health, and welfare of our diverse collection of species. As a vital part of the veterinary team, you'll play a key role in maintaining the health and well-being of our resident animals and supporting global conservation efforts. Come live by the beautiful Chesapeake Bay; kayak launch sites are just outside our perimeter fence. We are situated 30 minutes from the ocean front and 3 hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Department Hiring Salary Range: $50,599.95 – $60,000

Essential Functions

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain and operate the veterinary clinic and laboratory in compliance with all relevant regulations
• Ensure cleanliness and maintenance of veterinary equipment and hospital areas
• Monitor and maintain appropriate environmental conditions for hospitalized and quarantined animals
• Assist veterinarians during medical procedures, surgeries, and exams
• Monitor animal anesthesia and recovery
• Perform diagnostic testing including bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal analysis, radiography, and other diagnostics as instructed by veterinarians
• Maintain accurate medical records, daily reports, inventories, and supply logs
• Prepare, dispense, and administer medications, vaccinations, and treatments as prescribed
• Assist in approved research, field activities, and animal transportation between institutions
• Enforce zoo visitor safety regulations when applicable
• Support neonatal care and hand-rearing as needed

Work Environment and Conditions

Zoo Veterinary Technicians must be aware of the inherent risks associated with working in close proximity to exotic animals, including exposure to zoonotic diseases. Adherence to strict safety protocols is required at all times to minimize the risk of injury or disease transmission.

Due to the nature of the role, weekend shifts are required and occasional after-hours work may be necessary based on caseload. Work includes both indoor and outdoor tasks in all weather conditions. In the event of severe weather (e.g., hurricanes or snowstorms), this role may be required to stay on-site as part of the ride-out team.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse professional environment.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to follow established protocols and maintain a safe working environment.

Education/Experience

Work requires knowledge of a specific vocational, administrative, or technical nature which may be obtained with a two-year associate's degree, diploma or equivalent from a college, technical, business, vocational, or correspondence school. Appropriate certification may be awarded upon satisfactory completion of advanced study or training. Preferred License(s) and/or Certification(s):

• Must be a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) in the state of Virginia or have the ability to obtain licensure in the state of VA prior to start date.
• Minimum of 2 years postgraduate clinical experience as a veterinary technician with 1-2 years of experience working in a zoo setting
• Associate or Bachelor's (preferred) degree in Veterinary Technology from a program approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association

Additional Preferred Experience:

• Experience working with large carnivores, great apes, hoofstock, and megavertebrates
• Familiarity with technical skills related to the care of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians
• Proficiency in laboratory diagnostics: hematology, biochemistry, fecal analysis, cytology
• Experience with remote drug delivery systems
• Experience managing drug inventories, tracking expiration dates, and maintaining medical supply stocks
• Ability to consult with animal keepers regarding medication plans and health updates
• Strong knowledge of animal behavior, restraint, and husbandry practices

Additional Information & Requirements

Work hours: Working a flexible schedule, which can vary. Working weekends and holidays may be required.

Work location: Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby Street, Norfolk 23504