Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technician

The Veterinary Technician is responsible for assisting Veterinarians in all forms of routine health procedures, laboratory procedures, radiology, surgery, anesthesia monitoring, administration of medicines, and Hospital equipment and supplies maintenance and sterilization. Responsible for all laboratory procedures performed in-house and preparation of samples to be sent to other laboratories as needed. Manages animal-related emergencies independently and carries out the veterinarian's verbal instructions until the veterinarian can assume direct supervision of the case. Provides periodic husbandry to Hospital patients and quarantine animals.

Day to Day Responsibilities

Assist the veterinarians and other Hospital staff in all forms of routine animal health procedures, including restraint, phlebotomy, catheter placement, anesthesia, anesthetic monitoring, radiology and other imaging, other sample collection, dental prophylaxis or surgery, prescription management, or other procedures appropriate to maintain optimal health in all accessioned animals throughout Audubon Nature Institute in accordance with federal and state regulations and the accreditation standards of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

Assist in maintaining Hospital/clinic facilities in a constant state of readiness:

- Maintain an adequate and appropriate medical inventory of supplies, sterile instruments and disposables, and medications in coordination with the Hospital Manager. Efficiently procure necessary supplies and equipment.

- Maintain all equipment to ensure functionality, cleanliness, and compliance with regulations. Efficiently repair or replace defective equipment.

- Ensure consistent facility cleanliness and hygiene. Efficiently process equipment/supplies for sterilization.

Perform common veterinary clinical pathology procedures in house to provide results to the veterinarians. Efficiently and properly manage diagnostic samples for shipping to other laboratories or to examine in-house, which includes but is not limited to parasite exams, cytology, urinalysis, and avian, reptilian and mammalian hematology.

Maintain accurate and detailed records of health, welfare, and behavior status of animals under care. Maintain accurate records for medical care, laboratory results, serum and tissue banks, and controlled substance logs. Assist in other record-keeping duties as required.

Pursue formal remote capture training and practice as assigned by Hospital Manager. Demonstrate skills in humane observation, capture, restraint, and transport of animals.

Know animal care procedures established by the zoo and follow all biosecurity protocols properly. Assist other animal areas with setting up and following appropriate biosecurity.

Perform all duties of a Hospital Keeper as needed periodically. Observe general animal health, welfare, and behavior daily and report any abnormal situations to a supervisor.

Work overtime, travel to multiple facilities, and efficiently respond to institute animal emergencies as needed. Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

Understand the physical and health risks inherent to working with wildlife and managed zoo animals. Act with discretion and good judgment.

Participate in the supervision and training of any students, interns, residents, or other visiting trainees. Provide engaging and informative tours for school or other groups, VIPs, or the public.

Additional/Overall Skills:

Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.

Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon's mission.

Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.

What We're Looking For

Must Haves:

Graduate of an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technology Program and having passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) as a credentialed Veterinary Technician

Louisiana licensure as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) (within 1 yr of hire)

One (1) year of zoological/exotic animal medical experience

Maintain current Tetanus, hepatitis A/B, and influenza vaccines and periodic TB test (q3 yr)

Current Rabies vaccine or titer (can obtain after hire)

COVID-19 vaccine series is required to work in Audubon Nature Institute's animal hospitals

Must maintain valid La. Driver's license

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.

Must have proficiency with radiology, patient anesthesia and monitoring machines, microscopes, chemistry analyzers, surgical tools and equipment, mobile devices, computer, fax, scanner, phone, and copy machine.

Productively work as a member of a team as well as individually 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 by the manager for clinical duties and to maintain hospital readiness including but not limited to inventory, equipment maintenance and cleaning of facility and equipment

Willingness to work overnight shifts for ICU patients that must be maintained on IV fluids or given medications after hours

Nice-to-Haves:

Animal husbandry experience

Bachelor of Science

Physical Requirements:

Risk periodic exposure to hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases.

Working long hours between breaks or meals.

Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner.

Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required in all environmental conditions.

Prolonged standing, walking, and climbing stairs or ladders.

Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects up to 50 pounds.

Frequent bending, crouching, twisting, and reaching.

Manual dexterity to operate machinery or handle tools.

Frequent use of vision and hearing to assess surroundings and job tasks.

Environmental Conditions:

May include indoor and outdoor work environments.

Exposure to varying weather conditions.

Potential exposure to environmental hazards such as dust, chemicals, or loud noise