Vet Tech 3 (Senior Level)

Job Description

Job Description

We are growing, We are expanding. We are adding animals to our collection. We need employees that are passionate about our mission and vision! Do you want to contribute to conservation efforts for wildlife, specifically but not limited to you marine wildlife? Then Clearwater Marine Aquarium is the place for you!

Our Mission

We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.

Our Vision

To be the global leader at connecting people to marine life and the environment. 

CMA’s Values include Integrity, Inspiration, Passion, Excellence, Collaboration, Leadership and Compassion

POSITION TITLE:  Senior Veterinary Technician 

REPORTS TO:  Hospital Manager

EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT:  Non-exempt 

PERCENTAGE OF FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT: 100%

SUPERVISES:  None

PERMANENT/SEASONAL/TEMPORARY: Permanent

LOCATION:  On-Site

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: 

Responsible for working both independently and within a team environment to proficiently perform complex animal care procedures and the daily operations of maintaining the health and wellbeing of Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s resident and rehabilitating animals. Serve as a resource for other veterinary technicians and team members. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Participate in the rapid response to all resident and stranded animal events including those that occur during non-scheduled times of work or outside of CMA’s operating hours 
• High level of skill in the following veterinary technician responsibilities:
  • Collection of diagnostic samples in all applicable species
  • Laboratory diagnostic evaluation in all applicable species
  • Surgical technician techniques
  • Use of all hospital equipment
  • Radiology
  • Anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery
  • CPR/Emergency techniques for all species
  • Euthanasia techniques and necropsy. Able to independently perform necropsy in most species
  • Pharmacy procedures including drug dispensing and controlled drug monitoring
  • Veterinary nursing techniques including injections, IV catheter placement, etc. for all relevant species
• Understand anatomy and physiology of all species at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• Participate with husbandry teams in animal training for medical procedures
• Perform data entry in order to maintain complete and current records including sample storage
• Demonstrate effective and appropriate oral and written communication techniques
• Anticipate potential veterinary needs during patient transport
• Demonstrate knowledge of water quality parameters and how they apply to patient health.
• Perform hospital maintenance and cleaning
• Point person for one or more category of hospital equipment (imaging, anesthesia, lasers, etc.) This includes troubleshooting, routine maintenance, training new employees, identifying replacement equipment, etc.
• Manage pharmaceutical, hospital and laboratory inventory supplies
• Adhere to all OSHA, USDA, DEA and FWC regulations and make recommendations for work orders to ensure compliance in all areas
• Represent CMA and the vet department in PR/fundraising/community activities
• Participate in some or all aspects of the various types of research projects as deemed appropriate by CMA’s research committee and VP of Animal & Environmental Health
• Participate in field research opportunities (off site) when available
• Represent CMA at conferences including giving presentations when applicable. 
• Assist in grant writing process for the veterinary department.
• Routinely engage guests visiting hospital to make their visit memorable
• Demonstrate leadership at CMA
• Train new veterinary technician staff and interns
• Take initiative on projects to advance the veterinary practice, animal health, and safety
• Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 

• Veterinary technician degree from an AVMA accredited organization 
• Certified Veterinary Technician, Registered Veterinary Technician, or Licensed Veterinary Technician. Out of state candidates must obtain Florida licensure within first 12 months of employment at CMA.
• Must be working as a veterinary technician at CMA for a minimum of four full years. Other candidates must have a minimum of five years of veterinary technician experience in a zoo and/or aquarium setting.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays as needed; must also be able to share a 24/7 on-call schedule in case of emergency situations
• Knowledge of medical procedures and rehabilitation of marine mammals preferred
• Ability to communicate clearly both in writing and verbally and follow complex instructions
• Ability to take initiative and work independently in the absence of supervision 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, word, power point etc.)
• Ability to obtain Florida driver’s license 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Lift up to 50lbs to waist level - Frequently
• Lift up to 20lbs to shoulders and above head – Frequently
• Walk/stand for long periods of time - Frequently
• Maneuver safely on uneven terrain or in tight spaces - Frequently
• Safely climb ladders when needed – Frequently
• Squat, bend, kneel, twist and reach - Frequently.
• Reach above the shoulders - Frequently
• Push and pull larger equipment – Frequently
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to changing weather – Frequently
• Work indoors, under cover without air conditioning or heat – Frequently

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required. 

All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). 

A statement of “permanent” position is not a guarantee of employment. It simply means the role has no set end date. In Florida, employment is "at-will" by default, meaning either party can terminate the relationship at any time for any legal reason and as such continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Notice of Right to Work.