Veterinary Technician Part Time

Job Title: Veterinary Technician Under general direction of the Vice President of Animal Care and Health and Associate/Staff Veterinarian, the Veterinary Technician assists the Veterinarians in all animal health care functions, including coordination of quarantine care. Schedule & Wages Part‑time, three days a week between Wednesday and Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (exceptions may apply). Wages range from $24.30–$26.20 per hour, depending on experience and certification. Animal Health Assist the Veterinarian in the medical care of the animal collection including all species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Assist the Veterinarian with all animal health care duties, such as injections, venipuncture, administering medications and vaccines, and wound dressings. Prepare patient, medications, equipment, and instruments for surgical procedures or basic examinations. Assist with anesthesia and chemical immobilization, anesthesia monitoring, and assist in surgery per verbal instructions. Complete routine laboratory tests and prepare biological specimens for shipment. Store and archive biological samples. Operate and maintain radiographic equipment, and oversee the staff radiation monitoring program. Provide husbandry for hospitalized and quarantined animals and assist with animals requiring hand rearing. Adhere to quarantine protocols in the care and maintenance of quarantined animals. Assist with necropsies and maintain the necropsy facility. Maintain the veterinary hospital, quarantine facility, and necropsy facility in a satisfactory state of cleanliness at all times. Maintain all medical equipment and capture equipment. Maintain the treatment and surgery rooms, and hospital animal holding spaces. Supervise and perform cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of surgical instruments, equipment and hospital areas. Participate in animal health‑related training such as darting training, weapons training, zoonotic disease training, animal training for medical behaviors. Maintain the pharmacy, including rotating inventory, removing expired drugs, and ordering pharmaceuticals and supplies under the direction of the Veterinarian. Maintain SDS/GHS system. Assist the Veterinarian with research and conservation programs. Participate in conservation field work when possible and provide medical skills when required. Perform all animal‑related procedures in a safe manner for both staff and animals, including following established Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and protocols. Communicate veterinary information in a timely and friendly manner to both the animal health and animal care teams. Provide training to keepers on basic veterinary procedures such as administering injections and medications, under the direction of the Veterinarian. Act as liaison with referral or on‑call veterinarian and Animal Care Staff until the Staff/Associate Veterinarian returns. Assist with coordination of veterinary students, volunteers, and other individuals as directed by the Veterinarian. Perform other related duties required by the Veterinarian to maintain and operate the hospital safely and efficiently. Adhere to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual. Attend monthly all‑employee meetings. Administrative Purchase animal health supplies, medications, and services in accordance with the animal health budget. Maintain and remove all expired drugs in a timely fashion. Maintain animal health and collection status record keeping through ZIMS & ZIMS Medical and other related digital files. Compile and generate required reports on animal health and collection status as needed. Assist with animal transactions. Assist the Registrar with documentation and reports as needed. Coordinate maintenance and purchasing of veterinary equipment. Assist with animal health budgeting through tracking expenses and preparing budget reports. Maintain MSDS/GHS systems. Liaise with veterinary staff, animal care staff, the registrar and finance staff about administrative matters. Manage accounts with vendors and the finance department. Perform quarterly hazard reports. Guest Relations Confirm that exhibits are presented to maximize a positive guest experience and meet zoo goals for cleanliness and maintenance. Conduct tours for visitors and volunteers as requested. Associate with guests on a regular basis to share information and offer assistance. Respond to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relation procedures. Develop and present formal and informal educational programs. Greets every guest with a smile. Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo. Answers phone calls, voicemails, and e-mails promptly. Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions. Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code. Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings. Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge. Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible. Staff Development Supervise Volunteers and Interns. Share critical information, best practices, and procedures on a consistent basis with staff. Coach coworkers, volunteers and interns and provide informal feedback. Provide training for new keepers on husbandry Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs). Operation and Business Exemplify the highest ethical standards to ensure the health and well being of the animal collection. Adhere to all regulatory standards such as OSHA, USDA Animal Welfare Act, regional, federal, and AZA standards. Report animal maintenance issues and potential hazards for staff. Ensure consistent productive operating practices by identifying areas for potential revenue generation, reduction of costs and more efficient procedures. Hold peers accountable for their performance. Perform routine maintenance when appropriate. Secondary Duties Other duties related to health and well‑being of the animal population. Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality Zoo operations. Requirements Education and Experience Completion of an accredited veterinary technician program or a minimum of 2 years paid veterinary technician/assistant experience in animal care, preferably with non‑domestic and exotic animals or in an AZA‑accredited facility. Experience in animal husbandry. Experience in the operations of a veterinary facility or hospital. License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications Valid registered veterinary technician (RVT) certification in the State of California. This license must be maintained with respect to continuing education. Bachelor’s degree in Life Science such as Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, Ecology or a closely related discipline is preferred. Valid California driver’s license with good driving record is desirable. Knowledge, Skills and Ability Knowledge of animal health including an understanding of species and individual‑specific behavior to assess behavioral and medical situations. Knowledge of the USDA Animal Welfare Act, Regional, State, Federal, and AZA standards associated with animal care and welfare, and applicable regulations. Knowledge of animal nutritional needs. Knowledge of weaponry use. Ability to understand and follow instructions when working around potentially dangerous animals. Ability to develop and present formal and informal educational programs. Ability to interact within a team environment. Ability to work within a budget and manage expenses. Basic computer skills (ZIMS, Word, Excel, Outlook, Word). Ability to follow oral and written direction. Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to develop warm and friendly relationships at work. Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and guests. Ability to exercise safe work practices while in the proximity of potentially dangerous animals or substances. Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals. Physical Demands & Work Environment Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility, including all animal areas of the zoo fulfilling all requirements of the title. Must be able to participate in animal husbandry practices; including the ability to lift 50 lbs., climb stairs, manipulate tools, and stand/walk for up to two continuous hours. Ability to make fast, simple, precise, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists. Ability to quickly move hand, hand together with your arm, or two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. Ability to see details at close range, within a few feet of the observer. Exposure to diseases and infections. Exposure to minor cuts, burns, and stings. Involves working out‑doors in all weather conditions. Supportive and open employment culture. Tools Used Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator. Personal computer and software (Word, ZIMS, Excel, Outlook). Standard cleaning equipment such as hoses, rakes, shovels, and brooms. Standard veterinary care equipment such as digital X‑ray machine, CT machine, ultrasound, endoscope, microscope, anesthetic monitoring equipment, gas anesthetic machine, autoclaves. Two‑way radio. Capture equipment including darting equipment. Electric cart. Hand tools. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Santa Barbara Zoo