Registered Veterinary Technician I - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Veterinary Technician

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

The Registered Veterinary Technician supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission integrating wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions. The Registered Veterinary Technician assists the veterinary staff with clinical and surgical procedures, is responsible for performing diagnostic radiographs, and provides technical support and nursing care, while advocating for the animals entrusted to our care. This position reports to the Veterinary Services Wildlife Care Supervisor.

The Registered Veterinary Technician will:

• Recognize, provide care for, treat, evaluate, medicate and maintain records for the compromised, sick, ill, dying, and/or arresting patients.
• Setup for various scheduled and emergency procedures, as well as clean, sterilize and care for all specialized instruments associated with the procedures.
• Perform diagnostic radiographs on all animal species in our collection using various radiographic modalities such as mammography, digital radiography (in house and in the field), Computed Tomography (with and without intravenous contrast).
• Maintains all anesthetic machines to ensure proper function and monitor animal patients before, during and upon recovery from anesthetic procedures.
• Fill or compound prescribed medications including controlled drugs for animal patients as well as maintain appropriate records.
• Correctly handle and use pneumatic CO2 darting pistol and rifles as well as other remote injection delivery equipment in a safe and professional manner.
• Proficient in operating Class IV Laser, following all safety and training guidelines and protocols.
• Follows all CDC quarantine regulations and protocols.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park Veterinary Services department is seeking an RVT to join our team. You will partner with our existing team in caring for a wide variety of taxa in our Safari Park population and contribute to our eight SDZWA global Conservation Hubs as well as our local amphibian, avian and mammal population sustainability programs. Desired candidates hold a passion for wildlife well-being, a drive to practice high quality medicine, the ability to embrace teamwork, and the skillset to exercise veterinary nursing within both a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital and wildlife field habitats. This position requires successful completion of a physical ability test, possession of current rabies and measles vaccination, and satisfactory completion of a Tuberculosis (TB) Test.

Job Experience:

• Prior paid experience working as an RVT in a zoological setting preferred.
• Prior paid experience working as an RVT in veterinary setting required.

Education and Certifications:

• Associate's Degree or Some college preferred.
• California licensure as a Registered Veterinary Technician within 180 Days required.
• Graduate of an AVMA accredited program or VMB approved RVT program within 180 Days preferred.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Understand the dangers and be situationally aware when ultra-potent narcotics are in use.
• Strong working knowledge of laboratory procedures in the analysis of biological samples.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement preventative health projects as directed for overall health of collection animals.
• Human CPR and first aid is desirable.
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work with teams and communicate effectively with others.

Some of the rewards you will enjoy as a team member:

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

Important Details:

• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Position
• Hourly Rate: $46.87

About the Salary Ranges:

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

Fraudulent Recruiting: Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests' experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to View email address on click.appcast.io and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.