Veterinary Technician/Assistant

Description

The City of Garden City is accepting applications for Veterinary Technician/Assistant with the Lee Richardson Zoo. This position aides in the smooth implementation of veterinary care of the zoo residents and GCPD dogs; organizes veterinary rounds, procedures, and exams; and dispenses medications as prescribed by the veterinarian. Responsible for the care and maintenance of animals, enclosures, grounds, specifically animal health facility and quarantine facilities, as well as such duties on other animal care routines as assigned. Maintains master diet book/database. Orders/acquires supplies as necessary for veterinary department, quarantine, commissary/nutrition needs. Assists Veterinarian with maintenance of veterinary records (i.e. data entry of animal health information - veterinary care, nutrition) in animal records software (ZIMS or other similar software) and with maintenance of animal health related licenses/permits. Participates in research as directed. Reports to and takes direction from Zoo Veterinarian.

Examples of Duties

• Prepares for, organizes, and assist during veterinary rounds/procedures. Maintains cleanliness of animal health facilities (hospital, quarantine, etc..) and equipment.
• Assists in entry/maintenance of veterinary records in animal records software and input of other pertinent data into database.
• Assist with maintenance of required Federal, State, and Local licenses/permits pertaining to veterinary care of the zoo residents (i.e. controlled substance licenses).
• Orders/acquires supplies as needed and approved for veterinary, quarantine, commissary/nutrition needs. Maintains adequate quantities of needed supplies for animal health facilities, including controlled substances, and maintains records for such items.
• Schedules, sets up, and reads zoo resident lab work, including fecal flotations, under veterinary supervision. Communicates results to veterinarian and prepares and relays prescribed treatments to appropriate staff. Assists with necropsies.
• Helps triage and relays information on health issues to appropriate zoo management and Veterinarian. Prepares and relays prescribed treatments to appropriate staff.
• Maintains master diet book/database. Maintains controlled substance log. Tracks use of birth control on resident animals and files associated reports. Tracks cost and usage of supplies as requested. Assists in zoo research projects or tracking thereof. Prepares correspondence and reports for the Veterinarian.
• Provides care (sets up/tears down enclosures as appropriate, prepares diets, feeds, and cleans) for animals in hospital, quarantine, and/or other areas as assigned and maintains those areas including grounds. Provides approved behavioral and psychological enrichment for animals in those areas.
• Performs daily observations on animals in animal health facilities to identify normal and abnormal behaviors related to husbandry/health issues; coordinates with senior staff on animal training programs to facilitate husbandry behaviors.
• Disposes of trash and debris in the zoo as needed.
• Services and maintains tools and equipment and facilities.
• Communicates with visitors as needed for educational and behavioral/safety purposes.
• Follows all safety rules and regulations, policies, and procedures. Attends and participates in all-staff meetings and assigned training sessions.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of general biology, veterinary medicine, animal diet preparation, and animal behavior. Basic knowledge of zoo operations including veterinary procedures, and regulations/standards. Skill in the use and maintenance of tools and equipment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Skills in typing, filing, word processing, data entry, i.e. specifically Microsoft Office. Ability to communicate and interact with other City employees and officials, representatives from other zoos and aquariums, those involved with animal transportation, state and federal agency personnel, and medical professionals in an effective and positive manner. Ability to meet deadlines, understand and follow multiple instructions (written or verbal), and multi-task.

Education, Certification, and Experience:
A valid Kansas Driver’s license is required.
Veterinary Technician License preferred but not required.

A.S. degree in veterinary technology or related field with at least two years of full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution or veterinary clinic.
OR
B.S. degree in veterinary technology or related field with experience working with animals.
OR
Five years full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution or veterinary clinic.

Supplemental Information

Physical Characteristics:
Ability to lift up to 75 lbs., sit, stand, walk, hear, speak, see, write, read, reach, bend, type, stoop, climb, carry, shovel, rake, scoop, sweep, tug, kneel, drive, drive, push and pull.

Environment:
Work is performed primarily indoors under controlled conditions, as well as outdoors if assistance is needed with animal procedures or to support the zoo or special events. Animal care duties may be indoors or outdoors. Work is performed in all types of weather. Some work in cages, barns, and compounds housing various species of animals (mammals, birds, reptiles, etc.). Weather conditions include extreme, moderate and temperate cold and heat, snow, ice, fog, rain, sleet, hail, high and gusting winds, humid and dry conditions. Work with chemicals and medications as required.

Surfaces: Carpet, tile, soil, concrete, rubber mats, bedding (pine shavings, hay, straw), grass, sand, dirt, asphalt, rock, clay, indoor and outdoor ponds, and waterfalls.