What are the responsibilities and job description for the Licensed Veterinary Technician & Records Assistant position at Great Plains Zoo?
Job Description
Job Description
The Veterinary Technician & Records Assistant will provide the Zoo veterinarian with technical and medical support during veterinary procedures on animals including surgeries, treatments, anesthesia, dental care, radiology, etc. Also supports laboratory and necropsy tasks. Enters veterinary data and manages the veterinary records system. The role requires preparing and updating reports on veterinary activities, applying for and maintaining required regulatory registrations, licenses and permits related to the veterinary function, and ensuring compliance with AZA standards and relevant regulations.
This is a new position within our organization. Our veterinary team is an integral part of the Great Plains Zoo with trusted relationships from zookeepers to leadership team. We provide veterinary care to our sister organization the Butterfly House and Aquarium and have a wildlife rehabilitation program. Professional development with committee and conservation programs are available. Our skill set is recognized and highlighted with social media and a guest viewing window in which our recently updated equipment is showcased. Including surgivet monitor, small & large animal mallard anesthesia machine with ventilators, shanks table, stationary and portable xrays, dental xray, dentalire unit with drill, scaler and polisher, portable sonosite ultrasound, ultra low sample storage, snyder intensive care unit and flexible & rigid endoscopy.
Reports To : Hospital Manager
Essential Functions :
Veterinary Technician (85%)
- Support Veterinarian during medical procedures, including administering medications, performing treatments, and monitoring patient health and recovery.
- Support anesthesia procedures, including induction, maintenance, and recovery to ensure patient safety.
- Aid in surgical preparations, assist during surgeries, and manage the sterilization and maintenance of surgical instruments.
- Provide dental care, including cleaning, polishing, and assisting with dental surgeries.
- Perform radiology duties, including positioning patients and taking radiographs as needed for diagnostic purposes.
- Perform collection, processing, preparation for shipment and evaluation of clinical laboratory samples, including blood, fecal, urine and water samples; provide accurate and timely reports for mammal, avian, reptile and fish hematology.
- Support necropsy procedures and perform general cleaning and restocking of supplies.
- Set-up and clean-up after animal procedures, both in the hospital and in animal areas, including preparation of necessary pharmaceuticals and equipment
- Perform venipuncture, anesthetic induction and monitoring, injections, weighing, placement of intravenous catheters, and fluid therapy
- Provide safe and effective animal restraint and handling as needed.
- Maintain hospital and vehicle readiness, including cleaning, disinfection, restocking of materials, sterilization of instruments, maintaining workspace tidiness, upkeep of procedure kits and emergency boxes.
- Develop and maintain proficiency on remote delivery (dart) system
- Serve on emergency immobilization team and maintain readiness for animal emergencies.
Records Management (15%)
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position helps to train and mentor students and interns; however, this position does not have any direct reports.
Work Environment
Physical Demands
Must be able to frequently bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, talk and listen; may be required to walk or stand for long periods of time; will use hands to manipulate, handle or feel; will reach with hands and arms; must be flexible enough to maneuver in and around animals within exhibits, corrals and holding areas. The employee is often required to lift and carry animals or materials weighing 50 pounds or more. Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions.
Travel
Occasional travel may be required.
Required Education and Experience
Preferred Education and Experience
Additional Qualifications
Other Duties
This job description is not designed nor should it be interpreted to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all qualifications, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Qualifications, duties and / or responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
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