Hospital Keeper II

Description

Position:                   Temporary Hospital Keeper     

Department:             Animal Care, Veterinary

Supervisor:              Director of Veterinary Services

Description:   Under the supervision of staff veterinarians, employee will be responsible for animal husbandry for quarantined and hospitalized animals.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: all aspects of animal husbandry, including medicating animals, sample collections and diet coordination; maintenance of quarantine areas; assisting veterinary procedures, neonatal care and management as well as medical data entry. Selected person is expected to communicate and work cooperatively with other animal care staff.  

This position requires creative thinking, working in a team oriented environment, and possessing excellent organizational skills as well as verbal and written communication skills.

Time distribution estimates: Quarantine 60%, clinic 20%, lab 10%, necropsy 10%.

Responsibilities:

General knowledge of

• Proper quarantine methods including zoonotic disease awareness and prevention, including PPE use
• Taxonomy, animal behavior, biology of exotic and domestic animals
• Neonatal and hand rearing techniques
• Objective observations: behavioral and medical
• Animal handling and restraint
• Sterilization and disinfection methods, chemical SDS.
• Computer skills, including Microsoft products and specialized record keeping and data collection programs

Additional duties:

• Assist in various routine and emergency veterinary procedures as directed
• Assist  in caring for hospitalized patients as directed
• Assist  veterinary technicians with clinical pathology and general methods for monitoring anesthetized patients
• Assist with pharmacy inventory.
• Appropriately respond to human and animal related emergencies
• Maintain clinic, quarantine and necropsy equipment
• Prepare  biological samples for shipment to outside laboratories
• Accurate recordkeeping
• Assist with equipment  inventory management and operation
• Safely operate motorized vehicles and equipment.
• Participate in teaching/outreach programs, including tours and presentations
• Work with minimal supervision
• Strong organizational skills
• Make sound ethical  decisions
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements:

Negative TB skin test or equivalent.

Must be dexterous, able to stand/walk up to 6-8 hours, 

Must be able to work outside year-round, under typical Tennessee weather conditions and temperatures for extended periods of time.  Must be able to work in uneven terrain with exposure to varying weather conditions, dust, and allergens.  Must be able to move about on slippery surfaces, handle potentially toxic and hazardous materials and work in cramped and confined spaces.  Must be able to lift and carry materials up to 50 pounds.  Position is subject to animal bites, scratches.

Required Experience:

College degree, associate level minimum, in animal science or related program. 

Minimum two years experience as animal care provider with non-domestic species, preferably in a zoo setting, and 1-2 years in veterinary care.

Background Check:  Applicants for this position are required to submit to a criminal background check and pass a drug test.

Qualifications

Salary : $17 - $19