Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technician

Job Title: Veterinary Technician 

FLSA Status: Non-exempt 

Hours: Full-time 

Number of Positions: 1 

About the Role: 

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (OHDZA) is a leader in animal care and its mission is to inspire, educate and engage people to serve as lifelong stewards for animals and their habitats. The Veterinary Technician is a key member of our team and will join a team of 6 veterinary technicians and 6 veterinarians to support a high quality veterinary medical program for our animals at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park.  

OHDZA offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals to work in a unique setting that encompasses a zoo, aquarium and safari park within one company. We anticipate the launch of a newly renovated hospital at the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park in the coming year, followed by the inauguration of our state of the art 32,000 square foot Bill and Bernice Grewcock Animal Hospital in late 2025. The new zoo hospital will feature a sophisticated imaging suite, complete with a CT scanner, as well as enhanced laboratory facilities. This position includes a comprehensive benefit package, ongoing CE/licensure/association support, and full uniform provision.  

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is a leader in animal care and its mission is to inspire, educate and engage people to serve as lifelong stewards for animals and their habitats. The Veterinary Technician is a key member of our team and will join a team of 6 veterinary technicians and 6 veterinarians to support a high quality veterinary medical program for our animals at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park.  

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):  

• Collaborate with veterinary technician team to provide clinical support and provide excellent preventative, routine, and emergency care to all the Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park animals.  

• Assist animal care professionals in the operant conditioning of animals for medical behaviors. 

• Assist maintenance of hospital programming through supply management, equipment care, hospital readiness and hospital cleanliness.  

• Prepare for and assist with veterinary examinations with an emphasis on monitoring anesthesia (cardiopulmonary support and monitoring) and performing diagnostics (phlebotomy, radiographs, blood work, fecals, cytologies, etc.).  

• Provide clinical laboratory support through in-house manual and point-of-care diagnostics (fecals, urinalysis, CBCs, biochemistry and cytologies) and sample submission to outside laboratories.  

• Provide husbandry assistance for hand-rearing neonates as needed in collaboration with Hospital Keeper.  

• Participate in maintaining a high-volume sample storage program.  

• Provide daily care, observation and monitoring of hospitalized cases including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and training. 

• Assist with pharmacy program by filling prescriptions and assist Hospital Supervisor and Lead Veterinary Technicians with inventory control and medication expiration dates.   

• Provide general support to the animal health department by ensuring all documentation and records are accurate, completed in a timely manner, and all regulatory requirements are met.  

• Assist in controlled drug tracking and documentation in accordance with internal protocols to meet regulatory standards.  

• Perform hospital equipment maintenance and ensure equipment is in ready-to-use condition. 

• Attend and participate in daily morning/afternoon rounds and departmental meetings. 

• Participate in skills-training/review program for veterinary technicians. 

• Provide mentorship for visiting veterinary students, Zoo Academy students, and interns. 

• Perform other duties as needed to ensure the care of the animals in the collection, the smooth functioning of the department, and/or the reputation of the zoo as directed by Veterinarians, Hospital Supervisor and the Lead Veterinary Technicians.  

Requirements: 

• Must have earned a degree from an AVMA accredited veterinary technician program and must have successfully passed the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination).  

• Must have the ability to obtain a registered veterinary technician license from the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Board within 6 months of the hire date.  

• Able to work in a team environment with animal care staff and other departments and foster trust-based relationships. 

• Must have the willingness and ability to function as a team member in a fast-paced environment with a high caseload. 

• Must possess high emotional intelligence, and situational awareness. 

• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, preferred. 

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid state driver’s license with a good driving history.

• Proof of negative TB Screening and up to date Rabies vaccination. Candidates are also required to pass a pre-employment background check and drug test.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort: 

• Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods. 

• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach upward, twist, and have good lateral movement. 

• Ability to perform large amount of walking and walk up and down stairs. 

• Ability to perform tasks requiring heavy use of arms, wrists, and exertion of upper body, arms, and hands to perform duties. 

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year-round sometimes on uneven terrain. 

• Ability to work with animals with potential zoonotic disease. 

• Able to work with narcotics for use in animal immobilizations as well as pain control which can be life-threatening to humans. 

• Willing to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays and evening hours and in all weather conditions. 

• Must be able to be on call as necessary. 

DISCLAIMER 

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.  

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. 

Qualifications

Job Title: Veterinary Technician

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Salary Grade /Level/Range: TO BE COMPLETED BY HUMAN RESOURCES

Reports To: Director Animal Health

Date: October 19, 2023

Hours: Full-time

Remote Work

· This is to be determined in conjunction with the Department Head and Zoo policy.

Work authorization

· List any visa requirements, H1B sponsorship or special clearances.