PartTime Veterinary Technician

This role begins in April 2025.

Are you a passionate and skilled veterinary technician eager to provide high-quality care to a diverse animal population? The Santa Barbara Zoo is looking for a Part-Time Veterinary Technician to assist with medical procedures, support daily operations, and ensure the health and welfare of our animals. Join our team and contribute to conservation efforts while providing exceptional care to wildlife!

Position Status : Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt Schedule : Up to 25 hours per week. The schedule is generally Wednesday - Saturday, 8 : 00 am - 5 : 00 pm, some exceptions may apply based on business necessity.

Compensation : $23.29 - $25.20 per hour

You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position

SUMMARY :

Under the general direction of the Vice President of Animal Care and Health and Staff Veterinarian, the Registered Veterinary Technician assists the Veterinarians in all animal health care functions, including the coordination of quarantine care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES : Animal Health :

Assists the Veterinarian in the medical care of the animal population including all species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates

Under general supervision, assists the Veterinarian with all animal health care duties, such as but not limited to, injections, venipuncture, administering medications and vaccines, and wound dressings, etc.

Prepares patients, medications, equipment, and instruments for surgical procedures, or basic examinations, using specialized knowledge, and restrains animals during procedures

Assists with anesthesia and chemical immobilization, anesthesia monitoring, and assists in surgery in accordance with verbal instructions

Completes routine laboratory tests and prepares biological specimens for shipment

Stores and archives biological samples

Operates and maintains radiographic equipment, and oversees the staff radiation monitoring program

Provides husbandry for hospitalized and quarantined animals and assists with animals requiring hand-rearing

Adheres to quarantine protocols for the care of quarantined animals

Assists with necropsies, including sample collection, and maintains the necropsy facility

Maintains the veterinary hospital and equipment, quarantine facility, and necropsy facility in a satisfactory state of cleanliness at all times

Maintains all medical equipment and capture equipment

Maintains the treatment and surgery rooms and hospital animal holding spaces

Supervises and performs cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of surgical instruments, equipment, and hospital areas

Participates in animal health-related training such as, but not limited to, darting training, weapons training, zoonotic disease training, animal training for medical behaviors

Maintains the pharmacy including rotating inventory, removing expired drugs, and ordering pharmaceuticals and supplies under the direction of the Veterinarian

Maintains SDS / GHS system

Assists the Veterinarian with research and conservation programs

Participates in conservation field work when possible and provides medical skills when required

Performs all animal-related procedures in a safe manner for both staff and animals, including following established Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and protocols

Communicates veterinary information in a timely and friendly manner to both the animal health and animal care teams

Provides training to keepers on basic veterinary procedures such as administering injections and medications, under the direction of the Veterinarian

Responsible for referring animal health problems to the appropriate relief veterinarian in the absence of the Veterinarian and assisting in implementing the appropriate veterinary care under the direction of the relief / on-call veterinarian. Acts as liaison with relief / on-call veterinarian and Animal Care Staff until the Staff Veterinarian returns

Assists with coordination of the activities of veterinary students and veterinary technician students, volunteers, and other individuals as directed by the Veterinarian

Performs other related duties required by the Veterinarian to maintain and operate the hospital safely and efficiently

Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual

Attends bi-monthly all-employee meetings and department meetings

Administrative :

Purchases animal health supplies, medications, and services in accordance with the animal health budget

Responsible for maintaining the pharmacy inventory and removing all expired drugs in a timely fashion

Maintains animal health and collection status record keeping through ZIMS & ZIMS Medical and other related digital files

Compiles and generates required reports on animal health and collection status as needed

Assists with animal transactions

Assists the Registrar with documentation and reports as needed

Coordinates maintenance and purchasing of veterinary equipment

Assists with animal health budgeting by tracking expenses and preparing budget reports

Maintains MSDS / GHS systems

Liaises with veterinary staff, animal care staff, the registrar, and finance staff about administrative matters

Manages accounts with vendors and our finance department

Performs quarterly hazard reports

Guest Relations :

Confirms that exhibits are presented to maximize a positive guest experience and meet zoo goals for cleanliness and maintenance

Conducts tours of the veterinary facilities for visitors and volunteers as requested

Associates with guests on a regular basis to share information and offer assistance

Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relation procedures

Develops and presents formal and informal educational programs

Staff Development :

Supervises Volunteers and Interns

Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures on a consistent basis with staff

Coaches coworkers, volunteers, and interns and provides informal feedback

Provides training for new keepers on husbandry Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs)

Operation and Business :

Exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure the health and well-being of the animal collection

Adheres to all regulatory standards such as OSHA, USDA Animal Welfare Act, regional, state, federal, and AZA standards

Reports animal maintenance issues and potential hazards for staff

Ensures consistent productive operating practices by identifying areas for potential revenue generation, reduction of costs, and more efficient procedures

Holds peers accountable for their performance

Performs routine maintenance when appropriate

SECONDARY DUTIES :

Other duties related to the health and well-being of the animal population

Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality Zoo operations

Guest Relations :

Greets every guest with a smile

Thanks guests for supporting / visiting the Zoo

Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly

Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions

Associates with guests to assist and share information

Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures

Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code

Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings

Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge

Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible

POSITION CRITERIA :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and Experience :

Completion of an accredited veterinary technician program or a minimum of 2 years of paid veterinary technician / assistant experience in animal care, preferably with non-domestic and exotic animals or in an AZA-accredited facility

Experience in animal husbandry

Experience in the operations of a veterinary facility or hospital

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications :

Valid registered veterinary technician (RVT) certification in the State of California. This license must be maintained with respect to CE.

Bachelor’s degree in Life Science such as Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or a closely related discipline is preferred

A valid CA driver’s license with a good driving record is desirable

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Knowledge of animal health including an understanding of species and individual-specific behavior to assess behavioral and medical situations

Knowledge of the USDA Animal Welfare Act, Regional, State, Federal, and AZA standards associated with animal care and welfare, and applicable regulations

Knowledge of animal nutritional needs

Knowledge of weaponry use

Ability to understand and follow instructions when working around potentially dangerous animals

Ability to develop and present formal and informal educational programs

Ability to interact within a team environment

Ability to work within a budget and manage expenses

Basic computer skills (ZIMS, Word, Excel, Outlook, Word)

Ability to follow oral and written direction

Effective oral and written communication skills

Ability to develop warm and friendly relationships at work

Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests

Ability to exercise safe work practices while in the proximity of potentially dangerous animals or substances

Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals

Physical Demands & Work Environment :

Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility, including all animal areas of the zoo fulfilling all requirements of the title

Must be able to participate in animal husbandry practices; including the ability to lift 50 lbs., climb stairs, manipulate tools, and stand / walk for up to two continuous hours

Ability to make fast, simple, precise, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists

Ability to quickly move hand, hand together with your arm, or two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects

Ability to see details at close range, within a few feet of the observer

Exposure to diseases and infections

Exposure to minor cuts, burns, and stings

Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions

Supportive and open employment culture

Tools Used :

Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator

Personal Computer and software (Word, ZIMS, Excel, Outlook)

Standard cleaning equipment such as hoses, rakes, shovels, and brooms

Standard veterinary care equipment such as, but not limited to, digital X-ray machine, CT machine, ultrasound, endoscope, microscope, anesthetic monitoring equipment, gas anesthetic machine, autoclaves

Two-way radio

Capture equipment including darting equipment

Electric cart

Hand tools

BENEFITS & PERKS :

Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!

Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea / coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases

Access to the San Diego Zoo Global Academy platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities

You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position

Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and / or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.

At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.

Salary : $23 - $25