Job Title: Pathology Veterinary Technician
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Hours: Full-time
Pay Rate: Range starts at $18.15/hour
Summary:
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 Pathology Veterinary Technician is a key member of our team and will join a team of five clinical veterinary technicians, one veterinary technician hospital supervisor and six veterinarians, one of which is a boarded anatomic pathologist, to support a high quality, comprehensive veterinary health 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. The Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park recently renovated its hospital, and the 32,000 square foot Bill and Bernice Grewcock Animal Hospital is set to open in late 2025 at the Zoo. Both facilities will have brand new dedicated necropsy spaces. This position includes a comprehensive benefit package, ongoing continuing education/licensure/association support, and full uniform provision.
Duties and Responsibilities (including the following but not limited to):
- Collaborate with Animal Health team members to provide exceptional pathology support to all Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park animals.
- Prepare for and assist veterinarians with tissue sample collection and processing during necropsy examinations.
- Perform necropsies under the supervision of Animal Health professionals.
- Prepare slides and specimens for internal and external laboratory submission.
- Assist in the maintenance of pathology programming through supply management, cleaning and disinfection.
- Prepare accurate timely records to properly document procedures performed and diagnostic samples collected.
- Assist fellow technicians with clinical laboratory support through in-house diagnostics (fecals, urinalysis, CBCs, biochemistry and cytologies) and sample submission to outside laboratories.
- As needed, fill-in for hospital keeper to provide husbandry assistance for quarantine, hospitalized care and hand-rearing neonates in collaboration with Hospital Keeper and Clinical Veterinary Technicians.
- Maintain a sample storage program.
- Provide general support to the animal health department ensuring all documentation and records are accurate, completed in a timely manner and accessible and all regulatory requirements are met.
- Oversee pathology equipment maintenance and ensure equipment is in ready-to-use condition.
- Attend and participate in daily morning/afternoon rounds and monthly Animal Health staff meetings.
- Participate in skills training/review program for veterinary technicians.
- Provide guidance and mentorship for visiting veterinary students, Zoo Academy students, and interns as needed.
- 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 the Director of Animal Health and the Hospital Supervisor.
Requirements:
- Must have earned a degree from an AVMA accredited veterinary technician program and 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.
- 1-2 years experience of pathology work is preferred.
- 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.
- Proof of negative TB screening and up to date Rabies vaccination.
Candidates might be required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative TB test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.
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 and 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
- 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.
