SUMMARY

The Veterinary Technician is responsible for laboratory procedures, anesthetic monitoring, records, equipment, and medications at the Animal Health Center (AHC), as well as support of the daily husbandry activities of the animals in quarantine or under observation at the clinic. Collectively with other zoo staff, these activities will insure the health and wellbeing of the collection and serves to further the mission of Birmingham Zoo, Inc. (BZI) through conservation efforts in a humane and respectful manner.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participation and management of the cases under supervision of the veterinarians.
• Participation in anesthetic events (induction, intubation, monitoring).
• Performing or assisting with necropsies.
• Equipment use and maintenance (Digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, microscope, IDEXX blood machines, remote darting equipment).
• Management and entry of patient records (anesthesia records, laboratory results, fecal results, and prescriptions) in ZIMS.
• Calculating, filling, compounding, and administering prescriptions.
• Performing necessary medical treatments for animals within the collection.
• Proficient in laboratory techniques (fecal analysis, urinalysis, hematology (including manual differentials on mammals, avian, reptiles, and elephants), water coliform testing, and cytology).
• Responsible for capturing, crating, and transferring animals using appropriate restraint and handling techniques designed to put the least amount of stress on the animal.
• Preparing and packaging various samples for shipment or archive.
• Familiarity with the protocols for handling Class II narcotics and all controlled substances.
• Assist in daily husbandry of hospitalized and quarantine patients.
• Ensures the AHC is maintained, clean and orderly according to AZA and USDA standards and protocol.
• Participates in behavioral training of animals for medical procedures.
• Performs euthanasia of animals as directed by the Veterinarians.
• Communicates problems, issues, or concerns as it relates to the collection, staff or public to the Veterinarian or other senior staff.

Professional

1. The technician is expected to become a member of the Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (AZVT).
2. The technician is encouraged to become a member of the Alabama Veterinary Technicians Association (AVTA).

SUPERVISES

• No direct reports. Will aid in supervision and training of veterinary technician externs and AHC volunteers.

SAFETY ANALYSIS

The Veterinary Technician position is impacted by a wide variety of hazardous exposures: 

• Depending on assignment, the Vet Tech may have to deal with the unpredictability of wild animals.
• The care and husbandry of animals, some of whom are dangerous.
• The proper use and understanding of cleaning agents.
• A hospital environment with all hazards common to the health industry such as needles, medications, USDA drugs, X-ray equipment, etc.
• The handling of Class II narcotics and controlled substances.
• The handling of remote darting equipment.

Specific training and procedures will be provided designed to maintain safety of people as the highest priority of the zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection. 

The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory.

The Veterinary Technician, as with any staff member of the zoo, are required to be familiar with the Zoo’s overall safety policies as outlined in the staff handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the first aid department. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, staff should expect:

• Use of hands, fingers, tools or controls. 
• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch and talk or hear. 
• Routinely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to wet surfaces during daily cleaning. 
• Exposure to the elements.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

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 Education and work experience

1. Graduate from an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program.
2. Licensed (CVT, RVT or LVT) and able to obtain an Alabama license within 3 months of employment.
3. At least 1 year paid experience in a veterinary hospital. Experience with exotics and zoo animals in an AZA accredited zoo are preferred.
4. Must be, or expected to become member of AZVT.  AVTA membership encouraged.

Skills and Knowledge

1. Ability to multi-task and coordinate with others to provide deliverables on an agreed upon deadline.
2. Ability to think critically and demonstrated time-management skills.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey scientific information clearly and concisely.

1. Must have good presentation and public speaking skills.
2. Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook; experience with ZIMS, web-based record system, preferred.
3. Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

Desirable qualities

1. Strong interest in advancing the conservation missions of zoos and aquariums.
2. Aligning with the Zoo’s core values: passion, excellence, teamwork, sustainability, diversity and inclusion.
3. High self-motivation and a detail-oriented work ethic.
4. Professional, positive, and enthusiastic demeanor.

Other Requirements:

1. Must have current negative TB test and rabies titer and provide documentation, or be willing to have a TB test and rabies titer performed.
2. Must be First Aid/CPR certified or willing to be trained and certified.
3. Seasonal influenza vaccination encouraged.
4. Covid vaccination encouraged.
5. Must be willing to travel locally.  Must have a current valid driver’s license with no prior traffic violations (within the last five years).

POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK

1. Full time, 7:30am-4:30pm Tuesday-Saturday.
2. Weekdays and weekends required, with occasional evening hours and holidays.
3. Will be in “On Call” rotation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and functions of this position.