Veterinary Technician Job Title: Veterinary Technician I Department: National Aviary Veterinary Hospital The National Aviary Hospital is searching for a Veterinary Technician who has experience working with birds and a strong interest in avian care and medicine. This is a unique opportunity to learn high level skills in avian medicine and work with a large diversity of birds in a zoo setting. The National Aviary is an AZA-accredited zoo with over 500 birds including 150 species (www.aviary.org). The hospital is fast-paced and provides comprehensive health care for its collection, including emergency services, diagnostic screening, preventative medicine, surgery, neonatal care, and geriatric care. Part-time, temporary positions and full-time, regular positions are available. SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS: - Knowledgeable and experienced in hospital departments: Hospital Wards, ICU, Isolation, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Necropsy, Radiology, Surgery & Anesthesia, Quarantine, Shipments, Central Supply, Medical Records, Hospital Maintenance, Intern Programs, and Visitor Programs.
- Competency in the following avian medicine skills, including but not limited to, physical examinations, diagnostic testing, radiographs, and pharmacy.
- Knowledgeable and experienced with handling a variety of avian species, their natural biology, behavior, husbandry, nutrition, and enrichment requirements.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Computer and medical records skills.
- Familiarity with ZIMS database preferred.
- Strong presentation skills, as well as the ability to interact and communicate with a variety of audiences in a professional and engaging manner
- Familiarity with standard zoo practices including quarantine, preventative medicine, health certificates, breeding programs, and operant training.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: - Minimum requirement of 1 year of zoo, wildlife rehabilitation, or hospital experience is preferred.
- Veterinary Technician Associate Degree or Zoo Animal Technology Associate Degree preferred.
RESPONSIBILITIES - Primary care for the hospitalized patients such as cleaning cages, changing perches, providing daily diets, and adding supplements.
- Provide medical care, including administering medications, fluids, and nebulizations.
- Test collections: setup, assist, and break down test procedures, including blood work, radiographs, cytology, & cultures. Fill prescriptions according to established pharmacy standards.
- Assist veterinary staff with emergencies in a triage team. Provide high quality ICU care.
- Perform daily assessments of patients and monitor for a response to treatment.
- Assist with administering vaccinations and other preventative medicine practices.
- Provide care to newly acquired animals in quarantine. Be familiar or experienced with health certificates and animal shipments.
- Maintain medical records according to policies, including treatment sheets, ICU sheets, weight logs, reproduction forms, diet, and husbandry forms.
- Maintain the medical inventory and central supply. Keep hospital areas clean, organized, and stocked.
- Report to supervisors with updates on daily duties.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: - Satisfactory Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Certification
- Satisfactory FBI Criminal Record Check
Please forward your resume and cover letter to Dr. Pilar Fish, Director of Veterinary Medicine. Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are interested in the part-time, temporary position and/or the full-time position. |
