Veterinary Technician (Full Time)

Summary:

The Veterinary Technician provides support to the hospital team during medical procedures for all animals within Memphis Zoo’s collection.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide assistance with examinations, interpretation of data for accurate diagnoses of diseases and injuries, and the selection of appropriate medical treatment.
• Assist in surgical procedures, using anesthesia equipment and monitors, and preparing any surgical instruments required.
• Care of any hospitalized or quarantined animals which may include the administration of medications, and obtaining diagnostic samples or specimens as needed.
• Ensures all required equipment is available and functional prior to any procedure or transport.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report individual animal responses to medical treatment to staff veterinarians.
• Document all hospitalized and quarantined animal observations including intake, output and demeanor in ZIMS daily report.  Maintain individual animal record keeping in filing cabinets, radiology log, serum bank and necropsy log.
• Assist in necropsies, including preparing samples for culture, storage, or shipment to outside laboratories.
• Perform laboratory tests, including fecal parasite exams; blood work; urinalysis; microbiological isolation, identification and sensitivity; and other tests as needed.
• Accurately fill, label and distribute animal prescriptions as needed.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of radiological equipment and procedures.   Apply proper animal positioning and technique which results in the production of diagnostic radiographic images.
• Monthly inventory of all pharmaceuticals and supplies.  Biannual documentation of all controlled substances.
• Order all needed supplies, perform/schedule routine maintenance on hospital equipment as required and perform housekeeping tasks to ensure appropriate cleanliness/sterility within the hospital environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in order to achieve the goals and mission of the zoo.
• Provides support to hospital staff, zookeepers, and students/volunteers. Participates in all mandatory employee training sessions.

Minimum Education & Experience: 

• A two to four degree in Veterinary Technology from an accredited institution is preferred.
• Equivalent years of clinical experience in veterinary practice.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Thorough knowledge of veterinary technician skills in a variety of exotic animal species.

Competencies:

• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Proficient in accurate data entry.
• Professionalism/Composure.
• Flexibility.
• Team oriented.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Veterinarian, Staff Veterinarian, Hospital Manager.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time hourly position which regularly requires weekend work. Must have flexibility to respond to and be on-site for after hour medical emergencies. 

Work Environment:  While performing the duties of the job, the employee will frequently work in alternate settings between the animal hospital and outdoors (Zoo grounds). When outdoors this position may work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position requires frequent sitting, standing, walking. May require bending, kneeling. Occasional lifting or movement of items up to 50 pounds is required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

​Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Other Requirements:

• 21 years or older.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.
• Clear driving record.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Clear TB screening.

Benefits & Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.  

EEOC and Inclusion Statement: 

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. 

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org. 

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.