Veterinary Technician (Full-Time, Permanent)

Position Summary:The Veterinary Technician is responsible for advanced technical support of veterinary clinical service, equipment management, and medical procurement within the facility. This position will help ensure efficient veterinary workflow, proper sample handling and processing, while exceeding animal welfare standards. This position serves as the primary liaison with diagnostics laboratories, equipment vendors, and service providers. The Certified Veterinary Technician will provide expertise during medical procedures and support regulatory compliance, patient care, and hospital operations. Veterinary care will be for Dolphin Research Center’s resident animal population of dolphins, pinnipeds, and avian species, along with Dolphin Research Center’s manatee rescue response.This position reports directly to the Medical Director and works in collaboration with the Senior Medical Technician and Assistant Medical Director.

Primary Responsibilities:

Clinical Operations –

• Coordinate daily veterinary medical workflow and treatment support.
• Provide advanced technical support during medical and surgical procedures.
• Prepare for and assist with examinations, procedures, diagnostics, and emergency response.
• Ensure medical areas are organized, prepared, and fully stocked.
• Maintain high standards of patient care and animal welfare.
• Prepare, dispense, and accurately document prescriptions as directed by the veterinarian.
• Collect and process diagnostic samples on animals at the direction of the veterinarian.
• Input data entry of results from external laboratories into medical record.
• Prepare and assist with medical or surgical procedures.
• Perform laboratory diagnostic evaluation such as cytological and/or microbiological sample collection, hematology, urinalysis, and necropsy techniques.
• Respond to and assist with manatee rescues and field medical procedures.Assist with water quality monitoring in accordance with USDA standards.
• Track expiration dates and ensure proper storage of medications and supplies.

Hospital Licensing & Compliance –

• Support compliance with state animal hospital licensing requirements.
• Maintain organized medical records in accordance with regulatory standards.Assist in preparation for inspections and audits.

Medical Equipment Oversight and Medical Procurement –

• Serve as the primary liaison with diagnostics laboratories, equipment vendors, and service providers.
• Oversee operations, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of in-house laboratory equipment.
• Establish and maintain laboratory quality control protocols.
• Ensure proper sample collection, labeling, processing, storage and shipment.Support laboratory supply inventory and reordering systems.
• Maintain controlled substance logs, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Required Qualifications:

• Graduate of an AVMA accreditied veterinary technology program and credentialed veterinary technician (CVT, RVT, LVT), or equivalent experience.1-2 years veterinary technician experience in a wildlife, zoo, and/or aquarium setting.
• Alternatively at least 3 years as a veterinary technician in another setting.
• Experience with laboratory diagnostics and knowledge in day-to-day function of a veterinary hospital with a strong knowledge base of veterinary nursing.
• Experience with aquatic species and/or exotic and zoo species in any capacity.
• Strong organizational skills.Clear communication and ability to collaborate seamlessly with a team.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and discretion.Adaptability in fast paced medical environments.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in outdoor marine environments.
• Comfortable working in and around water and in heat.
• Capable of bending, lifting, and prolonged standing.

Work Schedule:Full-time position.

Will be required to work weekends days and some holidays.Typical shifts will be 10 hours, 4 days a week but flexibility is needed to provide coverage when others are out and to assist if there is a critical case or major medical procedure.Benefits:DRC currently offers medical benefits, life and disability insurance plan, a 401(k) retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and overtime, as well as personal growth and training opportunities. Pay is based on experience. DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees and our wage combined with our generous benefits creates a competitive total package that is right for our environment. DRC is a 501(c)(3) qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. To see if you qualify for student loan forgiveness, please visit https://studentloans.gov/mydirectloan/pslfflow.action. DRC is a dog-friendly workplace!