Licensed Veterinary Technician

Virginia Living Museum is seeking a full-time Veterinary Technician to provide clinical support for the medical care of its live animal collection. The position is part of the Living Exhibits Department, is exempt and on-site, and reports to the Lead Veterinarian. The Veterinary Technician works closely with the veterinarian, Senior Director of Living Exhibits, curators, animal care staff, volunteers, and veterinary specialists to maintain a high-quality veterinary care program consistent with AZA standards.

The position assists with medical procedures including equipment and supply preparation, animal restraint, sedation and anesthesia monitoring, recovery, medication administration, radiographs, diagnostic sample collection and analysis, medical recordkeeping, and gross necropsy. Duties include conducting in-house chemistry, cytology, fecal, hematology, and urinalysis testing; properly processing samples for outside laboratories and research collaborations; filling prescriptions and administering treatments; and maintaining complete diagnostic, anesthesia, histopathology, specialist consultation, and animal care records. ZIMS experience is preferred.

The Veterinary Technician maintains medical supplies, drug inventories, controlled substance logs, and proper disposal procedures. The position provides emergency triage and treatment under remote veterinary direction when a veterinarian is unavailable and serves as a liaison for animal health concerns. Additional responsibilities include maintaining clinic, surgery, radiology, and necropsy areas; operating and maintaining veterinary laboratory and imaging equipment; maintaining chemical immobilization equipment; and participating in staff training.

The position also supports cooperative care training for voluntary medical behaviors such as injections, blood collection, and diagnostic imaging. The employee is expected to maintain professional relationships with local AZA veterinarians and consulting specialists, provide guidance to volunteers and interns, communicate appropriately with museum guests about animal medical care, follow safety policies, and perform other duties as assigned.

Candidates must have a degree from an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology Program and maintain all required veterinary technician licensure in Virginia. At least one year of veterinary technician experience in a zoological, aquarium, or exotic animal specialty setting is required, with three or more years preferred. Candidates should be proficient in animal restraint, sample collection, sedation and anesthesia monitoring, cytology, hematology, parasitology, radiograph positioning, and intravenous catheter placement. Knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, behavior, handling, and anesthesia of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates is required, along with knowledge of sterile techniques, surgical equipment sterilization, infectious disease control, and quarantine practices.

Preferred qualifications include chemical immobilization training and experience with operant conditioning or cooperative care training in domestic or zoological species. Candidates must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication, initiative, sound judgment, independence, motivation, and the ability to remain calm and make effective decisions during emergencies. A valid driver’s license, current rabies vaccination or willingness to receive vaccination at the Museum’s expense, and First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain certification at the Museum’s expense are required.

The position requires occasional weekend, evening, and holiday work and on-call availability when necessary. Employees must be able to lift or exert up to 50 pounds and move throughout museum buildings and outdoor trails. The role requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crawl, reach, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, and perform repetitive motions. Candidates must have adequate visual acuity to operate vehicles and equipment and be able to receive detailed information through oral communication. Work may occur outdoors in heat, cold, wind, rain, and humidity.

Virginia Living Museum is an AZA- and AAM-accredited institution dedicated to connecting people with the natural world. Full-time employees receive comprehensive benefits including 35 days of paid time off annually, paid life and disability insurance, dental coverage, subsidized health insurance, an FSA, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan.