Veterinary Technician

Licensed Veterinary Technician - Virginia Aquarium

The Virginia Aquarium is seeking a licensed Veterinary Technician to join its Veterinary Science & Research team. The position supports comprehensive medical and preventative care for a diverse collection of animals, including fish, elasmobranchs, reptiles, birds, terrestrial mammals, and marine mammals.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians with the diagnosis, treatment, preventative care, and health maintenance of Aquarium animals.

• Perform minor medical procedures, diagnostic tests, sample collection, treatments, and therapies under veterinary direction or approved protocols.

• Monitor animal behavior, health indicators, and clinical signs and report findings to veterinarians.

• Maintain accurate medical records in ZIMS and other databases.

• Collect and prepare samples for external laboratories and perform in-house diagnostic testing.

• Operate veterinary equipment including digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, incubators, ventilators, i-STAT, therapeutic lasers, and centrifuges.

• Perform diagnostic imaging, including patient positioning, exposure techniques, radiation safety, and image documentation.

• Prepare equipment and supplies for veterinary examinations, rounds, procedures, and treatments.

• Assist with sedation, anesthesia, intubation, surgery, recovery, and post-operative monitoring under veterinary supervision.

• Calculate and administer prescribed medications, fluids, and other treatments and assist with medical administration training.

• Assist with euthanasia, necropsies, post-mortem sampling, and data collection as directed.

• Monitor medical supplies and medications, maintain controlled drug logs, sterilize instruments, and maintain veterinary equipment.

• Assist with developing veterinary protocols and training staff, volunteers, and interns.

• Ensure approved veterinary, safety, and regulatory protocols are followed.

• Coordinate daily medical care plans and communicate treatment schedules with animal care staff.

• Communicate regularly with veterinarians and the Hospital Manager regarding medical cases and treatment progress.

• Maintain clean, organized, and safe veterinary work areas.

• Represent the Virginia Aquarium professionally when interacting with staff, volunteers, guests, collaborators, and the public.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in veterinary technology, animal science, biology, zoology, conservation, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience as a licensed veterinary technician.

• 1+ year of animal care experience at an aquarium, zoo, wildlife facility, or similar organization.

• Experience in avian, exotic, emergency, or urgent-care veterinary practice.

• Experience with sea turtles, teleosts, elasmobranchs, marine mammals, or other aquatic species.

• Experience with blood collection, sample preparation, vital signs, fecal cytology, i-STAT or similar blood gas analyzers, and digital radiography.

• Experience assisting with necropsies and post-mortem sample collection.

• Experience working in or around water and on boats.

• Public speaking or guest engagement experience and ability to communicate veterinary, biological, and conservation concepts.

• Strong communication, listening, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to follow procedures, provide direction, and work effectively as part of a veterinary and animal care team.

Minimum Requirements

• Current Virginia veterinary technician license in good standing and eligibility under Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine requirements before employment.

• Valid driver’s license.

• Ability to obtain required rabies pre-exposure vaccination through City Occupational Health Services.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and rotational standby or on-call shifts.

• Ability to participate in weekly 24-hour rotating stranding response coverage.

• Ability to swim, hike up to 5 miles in varying weather, lift up to 50 pounds, and carry up to 30 pounds.

• Ability to travel and work aboard boats in open water and varying marine and weather conditions.

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and work during inclement weather when required.

Work Schedule and Benefits

The position typically works five 8-hour day shifts per week, including up to one weekend day, with rotational standby coverage. Schedules may vary based on operational needs and may include evenings, holidays, overtime, and emergency response.

Benefits include health, dental, and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, paid holidays and leave, parental leave, employee wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and an employee assistance program.