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 provides 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 diagnosis, treatment, preventative care, and health maintenance.

• Perform minor medical procedures, diagnostic testing, prescribed treatments, and therapies under veterinary direction.

• Monitor animal behavior, condition, vital signs, and clinical signs and report concerns 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, endoscopes, bronchoscopes, incubators, ventilators, i-STAT, therapeutic lasers, and centrifuges.

• Perform diagnostic imaging, including patient positioning, exposure techniques, ALARA safety practices, and image submission for veterinary review.

• Prepare for veterinary examinations and rounds and assist with examinations, documentation, and treatment plans.

• Assist with sedation, anesthesia, intubation, surgery, pre- and post-operative care, recovery, and supportive treatment.

• Prepare anesthesia and surgical equipment, monitor patients, administer anesthesia as directed, and assist as a surgical technician.

• Calculate and administer prescribed medications, fluids, and treatments and assist with staff training for medical administration protocols.

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

• Monitor medical supplies, medications, controlled drug logs, and equipment across Aquarium facilities.

• Clean and sterilize instruments and maintain veterinary equipment and work areas.

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

• Ensure veterinary procedures and safety training requirements are followed.

• Maintain compliance with OSHA, USDA, DEA, AZA, and Virginia veterinary regulations and standards.

• Coordinate daily medical care plans with veterinarians, the Hospital Manager, and animal care staff.

• Communicate regularly regarding medical cases, procedures, diagnostics, and treatments.

• Maintain clean, organized, and professional work areas.

• Interact professionally with staff, volunteers, collaborators, guests, and the public.

• Perform other duties as assigned based on departmental needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Three or more years of experience as a licensed veterinary technician.

• At least one year of animal care experience at an aquarium, zoo, wildlife facility, or similar organization.

• Veterinary technician experience in avian, exotic, emergency, or urgent-care practice preferred.

• Experience with sea turtles, teleosts, elasmobranchs, or marine mammals preferred.

• Knowledge of animal diagnostics, blood collection and processing, blood gas analyzers such as i-STAT, fecal cytology, vital signs, and digital radiography.

• Experience assisting with necropsies and proper sample collection.

• Experience working in or around water.

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

• Experience with public speaking, guest engagement, educational presentations, or conservation messaging preferred.

• Ability to follow and provide direction while maintaining high standards of animal, staff, and public safety.

• Professional, positive, dependable, and collaborative approach.

Work Schedule:
Five days per week with 8-hour day shifts, including up to one weekend day per week and rotational standby coverage. Schedules may vary seasonally or annually. Evening, weekend, holiday, and overtime availability is required when operational needs arise.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong veterinary technical skills, attention to detail, professionalism, teamwork, and a commitment to animal welfare, public safety, conservation, and high-quality veterinary care.