Veterinary Technician

This position provides clinical support to veterinarians by assisting with medical diagnostics and procedures, patient care, laboratory analysis, prescriptions, treatments, clinical facilities, equipment, and medical records in a zoo environment.

The Veterinary Technician assists veterinarians during medical procedures by preparing and operating equipment and supplies, assisting with chemical or manual restraint, monitoring patients, administering treatments, producing radiographs, collecting samples, maintaining records, and monitoring animals during recovery. The technician is also responsible for cleaning and resetting the clinical area after procedures.

The position conducts in-house laboratory testing, including hematology, chemistry, serology, cytology, parasitology, and bacteriology. Responsibilities also include properly handling and processing samples for reference laboratories, long-term storage, and research projects. Under veterinary direction, the technician fills prescriptions, administers treatments, and communicates with animal care staff regarding treatment instructions and compliance.

The technician may provide emergency treatment and triage when the veterinarian is unavailable and under remote veterinary direction when necessary. The role also assists with the daily care of ICU and neonatal patients by following established protocols for patient monitoring, treatment, record keeping, and sanitation.

The position must follow safety and regulatory requirements involving biological waste disposal, controlled substances and DEA inventory, radiation safety, zoonotic disease prevention, and OSHA standards. The technician must be prepared to respond appropriately to emergencies such as animal escapes and exposure to potent drugs.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining clinical supply inventories, stocking and ordering supplies, maintaining medical equipment, sterile supplies, and surgical instruments, entering laboratory and treatment information into computerized medical records, and maintaining established clinical log books.

Candidates should have working knowledge of basic veterinary clinical procedures, patient observation and monitoring, animal anatomy, physiology and behavior, safe animal handling and restraint techniques, and veterinary equipment and instruments. The successful candidate must be able to provide timely assistance during medical procedures, remain calm during emergencies, follow written and verbal instructions, communicate clearly, work independently when necessary, build effective working relationships, make sound decisions, prioritize tasks, and maintain the physical condition required for the role.

A valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record are required. Candidates must provide proof of a negative tuberculosis screening within six months of hire and maintain required rabies immunizations or titers and TB testing.

Candidates must have completed a zoo technician internship program or have at least two years of clinical experience in private practice or a zoological setting. Graduation from an accredited veterinary technology program is required, along with the ability to obtain and maintain Licensed Veterinary Technician status in Texas within 12 months of employment. Texas veterinary technician licensure must be obtained within the first 12 months.

The position requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, handling equipment, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, talking, and hearing. Employees must frequently lift or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.

The work environment is team-oriented and involves exposure to animals, animal body fluids and odors, potentially dangerous animal situations, zoonotic diseases, disinfectants, laboratory and medical chemicals, and outdoor weather conditions. The position requires a flexible schedule and may include on-call duties during weekends and holidays, special events, and other functions. It may be designated as safety sensitive and may require regular TB and rabies titer testing and use of PPE such as gloves and face masks.

This full-time position offers medical and prescription drug coverage, vision and dental insurance, employer-paid basic life AD&D, short- and long-term disability coverage, supplemental life insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k), paid time off equivalent to approximately five weeks per year, PTO rollover and sell-back options, free zoo membership and guest passes, and discounts on food, merchandise, attractions, admission, and programs.