Part-Time Veterinary Technician
Part Time • Santa Barbara
This role begins in April 2025.
Are you a passionate and skilled licensed veterinary technician eager to provide high-quality care to a diverse animal population? The Santa Barbara Zoo is looking for a Part-Time Licensed Veterinary Technician to assist with medical procedures, support daily veterinary operations, and ensure the health and welfare of our animals. Join our team and contribute to conservation efforts while providing exceptional care to wildlife!
Position Status: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Up to 25 hours per week. The schedule is generally between Wednesday - Saturday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, some exceptions may apply based on business necessity.
Are you a passionate and skilled licensed veterinary technician eager to provide high-quality care to a diverse animal population? The Santa Barbara Zoo is looking for a Part-Time Licensed Veterinary Technician to assist with medical procedures, support daily veterinary operations, and ensure the health and welfare of our animals. Join our team and contribute to conservation efforts while providing exceptional care to wildlife!
Position Status: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Up to 25 hours per week. The schedule is generally between Wednesday - Saturday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, some exceptions may apply based on business necessity.
Compensation: $23.29 - $25.20 per hour
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Vice President of Animal Care and Health and Staff Veterinarian, the Registered Veterinary Technician assists the Veterinarians in all animal health care functions, including the coordination of quarantine care.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Animal Health:
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Vice President of Animal Care and Health and Staff Veterinarian, the Registered Veterinary Technician assists the Veterinarians in all animal health care functions, including the coordination of quarantine care.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Animal Health:
- Assists the Veterinarian in the medical care of the animal population including all species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates
- Under general supervision, assists the Veterinarian with all animal health care duties, such as but not limited to, injections, venipuncture, administering medications and vaccines, and wound dressings, etc.
- Prepares patients, medications, equipment, and instruments for surgical procedures, or basic examinations, using specialized knowledge, and restrains animals during procedures
- Assists with anesthesia and chemical immobilization, anesthesia monitoring, and assists in surgery in accordance with verbal instructions
- Completes routine laboratory tests and prepares biological specimens for shipment
- Stores and archives biological samples
- Operates and maintains radiographic equipment, and oversees the staff radiation monitoring program
- Provides husbandry for hospitalized and quarantined animals and assists with animals requiring hand-rearing
- Adheres to quarantine protocols for the care of quarantined animals
- Assists with necropsies, including sample collection, and maintains the necropsy facility
- Maintains the veterinary hospital and equipment, quarantine facility, and necropsy facility in a satisfactory state of cleanliness at all times
- Maintains all medical equipment and capture equipment
- Maintains the treatment and surgery rooms and hospital animal holding spaces
- Supervises and performs cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of surgical instruments, equipment, and hospital areas
- Participates in animal health-related training such as, but not limited to, darting training, weapons training, zoonotic disease training, animal training for medical behaviors
- Maintains the pharmacy including rotating inventory, removing expired drugs, and ordering pharmaceuticals and supplies under the direction of the Veterinarian
- Maintains SDS/GHS system
- Assists the Veterinarian with research and conservation programs
- Participates in conservation field work when possible and provides medical skills when required
- Performs all animal-related procedures in a safe manner for both staff and animals, including following established Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and protocols
- Communicates veterinary information in a timely and friendly manner to both the animal health and animal care teams
- Provides training to keepers on basic veterinary procedures such as administering injections and medications, under the direction of the Veterinarian
- Responsible for referring animal health problems to the appropriate relief veterinarian in the absence of the Veterinarian and assisting in implementing the appropriate veterinary care under the direction of the relief/on-call veterinarian. Acts as liaison with relief/on-call veterinarian and Animal Care Staff until the Staff Veterinarian returns
- Assists with coordination of the activities of veterinary students and veterinary technician students, volunteers, and other individuals as directed by the Veterinarian
- Performs other related duties required by the Veterinarian to maintain and operate the hospital safely and efficiently
- Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
- Attends bi-monthly all-employee meetings and department meetings
Administrative:
- Purchases animal health supplies, medications, and services in accordance with the animal health budget
- Responsible for maintaining the pharmacy inventory and removing all expired drugs in a timely fashion
- Maintains animal health and collection status record keeping through ZIMS & ZIMS Medical and other related digital files
- Compiles and generates required reports on animal health and collection status as needed
- Assists with animal transactions
- Assists the Registrar with documentation and reports as needed
- Coordinates maintenance and purchasing of veterinary equipment
- Assists with animal health budgeting by tracking expenses and preparing budget reports
- Maintains MSDS/GHS systems
- Liaises with veterinary staff, animal care staff, the registrar, and finance staff about administrative matters
- Manages accounts with vendors and our finance department
- Performs quarterly hazard reports
Guest Relations:
- Confirms that exhibits are presented to maximize a positive guest experience and meet zoo goals for cleanliness and maintenance
- Conducts tours of the veterinary facilities for visitors and volunteers as requested
- Associates with guests on a regular basis to share information and offer assistance
- Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relation procedures
- Develops and presents formal and informal educational programs
Staff Development:
- Supervises Volunteers and Interns
- Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures on a consistent basis with staff
- Coaches coworkers, volunteers, and interns and provides informal feedback
- Provides training for new keepers on husbandry Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs)
Operation and Business:
- Exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure the health and well-being of the animal collection
- Adheres to all regulatory standards such as OSHA, USDA Animal Welfare Act, regional, state, federal, and AZA standards
- Reports animal maintenance issues and potential hazards for staff
- Ensures consistent productive operating practices by identifying areas for potential revenue generation, reduction of costs, and more efficient procedures
- Holds peers accountable for their performance
- Performs routine maintenance when appropriate
SECONDARY DUTIES:
- Other duties related to the health and well-being of the animal population
- Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality Zoo operations
Guest Relations:
- Greets every guest with a smile
- Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
- Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
- Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
- Associates with guests to assist and share information
- Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
- Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
- Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
- Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
- Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education and Experience:
Education and Experience:
- Completion of an accredited veterinary technician program or a minimum of 2 years of paid veterinary technician/assistant experience in animal care, preferably with non-domestic and exotic animals or in an AZA-accredited facility
- Experience in animal husbandry
- Experience in the operations of a veterinary facility or hospital
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
- Valid registered veterinary technician (RVT) certification in the State of California. This license must be maintained with respect to CE.
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Science such as Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or a closely related discipline is preferred
- A valid CA driver’s license with a good driving record is desirable
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of animal health including an understanding of species and individual-specific behavior to assess behavioral and medical situations
- Knowledge of the USDA Animal Welfare Act, Regional, State, Federal, and AZA standards associated with animal care and welfare, and applicable regulations
- Knowledge of animal nutritional needs
- Knowledge of weaponry use
- Ability to understand and follow instructions when working around potentially dangerous animals
- Ability to develop and present formal and informal educational programs
- Ability to interact within a team environment
- Ability to work within a budget and manage expenses
- Basic computer skills (ZIMS, Word, Excel, Outlook, Word)
- Ability to follow oral and written direction
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Ability to develop warm and friendly relationships at work
- Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests
- Ability to exercise safe work practices while in the proximity of potentially dangerous animals or substances
- Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
- Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility, including all animal areas of the zoo fulfilling all requirements of the title
- Must be able to participate in animal husbandry practices; including the ability to lift 50 lbs., climb stairs, manipulate tools, and stand/walk for up to two continuous hours
- Ability to make fast, simple, precise, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists
- Ability to quickly move hand, hand together with your arm, or two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects
- Ability to see details at close range, within a few feet of the observer
- Exposure to diseases and infections
- Exposure to minor cuts, burns, and stings
- Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
- Supportive and open employment culture
Tools Used:
- Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator
- Personal Computer and software (Word, ZIMS, Excel, Outlook)
- Standard cleaning equipment such as hoses, rakes, shovels, and brooms
- Standard veterinary care equipment such as, but not limited to, digital X-ray machine, CT machine, ultrasound, endoscope, microscope, anesthetic monitoring equipment, gas anesthetic machine, autoclaves
- Two-way radio
- Capture equipment including darting equipment
- Electric cart
- Hand tools
BENEFITS & PERKS:
- Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
- Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
- Access to the San Diego Zoo Global Academy platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
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This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.
The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.
Compensation: $23.30 - $25.20 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.
Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.
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It’s a great place to work!
We strive to: 1. Provide a learning environment with great benefits and advancement opportunities. 2. Work as a team. 3. Enjoy our work and have fun!
We are guest-oriented.
We strive to: 1. Be professional, engaged, warm, friendly, informed, and resourceful because we care about our guests’ experience. 2. Ensure safe, clean, and injury-free facilities. 3. Be a place of choice to visit in town.
We are goal-oriented.
We strive to: 1. Set competitive goals that involve our entire staff. 2. Focus on our mission and the best ways to deliver our care and services to our animals, our staff, and our guests. 3. Be the best place to visit in Santa Barbara!