Bird Keeper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Description

Who We Are 

At Virginia Living Museum, we inspire people to discover, care for, and protect the natural world. Home to 1,100+ Virginia native species, we connect with our community through immersive experiences, innovative partnerships, and investments in sustainability.

Accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), Virginia Living Museum is one of only fifteen institutions in the country to hold both distinctions. Community volunteers outnumber staff by approximately 8:1, extending our reach and strengthening our mission every day. 

Our full-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including 35 days of paid time off per year (9 holidays, a birthday, 10 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 3 personal days), fully paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance, dental coverage, and health insurance costs full or partially subsidized by the Museum. Additional benefits include a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and the option to participate in a 401(k) retirement plan. Join this dynamic organizational culture to inspire and connect people with the natural world! 

Status: Full Time, Exempt, 37.5 - 40 hours/week (on-site)

Department: Living Exhibits

General Statement of Duties

The Veterinary Technician is responsible for providing the Museum with clinical support in the medical care of the museum's live animal collection. This position collaborates with the museum's Lead Veterinarian, Senior Director of Living Exhibits, Curators, animal care staff, and volunteers to implement the veterinary care program and maintain all veterinary department equipment and protocols to the highest AZA standards. This position's priorities align with the VLM strategic plan's three core initiatives: immersive experiences, innovative partnerships, and investments for sustainability. This position reports to the Lead Veterinarian. 

Qualifications

• Degree obtained from an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technology Program
• Maintains all appropriate veterinary technician licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia
• One year of experience as a veterinary technician in a zoological, aquarium, or exotic animal specialty practice/setting required. Three or more years of experience preferred
• Proficiency in animal restraint, sample collection techniques, sedation and anesthesia monitoring, cytology, hematology, parasitology, radiograph positioning, and intravenous catheter placement
• Knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, behavior, handling, and anesthesia techniques of zoological species including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical equipment cleaning and sterilization in addition to knowledge of infectious disease control and quarantine practices
• Experience in maintenance of electronic records; experience with ZIMS preferred
• Chemical immobilization training preferred
• Experience with operant conditioning/training for cooperative care behaviors in domestic or zoological species preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work independently; must display initiative, good judgement, and self-driven, motivated demeanor
• Must be able to remain calm, make sound decisions, and provide direction in a crisis situation
• Must have proof of current rabies vaccination or agree to be vaccinated at the museum's expense
• First Aid & CPR certification or willingness to obtain at the museum's expense
• Must have a valid driver's license

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Be a positive, enthusiastic representative of the Virginia Living Museum
• Ensure the medical care at the Virginia Living museum meets or exceeds AZA requirements 
• Perform, or assist the veterinarian in preparation for, and execution of, all medical procedures including setting up equipment and supplies, chemical and/or manual restraint, monitoring patients under anesthesia or sedation and during recovery, administration of medical treatments, production of radiographs, diagnostic sample collection and analysis, medical record keeping, and gross necropsy
• Enhance the guest experience by communicating and educating guests about the medical care of collection animals when appropriate
• Conduct all in-house laboratory analysis including chemistry, cytology, fecal, hematology, and urinalysis, and practices proper sample handling and processing for outside laboratories and research collaborations
• Fill prescriptions and administer treatments as directed by the veterinarian
• In collaboration with the veterinarian, create and maintain medical records of all diagnostics sample results, anesthesia records, histopathology reports, veterinary specialist consult reports, and keeper communications
• Maintain medical supply and drug inventory, controlled drug logs, and appropriate disposal of expired drugs and supplies
• Perform emergency triage and treatment of the collection in the absence of a veterinarian and under remote instruction, and serves as a liaison for all animal health concerns to the Lead Veterinarian
• Perform gross necropsy and tissue sampling on all mortalities as instructed by the veterinarian
• Maintain clinic, surgery, radiology, and necropsy areas in a professional manner. Assist in the operation and maintenance of all veterinary laboratory and imaging equipment
• Maintain chemical immobilization equipment and participate in routine staff training
• Participate in cooperative care training sessions for voluntary medical behaviors such as injections,  blood draws, and diagnostic imaging under the direction of the Training and Enrichment Coordinator
• Maintain professional relationships with local AZA facility veterinarians and consulting veterinary specialists
• Integrate volunteers and/or interns into workflows, providing clear guidance and ensuring a positive, meaningful experience
• Follow museum safety policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Must be able to work occasional weekends, evenings, and holidays and be on-call when necessary
• Must be able to receive detailed information through oral communication
• Must display excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to lift and/or exert up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to move throughout the museum's building(s) and outdoor trail as needed
• Must have a visual acuity to be able to operate motor vehicles and/or equipment
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crawl, reach, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, and utilize repetitive motions
• The candidate will be subject to outdoor environmental conditions such as heat, cold, wind, rain, and humidity

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The Veterinary Technician will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the appropriate Supervisor/Director. Virginia Living Museum reserves the right to update, revise or change the job description and related duties at any time.