43 Santa Barbara Zoo Development Director Jobs Hiring Near You

Veterinary Technician

Are you passionate about exotic animals and eager to make a real difference in their lives? Look no further! We have an immediate opening for a talented and compassionate Veterinary Technician to join our dedicated team at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Description: Under general direction of the staff veterinarian, the veterinary technician assists the veterinarian in all aspects of health care for the animal population, including the coordination of quarantine care. Duties include, but are not limited to, assisting the veterinary team with preventative health procedures and emergency care, maintaining the hospital and other animal care areas in sanitary condition, administrative duties including ordering supplies, data entry and record keeping, guest relations, and general zoo team involvement.

Wages range from $24.30-26.20/hour, DOE & certification status.

The schedule is three days a week between Wednesday and Saturday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM, some exceptions may apply based on business necessity.

The Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens is dedicated to the preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation. We conduct ourselves, and our organization with integrity. We are honest, accountable, and loyal at all times. We commit to quality. We provide the finest animal care and facilities; a safe, fun, easy, and educational experience for our guests; progressive and relevant programs; a clear vision for our future. We treat others with respect; we are compassionate and considerate in our actions.

Position Status: Non-Exempt | Department: Animal Health | Location: 500 Ninos Drive | Reports to: VP of Animal Care and Health, Associate/Associate Veterinarian

Under general direction of the Vice President of Animal Care and Health and Associate/Staff Veterinarian, the Veterinary Technician assists the Veterinarians in all animal health care functions, including the coordination of quarantine care.

Essential duties include the following:

• Assists the Veterinarian in the medical care of the animal collection 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, including injections, venipuncture, administering medications and vaccines, and wound dressings, etc.
• Prepares patient, medications, equipment, and instruments for surgical procedures, or basic examinations, using specialized knowledge, and holds or restrains animal 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.
• Storage and archiving of 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 in the care and maintenance of quarantined animals.
• Assists with necropsies and maintain 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 and removing expired drugs, and ordering pharmaceuticals and supplies under the direction of the Veterinarian.
• Maintains the SDS/GHS system.
• Assists the Veterinarian with research and conservation programs.
• Participates in conservation field work when possible and providing medical skills when required.
• Performs all animal-related procedures in a safe manner for both staff and animals, including following established Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG's) and protocols.
• Communicates veterinary information in a timely and friendly manner to both the animal health and animal care teams.
• Providing training to keepers on basic veterinary procedures such as administering injections and medications, under direction of the Veterinarian.
• Responsible for referring animal health problems to the appropriate source in absence of the Veterinarian and assisting in implementing the appropriate veterinary care under the referral or on-call veterinarian's direction. Acts as liaison with referral or on-call veterinarian and Animal Care Staff until the Staff/Associate veterinarian returns.
• Assists with coordination of the activities of veterinary 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 monthly all-employee meetings.

Administrative

• Purchases animal health supplies, medications, and services in accordance with the animal health budget.
• Responsible for maintaining 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.
• Co-ordinates maintenance and purchasing of veterinary equipment.
• Assists with animal health budgeting through 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 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.
• Develop 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 (SOG's).

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, 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 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.
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo's uniform dress code.
• Takes responsibility to stay 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