Job Description:

Job Purpose: Reporting to the Senior Veterinary Technician, the Veterinary Technician I is responsible for carrying out medical duties and animal husbandry duties as assigned by the senior veterinary technician and veterinary staff.

Essential Job Functions:

• Actively support and implement area policies, procedures and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for the collection and the safety of staff and visitors
• Participates in the daily operations of the zoo veterinary clinic and quarantine areas, including animal cleaning and husbandry duties.
• Provides technical support to the senior veterinary technician, as well as the veterinary staff and all other attending veterinarians and the zoo hospital as needed
• Participates in any zoo staff activities required for animal health maintenance / zoo hospital and quarantine functions
• Knowledge of computer , computerized medical records and data tracking systems
• Ability to work in an orderly fashion
• Ability to function as a certified veterinary technician, hospital keeper, emergency staff when needed
• Must be able to function in team environment, as well as perform tasks with minimal supervision
• Must possess excellent communication and problem solving skills
• Understand and support Zoo Atlanta’s Strategic and Master Plans and veterinary departmental procedures and policies

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist senior veterinary technician and veterinarians in any and all zoo hospital record keeping issues as directed
• Assist in teaching and oversight of veterinary and veterinary technician students
• Assist any designated zoo staff in emergency chemical immobilization procedures
• Aid in the training / on the job education of technicians, assistants, interns, volunteers, and other staff members assigned tasks related to animal health care or maintenance of hosp. facilities, including but not limited to, the animal hospital, routines, medications, animal handling and restraint, anesthesia, husbandry and emergency preparedness
• Participate in maintenance of all active medical records, including printing and keeping files up to date

Experience and Skills:

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Four-year degree in veterinary technology, animal science, biology, or related field. Sufficient relevant experience will be considered in partial fulfillment of education requirement
• At least one year of veterinary technician experience, preferably with exotics and/or zoo animals
• Certified Veterinary Technician in the state of Georgia
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime when needed
• Must be able to work outside in inclement weather conditions to provide animal health care and veterinary assistance
• Able to perform at a competent level under high stress conditions
• Willingness to work in direct contact with dangerous / contagious animals as well as toxic and hazardous conditions
• Understand zoonotic disease risks and practice safe handling / procedures when working with ZA’s animal collection
• Must receive rabies immunizations and titers and be TB tested according to ZA policy
• Must abide by all written ZA policies and procedures
• Class III drivers license
• Ability to pass CORI screens and random drug testing
• Ability to lift 50 lbs

Preferred Job Requirements:

• Knowledge of computer systems used at ZA
• Good computer skills
• Willing and able (when appropriate) to handle and restrain animals, including potentially dangerous animals after suitable training

MISC: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Zoo Atlanta is an EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment