Facility
Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Chicago Zoological Society, which operates the Brookfield Zoo, has a strong Veterinary Services team committed to providing high quality care to a world-class animal collection that is both large and diverse. The zoo supports a philosophy of proactive preventative medical care and the highest level of care for ill animals. Veterinary Services is comprised of an experienced team in a 20,000 square foot hospital facility featuring advanced equipment including an in-hospital CT scanner. A comprehensive in-house laboratory affords flexibility. Our experienced technicians provide excellent support and allow for great efficiency as the Veterinary Services team provides compassionate clinical care supporting the larger aims of the institution and working collaboratively with Animal Programs staff.
The Veterinary Technician (seasonal) contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by providing experienced technical and medical support to the veterinary staff in creating innovations and excellence in conservation leadership and animal welfare by enabling the Veterinary Services Department to meet the most current standards for specialized veterinary care.
Primary duties and responsibilities:
• Prepare for and assist veterinary staff in performing clinical procedures. Maintain and monitor anesthesia, including the operation of inhalation anesthesia equipment and patient monitoring devices.
• Conduct various types of laboratory tests including, but not limited to, comprehensive hematology and serum chemistry, cytology, and fecal analysis for parasites. Create and maintain accurate medical record documentation of clinical procedures, prescriptions, and diagnostic laboratory work. Forward samples for analysis of non-routine tests and research requests to outside referral laboratories. Under necessary conditions, assist with sample preparation, clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as required.
• Operate and maintain imaging equipment, including digital radiography, mammography, computed tomography and ultrasound under direction from veterinary staff. Conduct diagnostic imaging, including positioning of the patient, exposure, and development of radiographs. Perform cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of the treatment room, surgical suite, surgical instruments, and equipment. Perform troubleshooting, quality control procedures, and required maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment
• Accurately dispense and record medical prescriptions. Properly administer medications and vaccinations as directed by veterinarians. Maintain current pharmacy inventory, treatment areas, laboratory, and equipment inventory. Assist with ordering drugs, medical supplies, laboratory supplies, and inventory maintenance.
• Communicate regularly with the Hospital Manager and Associate Veterinarians regarding management of active medical cases including, but not limited to, medical procedures, nutrition, training, and behavioral enrichment.
• Report equipment and facility maintenance needs and perform minor maintenance tasks.
• Monitor guests to ensure animal and human safety and protection of park property. Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit.
• Other related duties as assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
The requirements for this position include the following:
• Graduation from an AVMA certified school of veterinary technology required. Licensure in the state of Illinois within 90 days of hire required.
• Four years’ experience as a certified veterinary technician with one-year experience working with zoo/exotic animals required.
• Excellent technical skills, including proficiency in restraint, sample collections techniques, patient monitoring, intravenous catheter placement, cytology, parasitology, and blood analysis, with domestic animals required.
• Detailed and current knowledge of veterinary medical practices, animal anatomy and physiology, basic pharmacology and principles of anesthesia required.
• Able to work with live animals safely.
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical equipment cleaning and sterilization in addition to knowledge of infection control and quarantine practices.
• Able to deliver various medications through standard practices.
• Capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Good decision-making skills and sound judgment.
• Proficient in perceiving and acting upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.
• Able to maintain confidentiality with regard to animal matters, personnel and other privileged information.
• Team player and able to develop and maintain good working relationships. Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong communications (reading, writing, and speaking) and interpersonal skills required. English fluency at a professional proficiency required.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel required.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver’s license required.
Preferred qualifications:
• Knowledgeable in the management of captive populations including related AZA conservation programs preferred.
• Ability to take initiative in identifying and solving problems and recommend ideas and viable suggestions to improve operations is strongly desired.
• Experience with PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office software packages preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
Additional Information: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Must represent the Society in a professional manner at all times. Incumbent must demonstrate knowledge of occupational hazards and safe work practices around such hazards. Veterinary technicians are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals. These positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures. This is a seasonal, temporary position that will back-fill regular full time positions during times of short staffing and can include weekends and holidays.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the CZS Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at www.czs.org/careers. Please look for requisition number 1911BR.