Veterinary Technician

Facility

Oregon Zoo

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Position summary
The Oregon Zoo has an opening for a Veterinary Technician who will function as a vital member of the veterinary care team in our state-of-the-art Veterinary Medical Center. Our ideal candidate has the skills necessary to successfully assist the veterinarians with a variety of technical duties, including anesthesia monitoring, diagnostics and imaging, clinical procedures, emergency services, hematology, triage and treatment on a wide range of zoo animal species.

What you will do

Assist veterinarians in clinical procedures on a variety of zoo animal species:
Prepare treatment area or surgery room with appropriate instruments, monitoring equipment, and emergency supplies as indicated by the veterinarian.
Assist in safe and appropriate manual and chemical animal restraint techniques.
Perform as surgical nurse or anesthetist as directed by the veterinarian.
Administer treatments, collect samples in a variety of zoo animals, and keep records. Use advanced imaging equipment to produce diagnostic quality studies in all size of patients.
Clean instruments and work areas following medical procedures and sterilize surgical instruments and darts.
Perform resuscitation and emergency procedures in non-domestic mammals, avian and herptile species.
Perform in-house lab analysis including but not limited to:
Automated hematology and chemistry analysis in most mammal species.
Manual hematology of avian reptile and amphibian species.
Manual hematology with cell morphology description in elephant samples.
Identification of fecal parasites of avian, herptiles, and zoo mammal species.
Use of advanced parasitological examinations in zoo animals.
Urinalysis and urine sediment evaluation of non-domestic species.
Cytology of samples from a variety of zoo animal species.
Dispense prescribed medications following appropriate labeling and controlled drug regulations with ability to provide keeper education on proper administration and observations.
Perform triage and treatment administration in non-domestic animals.
Contribute to the daily care and treatment of hospitalized, neonatal, and critical patients.
Participate in operant conditioning training for medical behaviors and procedures as required by medical needs and as directed by the veterinarians.
Understand and be prepared for Emergency Code Responses.
May be required to prepare darts and immobilize an animal under the directive of a zoo veterinarian during an emergency situation.
Traits for success
Proven ability to monitor anesthesia in a large variety of zoo animals ranging from fish and insects to megavertebrates and apes.
Demonstrated ample technical skillset working with exotic zoo animals in a clinical environment including IV catheter placement and phlebotomy in zoo animals.
Adequate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and treatment of disease in non- domestic species.
Demonstrated knowledge of modern laboratory principles, techniques and equipment with the ability to apply them in clinical analysis.
Demonstrated ability to perform manual hematology on avian, amphibian and reptile species.
Demonstrated ability to perform CBC’s and advanced skills for analysis of elephant blood samples.
Demonstrated skills to adequately perform cytology of samples of mammals, avian and herptile species.
Experience with infectious diseases and control procedures related to zoo animals. Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions while working with zoo animals including knowledge of risk while working with ultra-potent opioids.
Knowledge of animal nursing concepts pertaining to zoo animals.
Demonstrated skill in the proper use of laboratory and veterinary medicine equipment such as gas anesthesia machines and monitoring equipment, IV fluid pumps, radiology equipment, ultrasound and endoscopy equipment, and microscopes and centrifuges.
Proven ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality.
Ability to clearly communicate technical medical information to non-technical staff.
Diversity and Inclusion: At Metro, we strive to hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.

TO QUALIFY:

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum Qualifications:
Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a veterinary science-related field AND
The equivalent of three years of full-time professional animal care veterinary technician experience that is current and includes significant experience monitoring anesthesia; OR
Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.
Current Oregon CVT license in good standing, or the ability to transfer a current license to Oregon within six months of hire.
Additional medical testing and/or immunizations (not already stated in this announcement) may be required as the duties of this position may require close contact with animal areas and enclosures where animals may be present.
Required
Valid driver’s license (Check will be completed for finalist at time of hire)
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:
Metro is committed to ensuring the health and safety for our employees and our community. As a part of this commitment, Metro has implemented a vaccine requirement policy for employees, paid and unpaid interns and volunteers.
Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is considered a minimum qualification requirement for Metro job applicants and this proof will be requested during the hiring process. View: Metro COVID-19 Vaccination policy (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)
If you require an accommodation under this policy for a medical condition or disability, or sincerely held religious belief, please email benefits.help@oregonmetro.gov.
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:
If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.
Experience working in an AZA accredited facility
Metro offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits program. Based on our internal equity review and candidates qualifications the appointment will typically be made between $25.73 – 29.09 per hour. The full salary range for this position is $25.73 – 32.85 hourly.

This position is represented by LiUNA Local 483 union and is classified as a Veterinarian Technician (Download PDF reader) (click to read the full classification). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The Application Packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
(1) Complete the electronic application; and
(2) Answer the supplemental questions.

The Selection Process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.
Initial review of minimum qualifications
In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
Consideration of top candidates/interviews
Testing/Assessments
Reference Check
Driving records check for finalist candidate

Additional Information
Additional Information Related to COVID-19: The health and safety of our employees and community is a top priority for Metro. Employees will be required to follow all Metro COVID-related policies and procedures, which may meet or exceed guidelines set forth by the CDC, Oregon Health Authority, and other federal, state and local jurisdictions. Learn more at oregonmetro.gov/COVID-19.

Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.

Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-797-1570.

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): New LIUNA employees will pay the employee portion of the PERS contribution.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans’ preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits