Facility

Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo

Closing Date

Description

The Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) is looking for a temporary, part-time Veterinary Technician to join a strong Veterinary Services team committed to providing high quality care to a world class animal collection that is both large and diverse. Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Society has had an international reputation for cutting-edge animal care and wildlife conservation that continues today. 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. Department operations are well funded and dedicated capital funds provide for annual investment in new medical equipment. 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 Assistant Veterinary Technician contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by providing technical and medical support to the veterinary staff for the care provided to the animal collection and hospitalized patients. This position also assists the Veterinary Services Department and the Chicago Zoological Society 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: Participate in preparation for procedures and assistance provided to veterinary clinicians in performing procedures. Under direct supervision, maintain and monitor anesthesia, including the operation of inhalation anesthesia equipment, remote drug delivery systems, and patient monitoring devices. With direction from the veterinary staff, participate in various types of diagnostic imaging (positioning of the patient, exposure, and storage of digital images), and laboratory tests including but not limited to comprehensive hematology and serum chemistry, cytology, and fecal analysis for parasites to ensure accuracy and operational efficiency. Under certain conditions will assist with sample preparation. Assist in forwarding of samples for analysis of non-routine tests and research requests to outside referral laboratories.

Under direct supervision, assist with dispensing and recording of medical prescriptions, administer medications and vaccinations as directed by veterinarians. With direction, assist in maintaining appropriate levels of inventory in the following areas: pharmacy, treatment areas, laboratory, and equipment. Assist with ordering drugs, medical supplies, and laboratory supplies in accordance with the Society’s policies. With direction, create and maintain accurate medical record documentation of clinical procedures, prescriptions, and diagnostic laboratory work. Assist with the cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of the treatment room, surgical suite, surgical instruments and equipment, animal enclosures, pools, and service areas. With supervision, ensure proper operation and maintenance of imaging equipment, including digital radiography, mammography, computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound with direction from veterinary staff. Participate in the troubleshooting, quality control procedures, and required maintenance on all clinical and laboratory equipment/instruments. Responsible for the timely reporting of facility maintenance needs.

Communicate regularly with hospital supervisors/managers regarding the performance of technical staff, management of active medical cases including but not limited to medical procedures, laboratory operations, nutrition, training, and behavioral enrichment. Communicate and monitor hospital guests to ensure protection of Society property as well as animal and human safety. Other related duties as assigned.

Education and Pre-requisites

The requirements for this position include: Graduation from an AVMA accredited school of veterinary technology. Illinois Veterinary Technician Certification in the state of Illinois required within 90 days of hire.
Experience with zoo/exotic animals required and/or a minimum of two years’ experience as a certified veterinary technician working in a small animal/exotics practice. Technical skills are required including proficiency in restraint, sample collections techniques, patient monitoring, intravenous catheter placement, cytology, parasitolgy, and blood analysis.
Detailed and current knowledge of veterinary medical practices, animal anatomy and physiology, basic pharmacology and principles of anesthesia required. Knowledge of sterile techniques, surgical equipment cleaning and sterilization, infection control and quarantine practices. Must be able to deliver various medications through standard practices. Must possess good decision-making skills and sound judgment and be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently. Must be able to maintain confidentiality with regard to animal matters, personnel and other privileged information.
Must be a team player and able to develop and maintain good working relationships. Strong communications (reading, writing, and speaking) and interpersonal skills required. Computer proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel required. Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.

A valid driver’s license is required on date of hire. If an Illinois resident, must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver’s license is required at time of hire for out-of-state residents.

The preferred qualifications include: Familiarity with the management of captive populations including related AZA conservation programs preferred. Experience with PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office software packages preferred. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Compensation and benefits

TBD

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 1594BR.