Job Postings

Lead Veterinary Technician

Facility

Henry Vilas Zoo Madison, Wi

Closing Date
April 11, 2024
Description

Description
Henry Vilas Zoo has a current vacancy for a 1.0 FTE Lead Veterinary Technician. The eligible list from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies for the next six (6) months.

Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinionsare valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered,teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needsthrough quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multiculturalcompetence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who areculturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants fromtraditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, andpersons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION
Under the supervision of the Veterinarian and General Curator, the Lead Veterinary Technician is responsible for the coordination and application of medical care of the animals in the Henry Vilas Zoo (HVZ). Incumbents oversee the procedural and treatment components of HVZ’s preventative health program, daily direction of Veterinary Technician staff, animal quarantine and communication with HVZ Management.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Lead and coordinate work assignments of the Veterinary Technicians to ensure all animal care standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), other Federal, State and Local government agencies, the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and HVZ’s Preventative Health Program are met. Provide information and feedback which assists the General Curator perform personnel actions including hiring, terminating, evaluating performance and disciplining Veterinary Technicians and other subordinate personnel. Assist Veterinarian with health evaluations, treatment of animals and perform veterinary procedures including blood draws, radiographs, anesthesia, administering medications and vaccinations, etc. Coordinate veterinary exams, diagnostics, and treatments. Under the direction of the General Curator, responsible for the overall condition and upkeep of the Animal Health Center and all equipment, including ordering, stocking, organizing, logging, and ensuring rotation to eliminate expired materials. Ensure quarantine set up and breakdown for incoming animals. Understand medically compromised animal nutrition requirements, prepare diets, and feed animals as directed. Help provide a safe and secure environment for animals, visitors, and co-workers. Support on-grounds and virtual education programs and assist new employees and veterinary residents/students.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements
Education, Training and Experience:

Requires a two (2) year Veterinary Technician degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited college and three (3) years of paid, responsible Veterinary Technician experience in the care and maintenance of zoo specimens at an AZA accredited or related facility.

Licenses/Certifications:
Must possess and maintain a valid Veterinary Technician Certification.

Special Requirements:
Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Must be available for work on weekends and holidays with flexibility around shifts. Must be able to work within all jurisdictions. Must not be involved in any felony violation of the Lacey Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, or the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Annual Tuberculosis (TB) testing required.

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Physical and Environmental Work Environments:
This position is active for the entire shift (standing, walking, stooping, twisting, lifting, bending, pushing, reaching, climbing, crouching and crawling). Must be able to repeatedly lift up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted and heavier loads with assistance. Must have the ability to use hands and feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling and operating controls and equipment. Must be able to maintain prompt and reliable attendance patterns. Must have the ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices. Exposed to all weather conditions for entire shift. Exposed to dust, hay, dander, fumes, chemicals, potential ionizing radiation, and potential injury by animals. Some periods of office work as well.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of all aspects of zoo animal care, including husbandry, operant conditioning and training, animal behavior, habitat enrichment, nutrition, healthcare, reproductive physiology and animal diseases. Knowledge of proper animal handling, feeding, cleaning and care methods. Ability to observe animal behavior, identify changes and accurately record and report findings. Knowledge of animal hygiene and welfare requirements. Ability to perform laboratory tests such as urinalysis, blood counts, fecal parasite exams, assist with dental prophylaxis, prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and assist Veterinarians in a variety of tests and analyses as directed. Proficiency in working with different types of medical equipment, such as sterilization and diagnostic equipment, positioning and development of radiographs, and provide specialized nursing care. Must possess strong organizational skills including the ability to maintain filing systems and computer based communication. Must have knowledge of lead work principles and the ability to effectively train, direct, and monitor the work of others. Must have the ability to assign work to and work efficiently and cooperatively with others and have willingness to understand and respect diverse opinions concerning veterinary care, veterinary techniques and exhibition of a captive animal population. Requires working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Word and Excel. Knowledge of relevant safety precautions and practices. Ability to organize and perform necessary duties in the most efficient, effective and safest manner. Must have functional reasoning skills and the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral ,and/or diagrammatic form. Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally, with other workers, supervisors and the general public. Ability to keep daily records related to animal care, wellbeing, feeding and other relevant information. Knowledge of emergency procedures and the ability to effectively carry out these procedures under extremely stressful conditions.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits

$33.03-35.75 per hour

Application instructions

Apply At : https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/countyofdane/jobs/4336473/lead-veterinary-technician?keywords=vet&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs