Facility
Santa Ana Zoo (City of Santa Ana)
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Provides zoo animal health care services by facilitating communication and collaboration between technical staff, veterinarians, zookeepers, and management.
Manages and maintains the zoo hospital; ensures cleanliness of the building; cleans and disinfects cages and habitats in the hospital and quarantine areas including, but not limited to sweeping, mopping, raking, and disinfecting spaces and areas; procures and maintains inventory of hospital and medical equipment, medications, and supplies; and prepares and provides food and enrichment to animals in hospital area.
Makes daily rounds to observe and inspect entire zoo population for health problems; handles animals and provides nursing care to sick or injured animals; administers medications prescribed by veterinarian; and administers preventative medical procedures, including vaccines, fecal tests, and flea and pest control.
Coordinates with animal and veterinary care teams; participates in scheduling veterinary procedures and managing medical procedure calendar; arranges visits with veterinarian; and assists veterinarian in diagnostic testing; assists with surgery, treatments, micro-chipping, and necropsies.
Schedules and coordinates collection and shipment of laboratory samples and runs in-house tests to detect parasites or other abnormalities; administers emergency medical treatment to animals.
Conducts research and consults with veterinarians and paraprofessionals on current zoonosis or emerging diseases; and trains staff and volunteers on zoonotic disease prevention.
Manages and maintains animal medical records; prepares and submits all required medical-related permits for operations of zoo facilities; enters medical records into Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) computer program; maintains contraception records; completes related reproductive-health surveys; and maintains animal husbandry records necessary for AZA accreditation.
Assists with developing, maintaining, and managing animal health care practices and procedures; provides training for personnel involved in animal health care and veterinary practices; instructs zookeepers regarding animal feeding schedules and dietary requirements; and assists with recruitment and selection of zoo staff.
Provides information and assistance to the visiting public; answers questions and presents information; and assists with special events, educational programs, and public relations work promoting the zoo.
Participates in the capture and transportation of animals; moves animal between exhibits and the hospital area; and assists with the transportation of animals to and from the airport, veterinarian, and/or other zoos.
Participates in the capture and restraint of wild and potentially dangerous animals, which may or may not be sedated; and maintains and is proficient in the use of emergency and remote-capture equipment.
Regularly meets with health care and animal management committees; and supports zoo-wide animal welfare programs.
Provides primary husbandry care for hospitalized, quarantined, or isolated animals.
May assist in the planning of animal transfers.
May participate in the daily handling, caring, and feeding of zoo animals.
May assume responsibilities of the higher level staff in their absence, including employee supervision.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
Two (2) years of work experience as a registered veterinary technician, preferably including experience handling exotic animals in a zoo setting. One (1) years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity. High School diploma or GED with some vocational/technical training or college coursework in veterinary sciences. Experience, education, and training must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: Trends and best practices with veterinary science and animal health; animal care; animal hospital operations; veterinary medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and supplies; handling of exotic animals in a zoological or hospital setting; applicable veterinary and zoo laws and regulations, including Animal Welfare Act, USDA Regulations, AZA Animal Care Standards, Hospital Guidelines, California Veterinary Practice Act, and DEA Regulations; best practices for animal care industry inventory control; zoonotic diseases; animal restraint procedures; and biosecurity and quarantine principles.
Skill in: The use of a personal computer and business software applications, such as Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; and ZIMS software.
Ability to: Perform basic responsibilities of a certified veterinary technician, including providing anesthesia, monitoring drug calculations, administering medications and vaccinations, and performing in-house laboratory procedures; exercise resourcefulness in addressing and resolving problems; work with animals, including potentially dangerous animals, and exercise sound judgement in emergency situations; make decisions in accordance with established policies and regulations; communicate tactfully, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, contractors, other employees, special interest groups, volunteers, and zoo patrons in a culturally diverse community.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession and retention of a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) certificate issued by the State of California Veterinary Medical Board upon hire or within six (6) months of hire date is a condition of continued employment.
Possession and retention of a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License is a condition of continued employment.
Must be willing and able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
Must be willing and able to work outside in varying weather conditions.
HIGHLY DESIRABLE
Bachelor’s degree in Zoology or related field is highly desirable.
Compensation and benefits
$65,532.00 – $87,828.00 Annually + Excellent Benefits
Application instructions
Apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaana