Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (OHDZA) is a leader in animal care and its mission is to inspire, educate and engage people to serve as lifelong stewards for animals and their habitats. The Hospital Coordinator will support our mission by assisting the Director of Animal Health in management of a high quality veterinary medical program for our animals. The primary focus of this position is to maintain high quality medical records/ data entry, coordination of procedures with Animal Care to meet research initiatives, and assist veterinarians in management of core medical programs at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park.
- This position reports directly to the Director of Animal Health with work direction given by the veterinarians, technicians, and a hospital keeper.
- The position will be officed in a brand new, state of the art 34,000 square foot Grewcock Animal Hospital when completed and will also have responsibilities in our newly renovated hospital at the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park.
Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):
- Assist the Director of Animal Health in maintaining all electronic and paper medical records to ensure all local, state, and federal regulations are met for the clinical and pathology programs at both Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park.
- Input all medical data (anesthesia reports, blood work, fecals, etc.) into Zoological Information Management software in a timely manner.
- Monitor and maintain staff access to medical records and other documentation as needed.
- Prepare medical data reports for internal review as well as to be sent to other institutions.
- Work closely with registrar on documentation of animal transactions requests from other institutes to ensure animal shipments are completed in a timely manner and all local, state, and federal regulations are met.
- Assist with animal transports for incoming and outgoing shipments. This will require having a flexible schedule and close coordination with the Hospital Keeper and Animal Care departments.
- Assist with packaging and shipping samples for send-out laboratories and/or for research purposes.
- Provide oversight to the CCR dormitory housing and ensure that guests/ students receive an orientation upon arrival.
- Maintain office equipment including basic preventative and scheduling corrective maintenance needs.
- Assist the Director of Animal Health in maintaining radiology reports to ensure that local and state regulations are met.
- Assist with research coordination across departments to ensure that required samples are collected for approved research projects and are properly processed.
- Assist veterinary technicians with hospital stocking and ordering to ensure all office and medical supplies are stocked appropriately.
- Create purchase orders and oversee submission of invoices for accounting.
- Assist Hospital Keeper in caring for hospitalized patients (including hand-rearing infants).
- Assist Animal Health team members by entering work orders for equipment and building maintenance.
- Assist graduate level and visiting veterinarian training programs through application tracking and coordinate with Education Department for onboarding checklist completion.
- Perform other duties as needed to ensure the care of the animals in the collection, the smooth functioning of the department, and/ or the reputation of the zoo as directed by the Director of Animal Health/ Senior Veterinarian.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- An associates degree (A.A.) in a health-related field; a bachelor’s degree is highly desirable.
- Two years related experience working in an animal care field.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities.
- Able to work in a team environment with animal care staff and other departments and foster trust-based relationships.
- Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines relating to the application of veterinary medicine in zoological parks and related programs.
- Must possess high emotional intelligence, and situational awareness.
- Strong Computer skills, including Microsoft Office and ZIMS medical software preferred.
- Must possess or be able to obtain a valid state driver’s license.
- Proof of negative TB Screening and up to date Rabies vaccination.
- Must have the willingness and ability to function as a team member in a fast-paced environment with a high caseload.
- Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort:
- Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.
- Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach upward, twist, and have good lateral movement
- Ability to perform large amount of walking and walk up and down stairs
- Ability to perform tasks requiring heavy use of arms, wrists, and exertion of upper body, arms, and hands to perform duties
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year round sometimes on uneven terrain
- Ability to work with animals with potential zoonotic disease
- Able to work with narcotics for use in animal immobilizations as well as pain control which can be life-threatening to humans
- Willing to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays and evening hours an in all weather conditions
- Must be able to be on call as necessary
