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 Veterinary Technician is a key member of our team and will join the Animal Health team consisting of a pathology technician, five clinical veterinary technicians, five associate veterinarians, a veterinary resident, hospital keeper, hospital coordinator, Hospital Supervisor and a Director of Animal Health to support a high quality veterinary medical program for our animals at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park.
- This position will be based in our brand-new, state-of-the-art 32,000 square foot Bill and Bernice Grewcock Animal Hospital.
- The role also assists with veterinary operations in a newly renovated hospital within the Lee G Simmons Wildlife Safari Park.
- The zoo’s new hospital features an updated imaging suite, including a CT scanner, and expanded onsite clinical laboratory capabilities.
- The facility includes a large viewing room for our surgical suite, 2 treatment rooms, and an advanced imaging area that is utilized for programming for our onsite Education programs, including post-graduate training.
- OHDZA offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals to work in a unique setting that encompasses a zoo, aquarium and safari park within one company.
- This position includes a comprehensive benefit package, ongoing CE/licensure/association support, and full uniform provision. It reports directly to the Hospital Supervisor.
Duties and Responsibilities (includes but not limited to):
- Collaborate with the veterinary technician team to provide clinical support to provide excellent preventative, routine, and emergency care to all of the Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park animals.
- Assist animal care professionals in the operant conditioning of animals for medical behaviors.
- Assist in the maintenance of hospital programming through supply management, equipment care, hospital cleaning/disinfection and readiness.
- Prepare for and assist with veterinary examinations with an emphasis on monitoring anesthesia (cardiopulmonary support and monitoring) and performing diagnostics (phlebotomy, radiographs, CT exams, blood work, fecals, cytologies, etc.).
- Provide clinical laboratory support through in-house manual and point-of-care diagnostics (e.g. fecals, urinalysis, CBCs, biochemistry and cytologies) and sample submission to outside laboratories.
- Provide husbandry assistance for hand-rearing neonates as needed in collaboration with Hospital Keeper.
- Participate in maintaining a high-volume sample storage program.
- Provide daily care, observation and monitoring of hospitalized cases including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and training.
- Assist with the pharmacy program by filling prescriptions and assist the Hospital Supervisor and Lead Veterinary Technicians with inventory and medication expiration dates.
- Provide general support to the animal health department ensuring all documentation and records are accurate, completed in a timely manner and accessible and all regulatory requirements are met.
- Assist in controlled drug tracking and documentation in accordance with internal protocols to meet regulatory standards.
- Perform hospital equipment maintenance and ensure equipment is in ready-to-use condition.
- Attends and participates in daily morning/afternoon rounds, and Animal Health staff meetings.
- Participate in skills-training/review program for veterinary technicians.
- Provide guidance and mentorship for visiting veterinary students, Zoo Academy students, veterinary resident and interns, as needed.
- 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 Hospital Supervisor, Veterinarians and the Lead Veterinary Technicians.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
- Must have earned a degree from an AVMA accredited veterinary technician program and must have successfully passed the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination).
- Must have the ability to obtain a registered veterinary technician license from the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Board within 6 months of the hire date.
- Able to work in a team environment with animal care staff and other departments and foster trust-based relationships.
- Must have the willingness and ability to function as a team member in a fast-paced environment with a high caseload.
- Must possess high emotional intelligence, and situational awareness.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, preferred.
- Must possess or be able to obtain a valid state driver’s license.
- Candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative TB test, possess a valid driver’s license with a good history, and obtain the rabies vaccine.
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 and in all weather conditions.
- Must be able to be on call as necessary.
DISCLAIMER
- The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
