Veterinary Technician Assistant (VTA)

Position Title:         Veterinary Technician Assistant (VTA)

Department:           Animal Health

Classification:        Non-Exempt/Full-time

Employee Type:     TSN - Team Spec FT Non-exempt

Direct Report:        Sr. Manager, Animal Health & Commissary Operations     

Position Summary:

The Veterinary Technician Assistant (VTA) works with a diverse team in the implementation, and daily operation of the Animal Health Department through clinical animal care, husbandry, research, and conservation medicine for a wide variety of taxa.  This individual works interdependently with other animal health staff, zoological operations staff and staff from the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine (UGA-CVM) to ultimately yield the highest standard of aquatic animal veterinary care.  Under the direction of the AHC and the Veterinary Technicians, the VTA will be responsible for assisting the Veterinary Technicians and Veterinarians with departmental operations, organization and general maintenance.  This individual will have a secondary role in operating medical and diagnostic equipment and related instrumentation in the department, including Animal Health support areas at the Animal Care Facility (ACF).  Cooperation in a reliable program of Quality Control (QC) for departmental equipment / procedures is essential.  

Responsibilities:

1. Supports GAI’s veterinary and animal care staff to ensure an exceptional level of daily, primary clinical care for all species maintained by GAI. 
2. Helps prepare for animal health procedures/exams and assists with medical treatments as directed under the guidance of the AHC and Veterinary Technicians.
3. Is responsible for assistance with the maintenance of all veterinary diagnostic and related equipment.  Maintains inventory of supplies, medications and other clinically related items in all on site Animal Health areas and at the Animal Care Facility with assistance from technicians and volunteers. 
4. Under the direction of the AHC and Veterinary Technicians, assists in maintaining the GAI veterinary pharmacy & inventory, ensuring compliance with controlled substances regulations, removing and replacing expired therapeutics and medical supplies. 
5. Assists with maintenance and operation of the GAI Diagnostic Laboratory as needed via sample processing, stocking/ordering supplies and cleaning/organizing.
6. Assists as needed with the GAI pathology program via transfer of specimens to the necropsy suite and cleaning/organizing the necropsy suite. 
7. Works within GAI’s Hospital, Diagnostic Laboratory and Animal Care Facility participating enthusiastically in a program of QC for all in-house veterinary diagnostic, medical/surgical equipment and associated instrumentation.
8. Assists in maintaining GAI diagnostic and related medical records at the highest standards. Updates medical records as necessary.  Attends daily clinical meetings, medical rounds and gives progress reports.
9. Is detail oriented and willing to perform a wide variety of tasks, most of which will not be directly animal related.
10. Is on-call for emergency duty during certain critical time periods (i.e., when necessary, provides technical support outside standard working hours, during animal transports, critical medical cases, etc.).
11. Works seamlessly with all GAI staff and volunteers and is a consistently positive role model helping to maintain a cohesive, harmonious working environment.
12. Performs other duties as workload necessitates.    

Qualifications:

1. Experience as a veterinary technician assistant in a veterinary clinic or in a zoo/aquarium setting.
2. Some experience with clinical care and handling of aquatic animals and aquatic animal holding systems is highly desirable. 
3. Familiarity with basic principles of diagnostic veterinary medicine and pathology, including familiarity with a clinical laboratory setting is desirable.
4. Effective problem analysis and resolution skills.
5. Above average ability to organize, manage time and set priorities while meeting deadlines.
6. Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet departmental requirements and program needs.
7. Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality.
8. Superior verbal and written communication skills essential.
9. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook).

Commitment:

I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:

Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide.

Vision: To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.

Values: Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Teamwork, Respect, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion