Veterinary Technologist

With a passion for all marine life, the veterinary technologist assists the head veterinarian and veterinary fellow with daily routine and non-routine veterinary treatments, diagnostic imaging, clinical pathology, treatment and diagnostic sampling in all areas of animal care, as well as assistance and maintenance of medical equipment. Together with the senior veterinary technologist, the veterinary technologist provides training and guidance to new staff members, volunteers, interns and veterinary externs, and education to the general public. This position also involves the filing of records, data entry and the routine administrative duties that occur within the department.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Assists the Head Veterinarian with proactive and high quality animal care treatments by:

• Ensuring that day to day rounds are completed and communicated with team;
• Conducting patient observations, follow up, noting any variations and escalating issues;
• Assisting in routine veterinary procedures including anaesthesia, surgery, treatment, diagnostics, and necropsies;
• Participating in research programs including collection, processing and storage of samples;
• Preparing prescriptions, dispensing and administering medication; quality control;
• Providing education and information to general public as needed;
• Acting as liaison between veterinarian and animal care staff;
• Assisting in supervision and training of volunteers, interns, and new staff members;

Provides support to the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre program in an offsite location as required by:

• Participating in rescue missions;
• Providing treatment to rescued animals during the rehabilitation process;
• Participating in various animal release protocols;
• Assisting with other animal care support.

Ensures the proactive maintenance of medical equipment by:

• Assimilating records and managing data; maintaining administrative records; data entry, reports, phone records etc.;
• Completing general filing as required;
• Maintaining and cleaning of veterinary facility.

Consciously desires to improve the Vancouver Aquarium and its processes by:

• Promptly assisting in Emergency Preparedness Protocols; 
• Maintaining organizational safety standards; 
• Continually improving our impact on the environment and greening of operations through support of Environmental Management System protocols;
• Performing additional duties as required.

Experience Required

Education and Experience

• Animal Health Technology or Veterinary Technology Diploma;
• Current registration status with the British Columbia Veterinary Technologists Association (BCVTA);
• Minimum 2 years work experience with animals in a care facility hands on; or equivalent volunteer experience;
• Essential knowledge in marine mammal anatomy and physiology;
• Valid driver’s license required;
• Previous experience with wildlife or marine mammal species preferred. Skills
• Excellent animal handling, husbandry and technical skills;
• Above average skills in anaesthesiology;
• Excellent computer skills with respect to data entry, Word, and Excel;
• Able to work efficiently without supervision;
• Excellent problem solving skills; ability to think quickly under pressure and high stress;
• Ability to complete tasks and make sound decisions;
• Enthusiastic team player; effective organizational, interpersonal and communication skills;
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to keep on task with strategic items while managing day-to-day responsibilities;
• Active demonstration of the company’s values and mission.