This role begins in April 2025.
Are you a passionate and skilled licensed veterinary technician eager to provide high-quality care to a diverse animal population? The Santa Barbara Zoo is looking for a Part-Time Licensed Veterinary Technician to assist with medical procedures, support daily veterinary operations, and ensure the health and welfare of our animals. Join our team and contribute to conservation efforts while providing exceptional care to wildlife!
Position Status: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt Schedule: Up to 25 hours per week. The schedule is generally between Wednesday - Saturday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, some exceptions may apply based on business necessity.
Compensation: $23.29 - $25.20 per hour
You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position
SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Vice President of Animal Care and Health and Staff Veterinarian, the Registered Veterinary Technician assists the Veterinarians in all animal health care functions, including the coordination of quarantine care.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Animal Health:
Assists the Veterinarian in the medical care of the animal population including all species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates
Under general supervision, assists the Veterinarian with all animal health care duties, such as but not limited to, injections, venipuncture, administering medications and vaccines, and wound dressings, etc.
Prepares patients, medications, equipment, and instruments for surgical procedures, or basic examinations, using specialized knowledge, and restrains animals during procedures
Assists with anesthesia and chemical immobilization, anesthesia monitoring, and assists in surgery in accordance with verbal instructions
Completes routine laboratory tests and prepares biological specimens for shipment
Stores and archives biological samples
Operates and maintains radiographic equipment, and oversees the staff radiation monitoring program
Provides husbandry for hospitalized and quarantined animals and assists with animals requiring hand-rearing
Adheres to quarantine protocols for the care of quarantined animals
Assists with necropsies, including sample collection, and maintains the necropsy facility
Maintains the veterinary hospital and equipment, quarantine facility, and necropsy facility in a satisfactory state of cleanliness at all times
Maintains all medical equipment and capture equipment
Maintains the treatment and surgery rooms and hospital animal holding spaces
Supervises and performs cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of surgical instruments, equipment, and hospital areas
Participates in animal health-related training such as, but not limited to, darting training, weapons training, zoonotic disease training, animal training for medical behaviors
Maintains the pharmacy including rotating inventory, removing expired drugs, and ordering pharmaceuticals and supplies under the direction of the Veterinarian
Maintains SDS/GHS system
Assists the Veterinarian with research and conservation programs
Participates in conservation field work when possible and provides medical skills when required
Performs all animal-related procedures in a safe manner for both staff and animals, including following established Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and protocols
Communicates veterinary information in a timely and friendly manner to both the animal health and animal care teams
Provides training to keepers on basic veterinary procedures such as administering injections and medications, under the direction of the Veterinarian
Responsible for referring animal health problems to the appropriate relief veterinarian in the absence of the Veterinarian and assisting in implementing the appropriate veterinary care under the direction of the relief/on-call veterinarian. Acts as liaison with relief/on-call veterinarian and Animal Care Staff until the Staff Veterinarian returns
Assists with coordination of the activities of veterinary students and veterinary technician students, volunteers, and other individuals as directed by the Veterinarian
Performs other related duties required by the Veterinarian to maintain and operate the hospital safely and efficiently
Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
Attends bi-monthly all-employee meetings and department meetings
Administrative:
Purchases animal health supplies, medications, and services in accordance with the animal health budget
Responsible for maintaining the pharmacy inventory and removing all expired drugs in a timely fashion
Maintains animal health and collection status record keeping through ZIMS & ZIMS Medical and other related digital files
Compiles and generates required reports on animal health and collection status as needed
Assists with animal transactions
Assists the Registrar with documentation and reports as needed
Coordinates maintenance and purchasing of veterinary equipment
Assists with animal health budgeting by tracking expenses and preparing budget reports
Maintains MSDS/GHS systems
Liaises with veterinary staff, animal care staff, the registrar, and finance staff about administrative matters
Manages accounts with vendors and our finance department
Performs quarterly hazard reports
Guest Relations:
Confirms that exhibits are presented to maximize a positive guest experience and meet zoo goals for cleanliness and maintenance
Conducts tours of the veterinary facilities for visitors and volunteers as requested
Associates with guests on a regular basis to share information and offer assistance
Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relation procedures
Develops and presents formal and informal educational programs
Staff Development:
Supervises Volunteers and Interns
Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures on a consistent basis with staff
Coaches coworkers, volunteers, and interns and provides informal feedback
Provides training for new keepers on husbandry Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs)
Operation and Business:
Exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure the health and well-being of the animal collection
Adheres to all regulatory standards such as OSHA, USDA Animal Welfare Act, regional, state, federal, and AZA standards
Reports animal maintenance issues and potential hazards for staff
Ensures consistent productive operating practices by identifying areas for potential revenue generation, reduction of costs, and more efficient procedures
Holds peers accountable for their performance
Performs routine maintenance when appropriate
SECONDARY DUTIES:
Other duties related to the health and well-being of the animal population
Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality Zoo operations
Guest Relations:
Greets every guest with a smile
Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
Associates with guests to assist and share information
Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education and Experience:
Completion of an accredited veterinary technician program or a minimum of 2 years of paid veterinary technician/assistant experience in animal care, preferably with non-domestic and exotic animals or in an AZA-accredited facility
Experience in animal husbandry
Experience in the operations of a veterinary facility or hospital
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
Valid registered veterinary technician (RVT) certification in the State of California. This license must be maintained with respect to CE.
Bachelor’s degree in Life Science such as Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or a closely related discipline is preferred
A valid CA driver’s license with a good driving record is desirable
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of animal health including an understanding of species and individual-specific behavior to assess behavioral and medical situations
Knowledge of the USDA Animal Welfare Act, Regional, State, Federal, and AZA standards associated with animal care and welfare, and applicable regulations
Knowledge of animal nutritional needs
Knowledge of weaponry use
Ability to understand and follow instructions when working around potentially dangerous animals
Ability to develop and present formal and informal educational programs
Ability to interact within a team environment
Ability to work within a budget and manage expenses
Basic computer skills (ZIMS, Word, Excel, Outlook, Word)
Ability to follow oral and written direction
Effective oral and written communication skills
Ability to develop warm and friendly relationships at work
Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests
Ability to exercise safe work practices while in the proximity of potentially dangerous animals or substances
Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility, including all animal areas of the zoo fulfilling all requirements of the title
Must be able to participate in animal husbandry practices; including the ability to lift 50 lbs., climb stairs, manipulate tools, and stand/walk for up to two continuous hours
Ability to make fast, simple, precise, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists
Ability to quickly move hand, hand together with your arm, or two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects
Ability to see details at close range, within a few feet of the observer
Exposure to diseases and infections
Exposure to minor cuts, burns, and stings
Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
Supportive and open employment culture
Tools Used:
Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator
Personal Computer and software (Word, ZIMS, Excel, Outlook)
Standard cleaning equipment such as hoses, rakes, shovels, and brooms
Standard veterinary care equipment such as, but not limited to, digital X-ray machine, CT machine, ultrasound, endoscope, microscope, anesthetic monitoring equipment, gas anesthetic machine, autoclaves
Two-way radio
Capture equipment including darting equipment
Electric cart
Hand tools
BENEFITS & PERKS:
Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
Access to the San Diego Zoo Global Academy platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities
You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position
Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.
The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.