Hospital Operations - Veterinary Technician

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by providing experienced technical and medical support to the veterinary staff in creating innovations and excellence in conservation leadership and animal welfare by enabling the Hospital Operations Department to meet the most current standards for specialized veterinary care.

This is a non-union full-time hourly position, grade 07H with an expected hiring range of $29.87 to $32.85 per hour. For our Benefits Summary Information, follow this link to our Benefits Table or copy and paste the following in your internet browser www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf (please refer to the non-union, full-time employee section) and/or refer to the benefit details provided below after the job description information.

Primary job duties and responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

1. *Prepare for and assist veterinary staff in performing clinical procedures. Maintain and monitor anesthesia, including the operation of inhalation anesthesia equipment and patient monitoring devices.
2. *Conduct various types of laboratory tests including, but not limited to, comprehensive hematology and serum chemistry, cytology, and fecal analysis for parasites. Create and maintain accurate medical record documentation of clinical procedures, prescriptions, and diagnostic laboratory work. Forward samples for analysis of non-routine tests and research requests to outside referral laboratories. Under necessary conditions, assist with sample preparation, clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as required.
3. *Operate and maintain imaging equipment, including digital radiography, mammography, computed tomography, and ultrasound under direction from veterinary staff. Conduct diagnostic imaging, including positioning of the patient, exposure, and development of radiographs. Perform cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of the treatment room, surgical suite, surgical instruments, and equipment. Perform troubleshooting, quality control procedures, and required maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment.
4. *Accurately dispense and record medical prescriptions. Properly administer medications and vaccinations as directed by veterinarians. Maintain current pharmacy inventory, treatment areas, laboratory, and equipment inventory. Assist with ordering drugs, medical supplies, laboratory supplies, and inventory maintenance.
5. *Communicate regularly with the Director and Veterinarians regarding management of active medical cases including, but not limited to, medical procedures, nutrition, training, and behavioral enrichment.
6. *Report equipment and facility maintenance needs and perform minor maintenance tasks.
7. *Monitor guests to ensure animal and human safety and protection of park property. Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests' appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit.
8. Assist in training interns, seasonal employees, and volunteers.
9. Other related duties as assigned.

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

Position requirements and specifications:

• Graduation from an AVMA certified school of veterinary technology required. Licensure in the state of Illinois within 90 days of hire required.
• Four years' experience as a certified veterinary technician required.
• Excellent technical skills, including proficiency in restraint, sample collections techniques, patient monitoring, intravenous catheter placement, cytology, parasitology, and blood analysis, with domestic animals required.
• Detailed and current knowledge of veterinary medical practices, animal anatomy and physiology, basic pharmacology and principles of anesthesia required.
• Able to work with live animals safely.
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical equipment cleaning and sterilization in addition to knowledge of infection control and quarantine practices.
• Able to deliver various medications through standard practices.
• Capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Good decision-making skills and sound judgment.
• Proficient in perceiving and acting upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.
• Able to maintain confidentiality with regard to animal matters, personnel and other privileged information.
• Team player and able to develop and maintain good working relationships. Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong communications (reading, writing, and speaking) and interpersonal skills required. English fluency at a professional proficiency required.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel required.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver's license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver's license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver's license is required for out-of-state residents

Desirable/preferred qualifications:

• Completion of a relevant zoo-focused internship and/or one years' experience with non-domestic/exotic species in a zoo or private practice preferred.
• Knowledgeable in the management of captive populations including related AZA conservation programs preferred.
• Initiative in identifying and solving problems and recommend ideas and viable suggestions to improve operations is strongly desired.
• Experience with PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office software packages preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional information: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Must represent BZC in a professional manner at all times. Incumbent must demonstrate knowledge of occupational hazards and safe work practices around such hazards. Veterinary technicians are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals. These positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures. Brookfield Zoo Chicago may require an employee to take and pass a physical examination to determine the employee's ability to meet the essential functions of the job. This may include vaccinations, blood tests, hearing tests, or other such medical testing or procedures as deemed reasonably necessary for the job and/or required by law. This is a full-time position that may include weekends and holidays.

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the BZC Career Portal www.brookfieldzoo.org/careers and use the Advanced Search feature to look for requisition 201 to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile.

We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's generous employee benefits.

Non-Union Full-Time Employees

Eligibility: Eligible employee is defined as a regular, full-time employee who is regularly scheduled to work a minimum of 35 hours or more per week. Coverage begins on the date of hire. Have a family? You can also cover your spouse, civil union partner, and/or eligible children who are under age 26.

Time away from work: Paid Time Off (PTO) is accrued based on Years of Service and pay grade on a per-pay-period basis starting on the date of hire. Unused PTO time carries forward from one calendar year to the next to a specified maximum. Below are the equivalent amounts employees, who work 8 hours per day or 10 hours per day, earn in a 12-month period. An employee's pay grade is included in the job description.