Summary:

The Veterinary Technician provides support to the hospital team during medical procedures for all animals within Memphis Zoo’s collection.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide assistance with examinations, interpretation of data for accurate diagnoses of diseases and injuries, and the selection of appropriate medical treatment.
• Assist in surgical procedures, using anesthesia equipment and monitors, and preparing any surgical instruments required.
• Care of any hospitalized or quarantined animals which may include the administration of medications, and obtaining diagnostic samples or specimens as needed.
• Ensures all required equipment is available and functional prior to any procedure or transport.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report individual animal responses to medical treatment to staff veterinarians.
• Document all hospitalized and quarantined animal observations including intake, output and demeanor in ZIMS daily report.  Maintain individual animal record keeping in filing cabinets, radiology log, serum bank and necropsy log.
• Assist in necropsies, including preparing samples for culture, storage, or shipment to outside laboratories.
• Perform laboratory tests, including fecal parasite exams; blood work; urinalysis; microbiological isolation, identification and sensitivity; and other tests as needed.
• Accurately fill, label and distribute animal prescriptions as needed.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of radiological equipment and procedures.   Apply proper animal positioning and technique which results in the production of diagnostic radiographic images.
• Monthly inventory of all pharmaceuticals and supplies.  Biannual documentation of all controlled substances.
• Order all needed supplies, perform/schedule routine maintenance on hospital equipment as required and perform housekeeping tasks to ensure appropriate cleanliness/sterility within the hospital environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in order to achieve the goals and mission of the zoo.
• Provides support to hospital staff, zookeepers, and students/volunteers. Participates in all mandatory employee training sessions.

Minimum Education & Experience: 

• A two to four degree in Veterinary Technology from an accredited institution is preferred.
• Equivalent years of clinical experience in veterinary practice.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Thorough knowledge of veterinary technician skills in a variety of exotic animal species.

Competencies:

• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Proficient in accurate data entry.
• Professionalism/Composure.
• Flexibility.
• Team oriented.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Hospital Manager and Staff Veterinarians.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time hourly position which regularly requires weekend work. Must have flexibility to respond to and be on-site for after hour medical emergencies. 

Work Environment:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in the animal hospital as well as on zoo grounds. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, chemicals and vibration.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, or moderately loud while on zoo grounds.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

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

​Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Other Requirements:

• 21 years or older.
• Valid driver's license.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.
• Clear driving record.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Clear TB screening.

Benefits & Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details. 

EEOC and Inclusion Statement: 

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. 

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org. 

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.

How to Apply: 

Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. www.memphiszoo.org/careers