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Collaborate with veterinary technician team to provide clinical support and provide excellent preventative, routine, and emergency care to all the Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park animals.
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Assist animal care professionals in the operant conditioning of animals for medical behaviors.
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Assist maintenance of hospital programming through supply management, equipment care, hospital readiness and hospital cleanliness.
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Prepare for and assist with veterinary examinations with an emphasis on monitoring anesthesia (cardiopulmonary support and monitoring) and performing diagnostics (phlebotomy, radiographs, blood work, fecals, cytologies, etc.).
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Provide clinical laboratory support through in-house manual and point-of-care diagnostics (fecals, urinalysis, CBCs, biochemistry and cytologies) and sample submission to outside laboratories.
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Provide husbandry assistance for hand-rearing neonates as needed in collaboration with Hospital Keeper.
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Participate in maintaining a high-volume sample storage program.
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Provide daily care, observation and monitoring of hospitalized cases including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and training.
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Assist with pharmacy program by filling prescriptions and assist Hospital Supervisor and Lead Veterinary Technicians with inventory control and medication expiration dates.
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Provide general support to the animal health department by ensuring all documentation and records are accurate, completed in a timely manner, and all regulatory requirements are met.
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Assist in controlled drug tracking and documentation in accordance with internal protocols to meet regulatory standards.
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Perform hospital equipment maintenance and ensure equipment is in ready-to-use condition.
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Attend and participate in daily morning/afternoon rounds and departmental meetings.
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Participate in skills-training/review program for veterinary technicians.
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Provide mentorship for visiting veterinary students, Zoo Academy students, and interns.
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Perform other duties as needed to ensure the care of the animals in the collection, the smooth functioning of the department, and/or the reputation of the zoo as directed by Veterinarians, Hospital Supervisor and the Lead Veterinary Technicians.
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Must have earned a degree from an AVMA accredited veterinary technician program and must have successfully passed the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination).
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Must have the ability to obtain a registered veterinary technician license from the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Board within 6 months of the hire date.
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Able to work in a team environment with animal care staff and other departments and foster trust-based relationships.
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Must have the willingness and ability to function as a team member in a fast-paced environment with a high caseload.
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Must possess high emotional intelligence, and situational awareness.
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Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, preferred.
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Must possess or be able to obtain a valid state driver’s license with a good driving history.
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Proof of negative TB Screening and up to date Rabies vaccination. Candidates are also required to pass a pre-employment background check and drug test.
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Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.
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Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach upward, twist, and have good lateral movement.
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Ability to perform large amount of walking and walk up and down stairs.
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Ability to perform tasks requiring heavy use of arms, wrists, and exertion of upper body, arms, and hands to perform duties.
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Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year-round sometimes on uneven terrain.
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Ability to work with animals with potential zoonotic disease.
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Able to work with narcotics for use in animal immobilizations as well as pain control which can be life-threatening to humans.
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Willing to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays and evening hours and in all weather conditions.
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Must be able to be on call as necessary.