Job Title: Veterinary Technician
Reports To: Hospital Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Effective Date: March 17, 2025
White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature. The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 17,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property. Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats.
White Oak Mission: Save endangered wildlife and habitats through sustainable conservation breeding, education, and responsible land stewardship.
Position Purpose: To perform technical and clinical procedures in the treatment, surgery, medication, and laboratory evaluation of White Oak’s Wildlife collection, as well as collaborating within and across departments to help achieve White Oak’s Conservation initiatives. This position will be a combination of field and laboratory duties. It requires independent decision making and close coordination with White Oak’s veterinarians and fellow veterinary technicians.
Responsibilities and Tasks:
The essential duties and responsibilities of this position may include the following (other duties may be assigned, and some duties may be shared with other personnel, or may not be assigned at all):
• Provides assistance to the veterinarian with the daily medical care of the animal collection, including preparation of equipment, animal restraint, sample collections, and diagnostic procedures.
• Prepares and administers medications to animals under the supervision of the veterinarian. Assists veterinarian during surgical procedures, monitors anesthesia, and keeps anesthetic records.
• Maintains the Animal Science Building facility, including the sterilization of instruments, preparation and maintenance of hospital equipment, other related equipment, and assists with supply inventory.
• Performs radiographs on animals utilizing stationary and portable x-ray machines; labels and transfers radiographs to PACS system. Assists in the development of x-ray techniques for animals; maintains x-ray unit and related equipment.
• Provides assistance to the veterinarian in the performance of necropsies; prepares tissue samples for shipment or transport to outside laboratories with all applicable documentation.
• Performs laboratory procedures, quality controls, and diagnostic tests, including parasitology, hematology, serum chemistries, cytology, urinalyses and PCR. Responsible for clinical pathology data entry into electronic medical records database and archiving of conventional paper medical records.
• Oversees preventive parasitology screening program for the animal collection, Johne's disease screening program for ruminants, pre shipment testing requirements, biomaterials banking, and other programs as needed.
• Provides assistance to the veterinarian in maintaining comprehensive animal health records; enters data into veterinary records systems (ZIMS).
• Actively participates in developing the next generation of professionals through White Oak’s intern and student programs.
• Maintains hard copy and computerized calendars of preventive health programs and animal procedures.
• Participates in developing technical protocols and maintenance of quality control and accuracy of clinical techniques.
• Assists in all aspects of the veterinary medical practice as needed; fills in for and performs the duties of the other technicians as needed.
Qualifications:
• Completion of a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology or a related area from an institution accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
• Demonstrated 3+ years veterinary technician experience required.
• Licensure and Certification preferred (e.g. LVT, CVT, RVT, MT, MLT, etc.). Must have or be eligible for veterinary technician licensure in the state of Florida within 1 year of hire date.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Proficient in computer use, zoo industry record management software (ZIMS), and Microsoft Office
• Strong systemic and strategic thinking in combination with a proven ability to translate thinking to action and impact
• An excellent ability to build strategic networks and partnerships with various internal and external stakeholders
• Solid interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays when needed. Work-related travel may also be required.
• Valid Driver’s License
Physical Aspects of the Job:
Candidates must be able to lift 50 lbs. without difficulty, climb in/out of truck beds, stand/bend/stoop for extended periods of time, work in adverse weather conditions, and remain on their feet for long periods of time.
White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.
