The Veterinary Technician is responsible for providing medical care and upholding welfare for a diverse collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates, supports conservation and research initiatives, and departmental operations.
Our Mission: The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: To be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
In collaboration with veterinarians, the Veterinary Technician performs routine, diagnostic, and emergency procedures by applying advanced technical skills and clinical knowledge. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery of patients
Responsible for administering and monitoring anesthesia in a variety of species including large, dangerous and venomous animals, ensuring patient safety throughout surgical and diagnostic procedures.
Utilize controlled substances and super-potent narcotics (schedule II) responsibly and safely following DEA and Texas Animal Health Commission regulatory guidelines.
Serves on dart team and works collaboratively with the firearms team during animal containment emergencies.
Surgical assistance in sterile and non-sterile procedures
Diagnostic imaging, including radiology, ultrasonography, and computed tomography
Adheres to radiation safety practices and regulations outlined by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Dental prophylaxis and dental radiography
Administration of medications via oral, intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC) routes.
Performs a range of veterinary diagnostic laboratory procedures, including manual preparation and microscopic interpretation of blood smears, fecal examinations, cytologic evaluation of various sample types, and comprehensive urinalysis.
Proficient in operating laboratory equipment for the processing and analysis of routine and diagnostic samples and ensures proper handling and shipment of specimen samples to reference laboratories
Euthanizes animals humanely and ethically aligned with AAZV and AVMA Euthanasia Guidelines under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Performs animal necropsy procedures with veterinary oversight, including specimen collection, tissue sampling, and proper handling and submission for diagnostic testing; ensures accurate documentation, follows AZA SSP/TAG necropsy guidelines and adheres to all biosecurity and safety protocols.
Responsible for triaging native wildlife cases, performing initial evaluations, and initiating basic supportive care under veterinary guidance.
Prepares medical procedures by setting up necessary equipment and supplies, ensures proper cleanup and disinfection following procedures, and maintains medical instruments and equipment in good working condition.
Maintains accurate and timely documentation, including anesthesia monitoring data, veterinary medical records, daily logs, and research data, in accordance with established protocols. Utilizes TRACKS and Microsoft Office applications to record and manage data.
Partners with animal keepers to train medical husbandry behaviors.
Performs husbandry tasks such as cleaning, feeding, and/or maintenance as needed.
Executes pharmacy related duties with accuracy such as calculating precise dosages and dilutions, medication preparation and compounding, prescription fulfillment and handling, and drug administration.
Responsible for the secure handling, preparation, dispensing, and documentation of controlled substances in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Ensures proper inventory control, accurate recordkeeping, and compliance with DEA guidelines.
Ensures the veterinary clinic remains clean, well-organized, and fully functional by managing inventory levels, restocking supplies, and maintaining cleanliness and readiness of all treatment and exam areas.
Maintains a safe work environment and maintains standards and regulations of AZA, AAZV, USDA, OSHA, DEA, Texas Department of State Health, Texas Animal Health Commission, and other regulatory agencies and associations as they apply to zoological institutions and veterinary programs/facilities.
Ensures compliance and provides guidance on zoonotic disease risks and implements appropriate biosecurity and public health practices in compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations
Demonstrates the appropriate use of and performs maintenance on veterinary medical and diagnostic equipment.
Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to supervisor.
Supports HZI conservation programs (APC, Houston toads, sea turtles, Brazos water snake, EEHV) and other research efforts by collecting samples, gathering data, and collating information.
Assists with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA, or other industry activities as directed/approved by supervisor; provides support for the Zoo projects.
Represents the Houston Zoo in media requests, which may include, but is not limited to, audio, visual film, social, and written media.
Supports Zoo fundraising and development efforts through veterinary focused tours and donor event participation.
Trains and supports, veterinary students, ACZM resident, volunteers, and veterinary technician interns on procedures and protocols.
Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the veterinary clinic team and when working with other teams or departments. Demonstrates both verbal and written communication skills.
Actively participates in regular staff meetings to support communication, team collaboration, and continuous improvement
Maintains good communication and relationships with service providers, vendors; can trouble shoot problems with service providers via verbal (phone), written (email) or in person communication.
Remains current on annual Texas state mandated Continuing Education requirements for licensure
Active member of the Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (AZVT), contributing to professional development through ongoing participation in annual meetings, workshops, and industry initiatives.
Required to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protection actions.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
Degree from an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician program.
Status as a Licensed Veterinary Technician and ability to obtain Texas Veterinary Technician license within 6 months.
Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working in a veterinary clinic or hospital (or similar setting) with at least (1) year of diagnostic testing experience in a clinical or research laboratory setting.
Minimum of one (1) year of zoo experience in a veterinary clinic or equivalent work experience.
Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.
ABOUT THE HOUSTON ZOO
Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
