QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come from both formal and informal experiences including education, paid work, volunteer service, and life experience. Those who meet the majority of the requirements for a position are encouraged to apply.
Education and work experience
- Graduate from an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program.
- Credentialed (CVT, RVT or LVT) and able to obtain an Alabama license within 3 months of employment.
- At least 1 year paid experience in a veterinary hospital. Experience with exotics and zoo animals in an AZA accredited zoo are preferred.
- Must be, or expected to become member of AZVT. AVTA membership encouraged.
Skills and Knowledge
- Ability to multi-task and coordinate with others to provide deliverables on an agreed upon deadline.
- Ability to think critically and demonstrated time-management skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey scientific information clearly and concisely.
- Must have good presentation and public speaking skills.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook; experience with ZIMS, web-based record system, preferred.
- Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
Desirable qualities
- Strong interest in advancing the conservation missions of zoos and aquariums.
- Aligning with the Zoo’s core values: passion, excellence, teamwork, sustainability, diversity and inclusion.
- High self-motivation and a detail-oriented work ethic.
- Professional, positive, and enthusiastic demeanor.
Other Requirements:
- Must have current negative TB test and rabies titer and provide documentation, or be willing to have a TB test and rabies titer performed.
- Must be First Aid/CPR certified or willing to be trained and certified.
- Seasonal influenza vaccination encouraged.
- COVID vaccination required.
- Must be willing to travel locally. Must have a current valid driver’s license with no prior traffic violations (within the last five years).
POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK
- Full time, 7:30am-4:30pm
- Weekdays and weekends required, with occasional evening hours and holidays.
- Will be in “On Call” rotation.
BENEFITS
- Annual veterinary technician license renewal costs and initial license transfer fees (if applicable) covered
- Required annual CE, for license renewal, costs covered (registration, travel, and time off)
- Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians(AZVT) annual membership dues covered
- Provide support for interested applicants in becoming certified as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in the field of zoo medicine(exam fee, travel, and time off)
- Sweatshirt, jacket, and embroidered uniform scrub tops provided
- Paid time off (vacation, personal, holidays, and bereavement leave)
- Medical health insurance costs partially covered
- Dental and vision health insurance options available
- Basic life insurance and accidental death, and dismemberment policies covered for employee
- Critical illness and accident insurance options available
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- 401K plan
- Short term disability covered
- Long term disability option available
- Flexible spending account option available
- After one year, eligible to apply for a Passion Into Conservation Action (PiCA) grant, which is a Zoo funded conservation research project
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Birmingham Zoo is dedicated to creating a global community where all people value wildlife and wild places. As a workplace, the Zoo is guided by its core values: Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Sustainability, and Diversity & Inclusion. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodiverse individuals, and those with diverse lived experiences are encouraged to apply for this role.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and functions of this position.
Birmingham Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.
If selected, a background check and drug test will be conducted prior to beginning employment.