Position: Veterinary Technician
Organization: Saint Louis Zoo located in Saint Louis, Missouri
Directly Reports to: Zoological Manager/Animal Health
About the Saint Louis Zoo:
The world renowned Saint Louis Zoo is dedicated to saving species and bringing people and wildlife together. Home to over 16,000 animals, many of which are endangered. Entry is free every day for everyone, an important part of our commitment to people and animals – always.
Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/
About St. Louis, Mo:
From Explore St. Louis: “Urban explorer, outdoor adventurer, aficionado of family fun – no matter your travel persona, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Louis. The city is brimming with free, world-class attractions and boasts an arts-and-culture scene that’s second to none. Plus, fans of fresh air will be surprised and delighted by our flourishing public parks, miles of trails and exhilarating waterways. Sprinkle in a bit of our secret sauce – the warmth and hospitality of the residents – and you’ll discover that St. Louis dishes up undeniably epic travel experiences. Don’t take our word for it, though. Come and see for yourself.” Learn more at https://explorestlouis.com/
Position Summary:
The Saint Louis Zoo is looking for a positive team member to work with our hospital staff comprised of a Director of Animal Health, 3 clinical veterinarians, 1 zoological medicine veterinary resident, 1 pathologist, 1 Zoological Manager/Animal Health, 4 technicians, 2 Quarantine Keepers, and an administrative assistant.
This position would provide clinical care under the supervision of the veterinarians to animals at our 3 facilities: our campus in Forest Park, WildCare Park and Sears Lehmann Jr Wildlife Reserve, a red wolf breeding center. The current position will be based at our campus in Forest Park. This position is responsible for working within the team to provide clinical support in the areas of radiology, anesthesia and surgery. Advanced skills in anesthetic monitoring, ventilator use and direct blood pressure monitoring are desirable. In-house laboratory work includes parasitology, urinalysis and cytology, and knowledge of proper shipping procedures for biological samples. Support for our pathology team may include assisting with gross necropsy, entering data, packaging tissues and processing tissue for histopathology. Safety and animal welfare are integral to all work we perform. The ability to work in various types of weather, and environments is necessary.
This position requires a dynamic, kind, and compassionate individual. Candidates should demonstrate a teamwork style that fosters an atmosphere of inclusion, teamwork, and safety, and promotes the Zoo’s core values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance).
Qualifications:
- Graduate of an accredited veterinary technology program and passage of VTNE
- Possession of /or ability to obtain a Missouri veterinary technician license within 6 months of hire
- Strong clinical skills, especially experience with anesthesia
- A working knowledge of animal diseases and methods of preventing the spread of contagious disease
- Ability to lift 50 lbs., work safely and effectively with dangerous or exotic animals, and work effectively with Zoo employees
- Deal courteously and effectively with our guests
- Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team
Responsibilities:
- Perform clinical duties including anesthesia, radiology and surgical assisting
- Operate, maintain and calibrate laboratory and clinical equipment
- Perform in-house laboratory testing as well as package samples for testing at outside laboratories
- Ability to follow DEA, AZA and USDA regulations
- Understand regulations regarding shipping of biological materials
- Detailed entry of medical records
- Fulfillment and delivery of prescriptions
- Restocking, cleaning, packing for procedures
- Provide support to our pathology team send out samples, assist with gross necropsy
- Work with and assist with training of veterinary students, hospital interns, and residents
- Work with keepers and animals to positively train for behaviors
- Process samples for biomaterials research requests
- This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by management
Additional Expectations:
- Maintains good work habits and adheres to the employee handbook and all policies and procedures
- Demonstrates a commitment to the Zoo’s mission statement, to the Zoo’s Three Keys (Animals Always, People Matter, and Operational Excellence) and Core Values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance)
- Performs duties in a service-oriented manner
- Demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety
- Must be dedicated to growing and improving our Zoo’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion
- Recognizes the needs of others and treats others with respect and dignity
- Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment and supports a commitment to equal employment opportunities.
- Must strive to decrease our environmental footprint to serve as models to our community to do the same through education and example
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform some of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Ability to work in all types of weather is required.
Work Schedule:
Regular days off will be either Friday-Saturday or Sunday-Monday. Ability to work a flexible schedule, on holidays, and evenings for animal procedures and events will be necessary at times.
COVID vaccinations are required for this position.
All successful candidates for this position will be required to submit to a criminal background check and drug test.
