Description
This classification performs technical tasks associated with the health and veterinary care of the animal collection and administrative tasks in the maintenance of animal records for the City of Alexandria Zoo.
Position is under the supervision of the Veterinarian.
Examples of Duties
Responsible for the care of animals and maintenance of exhibits and grounds in the animal hospital and quarantine facilities and other care routines as assigned.
Aids in the smooth implementation of veterinary care of zoo animals and organizes veterinary rounds, procedures, and updates.
Observes animals daily to identify normal and abnormal behaviors related to husbandry and health issues; coordinates with senior staff on animal training programs to facilitate husbandry behaviors; assists in animal husbandry duties to ensure continuity of zoo operations.
Performs duties associated with the animals’ health care; assists the Veterinarian in surgical and dental procedures; dispenses medications as prescribed; runs lab samples to detect parasites or other abnormalities; makes daily rounds and provides nursing care to sick or injured animals; assists with preventative medicine practices, such as vaccines, fecal tests, and flea and pest control; prepares and provides food and enrichment to animals in hospital area.
Maintains animal records using current computer software (i.
e.
Species 360 ZIMS); enters animal transactions and pertinent data to database; maintains transaction files and helps keep animal inventory current and organized.
Assists with maintaining medical records; assists with coordination of animal transactions, including shipping, permits, billing, health, and husbandry forms.
Maintains loan agreements, contracts, permits, and annual updates.
Assists with the zoo’s historical animal archives and reports as assigned.
Maintains required Federal, State, and Local permits necessary for the exhibition, maintenance, and transport of wildlife in accordance with regulations, filing of annual federal and state reports, and renewal of permits as needed.
Ensures cleanliness of the animal hospital; maintains, cleans, packs, and sterilizes surgical, dental, and necropsy instruments; cleans and disinfects cages, habitats, and quarantine areas; assists in maintaining hospital supplies.
Captures and transports animals; moves animals between exhibits and hospital; assists in the restraint and capture of wild animals which may or may not be sedated; raises baby animals at home as required.
Provides information and assistance to the visiting public; assists with special events, educational programs, and public relations work.
Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve and modify data; operates general office equipment; operates, calibrates, and maintains all veterinary equipment and tools used in the performance of assigned duties.
Typical Qualifications
Associate’s degree or equivalent from an accredited veterinary technology program.
Two (2) years of zoological park or related facility experience, including knowledge of animal taxonomy, scientific nomenclature, and captive animals’ nutritional, husbandry, and medical requirements; OR two (2) years of animal records management and/or database management or administration experience, including record keeping software such as ZIMS, Tracks or equivalent for managing zoological records; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Must possess and maintain a Veterinary Technician’s license.
Will be required to obtain a valid Louisiana Registered Veterinary Technician certification within six (6) months of appointment.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Will be required to obtain a valid State of Louisiana driver’s license at time of appointment and maintain throughout employment.
The City of Alexandria is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, or disability.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
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