Veterinary Technician

Minimum starting pay for this role is $24.00. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

The veterinary technician will perform duties relevant to operation and application of the animal health care program under direction of the staff veterinarian.

The Veterinary Technician’s Responsibilities Include:

• Administering or assisting with scheduling and administration of animal medical treatments as directed by the staff veterinarian within the limitations of the California Code of Regulations sections 2034 & 2036
• Assisting with surgical procedures as directed by the staff veterinarian within the limitations of the California Code of Regulations sections 2034 & 2036
• Performing husbandry care for hospitalized animals and completing scheduled animal treatments and treatment forms
• Performing inventory and ordering hospital supplies and pharmaceuticals and shipping and tracking deliveries from/to multiple vendors.
• Performing laboratory and diagnostic testing as directed by the staff veterinarian
• Participating in the educational programming at the hospital including updating signs and AV programs, public speaking, and guest interactions
• Keeping the hospital and surrounding areas tidy, clean, and maintaining veterinary equipment and facilities in proper working order
• Recording, filing and assisting with other office duties as required to support the animal health care program or approved research projects
• Coordinating and supervising the work of any veterinary volunteers and students assigned to work the same shift
• Coordinating and communicating all necessary information to maintain continuity in animal care and other duties with the veterinary team (coverage notes, rounds notes)

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Certification of passing the RVT examination, graduation from a veterinary technician training program, or bachelor’s degree in an animal related field plus 2 years of full time work experience as a veterinary technician
• One or more years’ experience as an animal keeper or veterinary assistant at a captive exotic animal facility such as a zoo, aquarium, laboratory, or wildlife center. An emphasis on aquatic animal husbandry is preferred.

Knowledge And Skills

• Working knowledge of husbandry skills for animal species including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates
• Advanced understanding of veterinary technician skills including animal handling, animal medical treatment methods, familiarity with pharmacology and drug dosing
• Ability to set up and use veterinary medical supplies and advanced equipment (portable radiology, ultrasound, endoscopy, anesthetic monitoring equipment)for treatment, hospitalization, diagnosis and surgery
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks while adhering to a schedule
• Excellent communication skills including comfort with large group public speaking and guest interaction
• Adherence to the high standards of veterinary medical ethics and professionalism including the AoP social media policy
• Basic computer skills including typing, word processing, electronic mail and Internet use

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time
• Ability to balance bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist
• Ability to lift and carry up to 0-50lbs
• Ability to pull and push up to 0-100lbs
• Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to respond to unpredictable animals
• Exposure to injury from animals
• Exposed to working in confined spaces
• Food preparation with fish and shellfish
• Exposure to various in temperature, humidity or wetness
• Wet, dirty, uneven surfaces and walkways
• Elevated platforms
• Use of special auditory, visual, and personal protective equipment
• Exposed to working with bio-hazards
• Use of hand tools, machinery and company vehicles
• Aquarium habitats and open ocean environments

Interested or Qualified?

If you meet the requirements of this position, click on the link below to “APPLY NOW.” You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required by all applicants. There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select:

1. You will complete a brief web application;
2. You will attach or build your resume;
3. You will complete the PCI aptitude assessment.

Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration. If you are among the most qualified applicants, we will contact you within two to three weeks. If you do not hear from us within that time, feel free to reapply in the future as other opportunities arise. Thank you so much for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific!

Aquarium of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.

APPLY NOW