Veterinary Technician

The role

The Veterinary Technician provides technical support to veterinary and animal management staff in the hospital and field. This role assists with animal health programs for over 400 species including anesthesia, radiology, and surgical support.

What you will do

• Maintain professional conduct and model organization values
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Perform monitoring on anesthetized animals using pulse oximetry, EKG, blood pressure, and blood gas machines
• Assist veterinary staff in recognizing and correcting animal medical emergencies
• Provide intensive care for critical animals
• Assist with the care of hospitalized and quarantined patients
• Perform basic animal handling techniques and assist veterinarians in administering treatments
• Understand setup, use and cleaning procedures for medical equipment and instruments
• Provide laboratory support including hematology, parasitology, and cytology
• Assist veterinarians in basic necropsy procedures and sample collection

Required qualifications

• Degree as a graduate Veterinary Technician or Equivalent
• Tennessee State License or ability to receive licensing in nine months from date of hire
• Minimum of two years experience as a veterinary technician working with exotics with an emphasis on zoo medicine
• Strong laboratory skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Above average written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity
• Frequently standing and walking for most of an 8–10‑hour shift
• Regularly bend, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive motions
• Frequently lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs and occasionally up to 75 lbs with assistance
• Navigating ladders, stairs, uneven terrain, and wet or slippery surfaces
• Strong hand dexterity, clear verbal communication, and adequate vision and hearing

Nice to have

• Opportunities exist for assisting with conservation research

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services
• Complimentary membership benefits
• Life insurance
• Long term and short term disability
• Company funded Health Reimbursement Accounts and Health Savings Accounts
• Paid holidays

Before you apply

• Must successfully complete a criminal background check
• Must pass a drug screening
• Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment

About the company

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. It is an AZA accredited facility.