Zoological Veterinary Technician

Full Job Description

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is seeking to hire an enthusiastic and experienced Zoo Veterinary Technician. The Zoo Veterinary Technician provides clinical and technical support to veterinarians and oversees the daily operation of animal hospital and quarantine facilities. This position is responsible for animal care, medical assistance, and facility management related to veterinary treatment, anesthesia monitoring and recovery, and quarantine, while ensuring the highest standards of safety, biosecurity, and animal welfare.

For over 125 years The Virginia Zoological Park has been committed to saving and protecting the world's wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation action at home and around the world. Come live by the beautiful Chesapeake Bay; kayak launch sites are just outside our perimeter fence. We are situated 30 minutes from the ocean front and 3 hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians with medical diagnostics, clinical procedures, and animal treatments.
• Provide daily husbandry and patient care for animals housed in hospital and quarantine facilities.
• Administer medications and treatments prescribed by veterinarian, fill prescriptions, and perform laboratory analyses.
• Monitor animals pre-, during, and post-procedure and report changes in condition to veterinary staff.
• Maintain accurate and complete medical records.
• Ensure hospital and quarantine areas are clean, organized, following biosecurity protocols, and properly maintained.
• Maintain clinical equipment and supplies in proper working condition.
• Assist with animal acquisition, disposition, and transport between institutions.
• Support the care and rearing of neonates and juveniles, including hand-rearing when required.
• Collaborate closely with animal care staff and other Zoo departments to support animal health and welfare.
• Other duties as assigned by manager.

Work Environment and Conditions

• May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, or on-call shifts based on veterinary needs or animal cases.
• Involves indoor and outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• During severe weather events (e.g., hurricanes, snowstorms), may be required to remain on-site as a member of the Zoo’s ride-out team.
• Requires awareness of risks associated with working with exotic animals, including potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, and strict adherence to safety and biosecurity protocols.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse professional environment.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to follow established protocols and maintain a safe working environment.

Qualifications

Work requires knowledge of a specific vocational, administrative, or technical nature which may be obtained with a two-year associate's degree, diploma or equivalent from a college, technical, business, vocational, or correspondence school. Appropriate certification may be awarded upon satisfactory completion of advanced study or training. Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology from a program approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association, required.

Preferred License(s) and/or Certification(s):

• Must be a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) in the state of Virginia or have the ability to obtain licensure in the state of VA prior to start date.

One year of experience in the care and maintenance of exotic animals.

Additional Preferred Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years postgraduate clinical experience as a veterinary technician with 1-2 years of experience working in a zoo setting

• General knowledge of technical skills, restraint techniques, anatomy, physiology, and diseases of a wide variety of species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians

• Knowledge of laboratory diagnostic techniques for evaluation of samples including hematology, biochemistry, fecal examination and cytology.

• Experience administering medications to non-domestic species under veterinarian supervision, ordering and monitoring supplies, drugs and medical equipment.

• Other responsibilities include tracking drug expirations, logging drug inventory, and maintaining stock as well as consulting with keepers for information concerning drug administration and updates on the animal's health.

• Experience utilizing remote drug delivery systems

• Must have National Veterinary Technician Certification

• Must have a valid drivers’ license and obtain a Virginia driver’s license within 6 months of start date.

• Must become CPR certified within 6 months of start date.

Additional Information

Work hours: Working a flexible schedule, which can vary. Working weekends and holidays may be required.

Work location: Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby Street, Norfolk 23504