Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technician (Full-Time)

Organization: Saint Louis Zoo located in Saint Louis, Missouri

Directly Reports to: Zoological Manager/Animal Health

Classification: Non-Exempt/Hourly

Position Summary:

The Saint Louis Zoo is looking for a positive team member to join as a Veterinary Technician, joining a team of 17, comprised of Director of Animal Health, Assistant Director, four Staff Veterinarians, a Zoological Medicine Veterinary Resident, a Staff Pathologist, two Zoological Managers of Animal Health, five Veterinary Technicians, an Animal Health Keeper, and an Administrative Assistant. 

The current position will split time between our Forest Park campus 17,000 square foot Endangered Species Research Center and Veterinary Hospital building, and our 3,500 square foot hospital at WildCare Park (425-acre safari park and conservation center set to open in 2027) as well as our Sear’s Lehmann Jr. Wildlife Reserve (American Red Wolf conservation facility). Safety and animal welfare are integral to all work performed. The ability to work in various types of weather, and environments is necessary. 

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 but not required. 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.

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 lift 50 lbs., work safely and effectively with dangerous or exotic animals, and work effectively with Zoo employees
• Deal courteously and effectively with the public.
• Must be able to work both independently and with 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 and interns
• Work with keepers and animals to positively train for behaviors
• Process samples for biomaterials research request
• 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:

• Demonstrates a commitment to the Zoo’s mission statement and its’ core values.

• Must strive to decrease our environmental footprint to serve as models to our community to do the same through education and example.
• Performs duties in a service-oriented manner.
• Recognizes the needs of others and treats others with respect and dignity.
• Maintains good work habits and adheres to the employee handbook and all policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment and supports a commitment to equal employment opportunities.
• Demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety  
• Commitment to the Zoo’s Three Keys (Animals Always, People Matter, and Operational Excellence) and Core Values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance.

• COVID vaccinations are required for this position.

• All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.

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 position, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively through speaking and hearing. The employee frequently stands, walks, bends, reaches, and performs tasks requiring manual dexterity. The employee must frequently lift, carry, and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift, carry, and/or move up to 50 pounds. Assistance with animal restraint, transportation of equipment and supplies, and work in clinical, laboratory, and outdoor environments are routine components of the position. The ability to work in all weather conditions is required.

Work Schedule:

Days off will be either Friday-Saturday or Sunday-Monday. The ability to work a flexible schedule, including holidays and occasional early mornings and evenings to support animal procedures and other animal events, is required.

Application: 

Please include CV, Cover letter and 2 references. 

Please submit all application materials by June 26th.