Zoological Veterinary Technician

Zoological Veterinary Technician Salary $44,094.67 - $73,873.95 Annually Location: Norfolk, VA Job Type: Permanent Full-time Job Number: 13802 Department: Zoo Opening Date: 01/29/2026 Closing Date: Continuous

Benefits Questions

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 worlds 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.

Hiring Salary Range: $50,599.95 - $60,000

Essential Functions 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.

Education/Experience

• Work requires knowledge of a specific vocational, administrative, or technical nature which may be obtained with a two-year associates 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.
• Experience utilizing remote drug delivery systems.
• Must have National Veterinary Technician Certification.
• Must have a valid drivers license and obtain a Virginia drivers license within 6 months of start date.
• Must become CPR certified within 6 months of start date.

Additional Information & Requirements

• 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.
• Regular full-time and permanent part-time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave, employer-paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long-term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse, and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union, and employer-provided parking.
• Special project/grant employees are generally eligible for the same benefits of regular full-time employees; however, retirement, life insurance, and participation in health plans vary depending upon funding and authorization.
• Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer-provided parking and access to membership in credit union.

Supplemental Questions

1. Please select the highest level of education you have completed. High School Diploma/GED Some College (6 months or more) Vocational/Technical Degree Associates Degree Bachelors Degree Masters Degree or higher

2. Are you licensed to practice as a veterinary technician? Yes No

3. If yes, in what state(s) do you hold your license? If not, please type N/A.

4. Do you have experience preparing for medical procedures on exotic animals? Yes No

5. If yes, please list the species and procedures. If no, please type N/A.

6. Do you have experience restraining exotic animals? Yes No

7. If yes, please list the species and type of restraints you have used. If no, please type N/A.

8. Briefly describe your experience leading a staff or public tour or presentation to either.

9. Do you have experience administering drugs via remote delivery? Yes No

10. If yes, please list devices you are comfortable using. If no, please type N/A.

11. Have you ever worked as the only veterinary technician on-site with a vet on call? Yes No

12. If yes, describe your experience. If no, please type N/A.

13. Rate your skill level reading manual differentials and fecal examinations in mammals (hoofstock, carnivores, primates). Beginner Novice Expert

14. Rate your skill level reading manual differentials and fecal examinations in reptiles. Beginner Novice Expert

15. Rate your skill level reading manual differentials and fecal examinations in birds. Beginner Novice Expert

16. Rate your skill level reading manual differentials and fecal examinations in amphibians. Beginner Novice Expert

17. Please list the veterinary diagnostic equipment you have experience setting up, operating, and troubleshooting.

18. Do you have experience using ZIMS? Yes No

19. Please rate your skill level using ZIMS. Beginner Novice Expert

20. The expected hiring salary range for this position is $50,599.95 - $60,000, commensurate with experience. Are you willing to accept a salary within this range? Yes No

21. Please indicate your veteran status. I am not a Veteran I am a Veteran I am a Disabled Veteran

22. Are you a current or previous City of Norfolk employee? Yes - I am a current City of Norfolk Employee Yes - I am a previous City of Norfolk Employee No - I am not a previous or current City of Norfolk employee

23. If you were referred for this position by a current City of Norfolk employee, please provide the employees full name, department, and job title, and your relationship to the employee. If not, please indicate by typing "N/A."