Veterinary Technician

Job Title: Veterinary Technician
FLSA Status: Regular Full-time, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Veterinarian & General Curator
Department: Marine Operations Department (Veterinary Division)

**Job Summary:**This position has the responsibility of supplying veterinary technician and clinical laboratory technical support to the Park’s Veterinary Services staff. Assists with and performs supportive and medical tasks to ensure the health and welfare of all animals housed at Coral World Ocean Park. Performs the day-to-day functioning of the laboratory, quality control program and laboratory testing including but not limited to hematology, serum chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, fecal parasite exams, and water coliform tests.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions**):

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

1. Aids the Veterinarians as needed including support for anesthesia, endoscopy, surgery, radiology, ultrasound, dentistry, biopsies, necropsy, catheterization, and fluid therapy of birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish.

2. Communicates with staff, on-call veterinarian, and with designated supervisors as needed. Responds to emergencies, performs physical examinations, carries out treatment, collects diagnostic samples, and dispenses or administers medications as directed by Veterinarians.

3. Maintains a current veterinary supply inventory and coordinates procurement. Prepares purchase orders and check requests within Marine Operations budget with General Curator approval.

4. Assists in maintaining all veterinary medical records, logs, accurate data records and distributes laboratory results as directed.

5. Assumes primary responsibility for animal health laboratory procedures. Performs diagnostic tests on biological samples, using both manual and automated techniques.

6. Prepares, ships, and assists with tracking diagnostic samples.

7. Coordinates with Assistant Curators and personnel to track and maintain samples and ensures that laboratory is well stocked and resourced.

8. Maintains accurate data records and distributes laboratory results as directed.

9. Maintain, calibrate and quality control, on standard laboratory equipment (e.g. Idexx machine, Istat, centrifuge, microscopes, etc). Order, set-up, and learn new equipment as needed.

10. Complies with biohazard safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous biological material, including blood-borne pathogens in the workplace.

11. Maintains workspaces in safe and sanitary condition. Ensures areas are cleaned and controlled as appropriate. Performs quality control and routine maintenance of medical, surgical, diagnostic and clinic laboratory equipment.

12. Assists in presentations and preparation of education and visitor materials related to clinical animal laboratory topics, animal health and medical care.

13. Maintains on-call status after hours and on weekends as needed.

14. Acts as the lead on sea turtle stranding and recovery

15. Acts as the lead on bird, reptile, and other rehabilitation cases

16. Fosters good relations with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff members by promoting positive attitudes, good will, cooperation, and providing high standards of service.

17. Complies with all Coral World policies, procedures, and programs.

18. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position supervises Veterinary Services Interns and Volunteers

Work Environment: This job operates in a park environment. This job operates in a professional environment (indoor and outdoor). The employee will be exposed to sunny, warm, humid, and wet conditions. This role routinely uses standard equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, file cabinets, and fax machines.

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

· Ability to see, hear, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch; use arms and hands; handle objects, to write and handle tools and controls, and sit/stand for long periods.

· Ability to lift and move 50 pounds.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time position. Hours are scheduled between Sunday - Saturday based on the veterinary needs of the company.

Qualifications & Skills:

Required:

· Associate degree in clinical laboratory science or Veterinary Technician Certificate
A minimum of 2-years of clinical and laboratory experience as a veterinary technician, preferably in a Zoo or Aquarium setting.

· Ability to be organized, self-motivated, and possess a strong desire to see the completion of projects.

· Ability to speak and write effectively and be comfortable meeting new people and interfacing with diverse interests.

· Experience with Word, Excel, and Access.

· Knowledge of basic research methods and data collection techniques including the use of basic biological data collection equipment.

· Knowledge of applicable analytical laboratory equipment.

· Possess hazardous materials training and/or lab safety training.

· Ability to attain a Virgin Islands driver's license.

· Willingness to comply with background checks and random drug testing as determined by Coral World.

Preferred:

· Eligible for Virgin Islands licensure

· Strong cytology skills

· Basic ultrasound experience with marine mammals

Special Requirements:

· Must be a team player and be able to get along with others.

· Must be able to use tact in handling sensitive situations.

· Must be willing to work overtime, holidays, and weekends as requested by manager.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (example: emergencies, changes to personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments)

Please submit cover letter, resume, and references to [email protected] email to be considered for the position. References required. Please include the job title in the subject.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Veterinary experience: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Veterinary Technician Certificate (Preferred)

Work Location: In person