Veterinary Technician (Animal Health Technician/Supervising Animal Keeper) County of Bergen - Department of Parks - Bergen County Zoo

Under the direction of the Veterinarian and Zoo Curator, monitors the overall health of the animal collection at the Bergen County Zoo and cares for and treats sick or injured animals. Bergen County Zoo is seeking a full-time licensed veterinary technician to perform duties related to the medical care and management of the health and well-being of our animal collection. The veterinary technician is involved in the daily operation and maintenance of the Zoo’s hospital and records.

Job Responsibilities (include but are not limited to)

• Duties include, but are not limited to, medicating, and observing animals, performing laboratory tests, conducting routine fecal analysis, running x-ray equipment, assisting the Veterinarian during surgeries, cleaning hospital cages, supervising assigned staff, training staff in the care and feeding of the animal collection, and other work as assigned.
• Renders treatment to sick or injured animals as directed by the Veterinarian and/or Zoo Curator.
• Medicates animals as prescribed.
• May perform preliminary visual or physical examination of animals and report findings to the Veterinarian and/or Zoo Curator.
• Performs diagnostics, including radiographs and routine laboratory tests.
• Assists in the development of new Zoo displays and animal exhibits.
• Has knowledge of animal care and handling.
• Assists in surgery by participating in sedation/immobilization, surgery site preparation, IV catheter placement, anesthetic monitoring, and patient recovery. Duties also include record keeping, sterilizing instruments, securing supplies, and cleaning the operating area.
• Disinfects cages for the control and eradication of infections and communicable diseases.
• Under the direction of the Veterinarian, would be involved in euthanasia and necropsy of terminally sick animals.
• May directly supervise the activities of the principal Animal Keeper and rest of the Animal Keeping staff regarding animal medical issues.
• Gathers and records information regarding cases to prepare animal patients for examinations and ready drugs and equipment for use.
• Helps to organize and maintain the Zoo’s technical library to ensure a complete selection of necessary volumes pertinent to the Zoo’s operation.
• May attend conferences or continuing education courses related to the veterinary care field.
• Has knowledge of zoology, biology, and animal management.
• Is able to recognize and analyze problems with the purpose of solving them in an efficient and effective manner.

Education and Other Requirements:

• B.S. in Veterinary Technology or Associate’s Degree/Degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology.
• Licensed as a Veterinary Technician in New Jersey.
• Zoo or exotic animal experience preferred.

Schedule:

• Full Time, 40 hours per week / Occasional overtime.
• Must work one weekend day and some holidays.

Email completed application form and resume to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – put in subject line “Applying for Veterinary Technician position.”

The County of Bergen is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of the County of Bergen not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.