POSITION SUMMARY

Full and Part-Time Openings

The Veterinary Technician will support Southwest’s mission by providing veterinary care for sanctuary animals and immediate medical care of wildlife coming in on emergency. This position provides support for medical and surgical management of cases, administration of a preventive health program, diagnostic laboratory capabilities, basic animal husbandry, training, emergency triage/support, and other technical support.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administer preventive, routine, emergency medical and surgical care and treatment to animals in the sanctuary collection, and incoming wildlife. 
• Triage incoming wildlife trauma cases
• Assist in the restraint and immobilization of animals, including capture, physical restraint, administration of sedatives and anesthetics, intubation, monitoring of anesthesia, and facilitating recovery. 
• Assist with grounds checks, treatments, and vaccinations. 
• Ensure complete electronic and hard-copy medical records, including anesthesia records, controlled drug logs, treatment sheets, diagnostic laboratory results using ZIMS.
• Prepare for veterinary procedures in-hospital and on-grounds.  Post procedure: restore the order, cleanliness, and functionality of supplies and equipment. 
• Perform diagnostic tests in the hospital laboratory; additionally, research, prepare and coordinate submission of samples to outside diagnostic laboratories. 
• Maintain the hospital and associated animal enclosures to ensure veterinary standards of sanitation and welfare. 
• Maintain the cleanliness, order, and functionality of the laboratory, bio banked materials, necropsy area, pathology cooler, etc. and help ensure proper waste disposal 
• Work with all veterinary staff to support smooth, efficient, high-quality operation of hospital. 
• Assist with mentorship of veterinary students, veterinary technician interns, volunteers and new hospital employees. 
• Provide positive professional interactions and accurate information regarding animals in care to staff, visitors, vendors and volunteers. 
• Assist with the success of the guest experience component of the hospital  
• Must be available to work additional hours for medical and surgical care of animals and be on-call, if needed. 
• Maintain hospital equipment in good working order and troubleshoot as needed. 
• Provide care for animals that are hospitalized and in quarantine, including behavioral monitoring and training in conjunction with the animal care department. 
• Attend and actively participate in daily organizational meetings, hospital staff meetings and other meetings as needed. 
• Fill prescriptions and order routine and special-order pharmacy items. 
• Assist in keeping track of hospital inventory and supplies   
• Participate in other programs, such as conservation and community outreach, when possible and applicable.
• Provide support for biomaterials collection, banking, and send outs.
• Report and send electronically to all SWCC staff
• Ability to receive assignments and complete within appropriate time period with substantial independence
• Ability to interact with SWCC staff, volunteers and public in a professional and informative manner.

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. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED
• Must be willing and able to work evenings, weekends, holidays and extended    

days as needed

• Valid Drivers’ License.  Must have and maintain a clean driving record
• Must be able to pass a background check
• Must have excellent communication skills
• Must be a team player
• Must have competency in computer skills: word processor, spreadsheets, internet, and networks

Minimum Experience

• Some veterinary technician /animal care experience

Preferred Experience

• One year of veterinary technician care experience

EQUIPMENT USED:

• Laboratory tools and equipment
• Maintenance (golf) cart

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must have current rabies and tetanus vaccination status or be willing to obtain
• Must be in good physical condition with the ability to lift 50 pounds and to walk on uneven surfaces, climb low fencing, bend, twist and stretch 
• Must be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions, especially heat, dust and storms
• Must be able to obtain valid Arizona driver’s license and provide own transportation

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The noise level in the work environment is minimal

• Requires contact with wild animals, including animal dander, excrement, blood and hair
• Employees will encounter pests such as snakes, insects, and rodents 

APPLICATION PROCESS

 Please complete the Employment Application on our site at Southwestwildlife.org and forward it to HR@southwestwildlife.org.  NOTE: You may also attach your resume but the application must be completed in full.

We will review your materials and contact you if we wish to consider you further.  Thank you for your interest.

Human Resources

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer