Veterinary Technician (Eehv & Clinical)

Assists with medical program at the veterinary hospital to ensure excellent animal health services.

• Maintains the organization and maintenance of medical record keeping; provides relevant medical records; assists in the shipment of animals and shipping of specimens for diagnostic and/or research purposes; assists as liaison for the Zoo to related institutions; ensures compliance with regulations and SSP, TAG and other institutional obligations.
• Responsible for all aspects of the Columbus Zoo’s Elephant Endothelial Herpes Virus (EEHV) lab, including (but not limited to) performing assays, developing lab protocols, maintaining appropriate equipment and supplies. This will be up to 50% of this technician’s time. This may require working on weekends or evenings if needed for emergencies. The remaining time will be spent working in the Clinical lab.
• Performs maintenance, cleanliness and sterility of hospital facilities and equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.
• Follows technical protocols, maintains quality control and accuracy of laboratory clinical techniques.
• Provides daily medical care including but not limited to assisting in medical procedures, administering medications, and feeding and cleaning animals under veterinary care. These responsibilities will fill the time not required by EEHV lab and Clinical lab.
• Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
• Frequently provides laboratory analyses including hematology, chemistry, parasitology, and other clinical pathological procedures; ensures quality control of laboratory results; maintains the diagnostic equipment in calibrated working order; maintains the laboratory in a clean, professional state.
• Processes medical samples for diagnostic testing and banking for future use.
• Maintains cooperative working relationship with animal care department to provide superior medical care for the collection.
• Performs maintenance of inventory of required surgical, medical, pharmacological and office supplies.
• Submits pathology samples to laboratory, and distributes other biological samples to researchers, museums, and universities.
• Performs procurement of all outside laboratory and veterinary consulting services.

• Strong clinical and research lab skills desired.
• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) certification by the state of Ohio veterinary medical board required.
• Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and follow-up treatment required.
• Degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology and graduation from an accredited Veterinary Technology Program or equivalent combination of training/experience required.
• Ability to provide excellent guest service by interacting with guests positively and upholding the Make it G.R.E.A.T. standards required.
• Experience in working with non-mammals desired.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays required. May be required to take on –call responsibilities for clinical and lab duties.
• Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all team members of the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks and contacts regarding company business required.
• Experience in working in a zoo environment desired.
• A minimum of one year lab and/or zoo experience required.
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required.
• Knowledge of exotic animals and their medicine strongly desired.
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.