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Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Veterinary Technician
The Greater Cleveland Aquarium energizes curiosity about aquatic life and the environment to inspire positive action. Situated in a historically registered Powerhouse that lends amazing architecture for a wide variety of exhibits, ranging up to 230,000 gallons.
Greater Cleveland Aquarium is seeking an enthusiastic, passionate, conservation-minded individual to join the Curation team. The Veterinary Technician position is a high energy job that requires attention to detail, time management, effective communication skills, guest engagement and collaboration within a team. Under the guidance of the Veterinarian and Curator, works directly with collection animals performing diagnostic procedures and administering treatments while delivering a high standard of work performance in the areas of animal and exhibit husbandry.
Responsibilities
- Assists in the medical care and animal husbandry of the animal collection including all species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.
- Conducts routine animal husbandry for quarantine, exhibit, and holding spaces including maintenance and water changes.
- Administers treatments and dispenses medications to animals as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Assist veterinarian in medical and surgical procedures of animals including procedural set-up and clean-up, animal restraint, anesthetic monitoring, medication administration, sample collection, and operating equipment.
- Coordinates medical rounds and gives progress reports.
- Proficient in diagnostic testing (including blood, fecal, cytology), quarantine procedures and preventative health.
- Perform in-house laboratory procedures and responsible for processing and management of diagnostic sample submissions for shipment to outside labs.
- Performing postmortem evaluations and cleaning/organizing the specimen storage.
- Maintains diagnostic and medical records at the highest standards including filing, data entry and organizing.
- Oversees animal nutrition standards such as proper food handling, diets, preparation, feeding, and monitoring of growth and breeding activity.
- Maintains excellent cross functional team relations working closely with the Aquarists, Water Quality Technician and Animal Care Team.
- Primary for ordering and maintaining inventory of supplies, medications, and other clinically related items.
- Performs housekeeping and maintenance of treatment spaces.
- Ability to maintain daily consultation with veterinarian via phone and internet, in addition to transport trips to vet office as needed.
- Coordinates programs and staff training for biosecurity, zoonotic diseases, biohazard waste disposal, etc.
- Participates in conservation field operations and scientific studies.
- Performs other related duties required by Veterinarian and Curator to maintain and operate the department safely and efficiently.
Position Requirements
- Veterinary Technician degree from an AVMA accredited program.
- Minimum of 1 year of veterinary technical experience, with experience working with exotic, aquatic, and/or zoo animals preferred.
- Extensive experience in animal husbandry, across a range of topics including but not limited to aquatic husbandry, animal nutrition, breeding, behavior, and training.
- Required cross-training shifts at Veterinarian office locations depending on experience.
- Working knowledge of veterinary principles; anatomy, pharmacology, parasitology, hematology, radiology, anesthesiology, urinalysis, clinical, and surgical techniques.
- Ability to maintain an elevated level of confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity.
- Above average leadership skills and the ability to organize, manage time and set priorities while meeting deadlines.
- Ability to take directions and make independent decisions when required.
- Effective problem analysis and resolution skills.
- Demonstrate a strong dedication to furthering one’s knowledge about animal collection and overall operation.
- Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet departmental requirements and program needs.
- Superior verbal and written communication skills essential.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook) and ability to research and analyze several types of data/information.
- Attend animal health-related meetings or conferences for continuing education, networking, and information dissemination.
- SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) certification or the ability to become certified is ideal.
- Must be able to work varying shifts, weekends, evenings, and holidays.
- Must be able to work on-call shifts and be able to report to Aquarium.
- Work well as a team, and independently while providing coverage for co-workers.
- Demonstrate ability to follow all safety precautions and be willing to work with conditions associated with an animal care facility, such as venomous or poisonous species, disinfectant chemicals, potential zoonotic diseases and being wet.
- Must be able to work well under stress dealing with live animals.
Physical Demands
- Continuously stand, walk, and use of hand dexterity for fine movements and handling.
- Frequently climb, bend, stoop, crouch, and reach.
- Frequently push, pull, lift, and carry supplies up to 70 pounds.
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
2000 Sycamore Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
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