Facility
Henry Vilas Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Description
The Henry Vilas Zoo has a full-time vacancy for a Veterinary Technician.
We offer a wide range of benefits including fully paid dental and HMO health insurance premiums for full time employees. The County will also provide contributions towards POS health insurance premiums and short/long term disability. Additional benefits available include long term care, vision coverage, flex spending account and deferred compensation programs paid in full by the employee and a wellness program (for further details visit www.countyofdane.com/emprel). Employees hired after 7-1-11 must be expected to work a minimum of 1200 hours annually to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System when hired. Dane County also provides 6 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption of a child.
The eligible list created from this posting may be used for future Zoo Keeper vacancies for the
next six (6) months.
Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & INCLUSION
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
Under supervision, perform duties necessary to ensure the health, care and maintenance of zoo animals and the cleaning and maintenance of zoo enclosures, buildings and grounds. Provide animal care for a large and diverse zoological collection, closely monitor health and behavior.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Maintains and enriches the environment of zoo animals appropriately under the direction of supervisors and zoo veterinarian. Assists veterinarian in performing treatments, running diagnostics & monitoring patients, placing IV catheters, drawing blood, running lab tests, administering IV fluids, cleaning, feeding and caring for patients as needed. Prepares animals for surgery and monitors anesthesia and recovery as directed by zoo veterinarian. Assists zoo veterinarian with radiology and dentistry needs. Assist with inventory control of medicines. Responsible for overseeing all laboratory duties such as collecting, preparing and running or submitting samples under direction of zoo veterinarian. Observes and evaluates animal behavior, social interactions, feeding and breeding to identify animal health, security and well being. Records and reports observations to supervisor. Prepares foods and follows established feeding schedules and prescribed diets. Cleans animal enclosures and performs basic related animal care duties such as trimming nails, hooves, beaks and fur. Directs and controls animals within and between exhibit spaces. Assists veterinary staff in the diagnosis and treatment of animals. As directed, draws bodily fluids, takes fecal samples, and administers medications. Accurately records and maintains animal health details. Recommends changes to improve animal care and work method efficiencies. Cleans and disinfects animal habitat spaces. Cleans zoo buildings and grounds. Performs grounds maintenance duties such as cutting grass, trimming and planting shrubs and snow removal. Operates motorized equipment such as small tractors. Takes necessary precautions to ensure the safety of workers, animals, and the general public. Makes minor repairs to exhibit buildings and equipment. Picks up, loads and unloads animal food and supplies. Communicates, assists and interacts positively with the public. Trains, directs, and monitors the work of others as necessary. Assists the Maintenance Mechanic and other staff as necessary. Works effectively and cooperatively with other Zoo Keepers and management staff.
Education, Experience & Special Requirements
Education, Training and Experience:
Requires two (2) year associate degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – accredited college. Requires two (2) years of paid experience in the care and maintenance of zoo specimens at an AZA accredited or related facility within the last (3) years. Two years of coursework in zoological or closely related field may be substituted for one year of experience. Other combinations of education, training and/or experience that provide an equivalent background may also be considered. Additional credit will be given for further education in zoology, animal care or closely related field.
Special Requirements:
A valid Driver’s License (or eligibility for) is required. Must be available for work on nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Physical Requirements:
This position is active for the entire shift (standing, walking, stooping, twisting, lifting, bending, pushing, reaching, climbing, crouching and crawling). Must be able to repeatedly lift up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted and heavier loads with assistance. Must have the ability to use hands and feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling and operating controls and equipment.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of all aspects of zoo animal care, including husbandry, operant conditioning and training, animal behavior, habitat enrichment, nutrition, healthcare, reproductive physiology and animal diseases. Knowledge of proper animal handling, feeding, cleaning and care methods. Ability to observe animal behavior, identify changes and accurately record and report findings. Knowledge of animal hygiene and welfare requirements.
Perform laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood counts, fecal parasite exams, assist with dental prophylaxis, prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and assist veterinarians in a variety of tests and analyse as directed. Proficiency in working with different types of medical equipment, such as sterilization and diagnostic equipment, positioning and development of radiographs, and provide specialized nursing care.
Knowledge of building and grounds cleaning and maintenance methods and materials as they relate to the maintenance and cleaning of zoo exhibits. Knowledge of the operation and routine preventative maintenance of motorized equipment, such as small tractors, etc. Knowledge of relevant safety precautions and practices. Ability to organize and perform necessary duties in the most efficient, effective and safe manner. Knowledge of lead work principles and the ability to effectively train, direct, and monitor the work of others. Ability to work efficiently and cooperatively with others. Ability to make minor repairs to buildings, structures and equipment. Must have functional reasoning skills and the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and/or diagrammatic form. Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally, with other workers, supervisors and the general public. Ability to keep daily records related to animal care, wellbeing, feeding and other relevant information. Knowledge of emergency procedures including willingness to be on the safe assist team and the ability to effectively carrying out these procedures under extremely stressful conditions.
Education and Pre-requisites
Not specified.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
Not specified.