Registered Veterinary Technician

Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

Denver Zoo honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do.

The Registered Veterinary Technician provides support for medical and surgical management of cases, administration of a preventive health program, diagnostic laboratory and imaging capabilities, medical husbandry/animal training, and overall technical support for veterinary operations. This position is part of a highly cohesive and progressive Veterinary Medicine team that includes the Senior Director of Animal Health, three Clinical Veterinarians, the Veterinary Pathologist, the Veterinary Operations Manager/Registered Veterinary Technician, and five clinical Registered Veterinary Technicians. Denver Zoo recently opened the 22,000 square foot state-of-the-art Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital that features an extensive suite of advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, including in-house computed tomography (CT). 

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests. If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paces and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you! 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Priority 1 - Veterinary Care

• Assist with preventive, routine, emergency medical and surgical care, and treatment of animals in the zoo's collection, both in the hospital and on the grounds.
• Assist in the restraint and immobilization of animals, including capture, physical restraint, administration of sedatives and anesthetics, monitoring anesthesia, and facilitating recovery.
• Perform triage, treatments, and overall medical care for hospitalized patients.
• Prepare for veterinary procedures in-hospital and on-grounds.
• Fill prescriptions and order routine and special-order pharmacy items.
• Perform diagnostic tests in the hospital laboratory, including in-house bloodwork, cytology, fecal evaluation.
• Research, prepare and coordinate submission of samples to outside diagnostic laboratories using IATA biological substance category B shipping protocols.

Priority 2 - Compliance

• Ensures complete electronic and hard-copy medical records, including anesthesia records, controlled drug logs, treatment sheets, diagnostic laboratory results, and animal care sheets.
• Maintain hospital security by performing end-of-day checks on hospital doors, pharmacy, and animal areas.
• Prepare for and participate in accrediting intuitional on-site inspections, like USDA and AZA.

Priority 3 - Operations

• Order, acquire, and maintain veterinary equipment and supplies.
• Maintain the hospital to ensure veterinary standards of sanitation and welfare.
• Maintain the cleanliness, order, and functionality of the laboratory, bio-banked materials, pathology suite and cooler, and incinerator; ensure proper disposal of all medical waste.
• Engage with guests in the hospital visitor and education center with focus on inspiring awe and supporting guest experience.

Priority 4 - Collaboration

• Assist with mentorship of veterinary students, veterinary technician interns, volunteers, and new hospital employees.
• Maintain positive professional relationships within the Veterinary Medicine team and among our One Zoo Team, contributing to overall positive culture by living into Denver Zoo’s Core Values (Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, Transformative).
• Engage in positive professional interactions with all Zoo guests, vendors, volunteers, and staff, conveying accurate information when appropriate.

Other Duties/Responsibilities

• Other assistance, as designated by the Veterinary Operations Manager, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. Denver Zoo retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• Acts as a good steward of Denver Zoo’s resources.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo.
• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Associate degree in veterinary technology from an AVMA accredited institution.
• At least 1 year experience in a zoo setting or in a specialty practice. Experience working with exotics is highly desired.
• Basic computer skills including, Microsoft Office Suite is preferred.
• Requires organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks. Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Requires the ability to embrace, support, and integrate Denver Zoo’s philosophies to promote and demonstrate its commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check, and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Valid driver's license with a clear driving record.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Requires current negative TB test, rabies and tetanus vaccination
• Schedule Availability: Five-day work week; Sunday–Thursday or Tuesday–Saturday. Occasional evenings.
• Work Location: On campus
• Licenses/Certifications: Currently a credentialed veterinary technician and ability to receive certification by Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians (CACVT) and registration with Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) within 3 months. Must complete bi-annual CE requirements to maintain an active status with the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians (CACVT). 

Compensation

Range for this position is $28.62 - $36.07 (hourly).

Application Process and Timelines

Application deadline: April 30th, 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. 

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role. 

Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org