Veterinary Technician

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us .

Provide skilled and collaborative technical assistance to the veterinary department. This position works in a team atmosphere that strives to provide a progressive and consistently high standard of care to ensure animal health, safety, and well-being.

• Under supervision by veterinarians, participates in all aspects of medical care of zoo animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
• Administers anesthesia under direct supervision by veterinarians, including drug handling, dart preparation, induction, maintenance, monitoring, recovery, and recordkeeping.
• Performs skilled patient care and nursing under direct or indirect supervision by veterinarians.
• Performs diagnostic testing using in-house laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Prepares biological specimens for shipment to external laboratories, pursuant to IATA and DOT requirements and training.
• Dispenses and administers medications and vaccinations as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Maintains accurate records of clinical activities, laboratory results, and biomaterials storage, including competent use of Tracks or similar electronic medical record system.
• Participates in the veterinary team response to animal escape, human ultra potent drug exposure, fire and other zoo emergencies, and all related drills.
• Performs triage assessment and treatment of free-ranging wildlife under indirect supervision, including administration of euthanasia as directed by veterinarians.
• Participates in positive reinforcement training related to the medical care of zoo animals in coordination with the Behavioral Husbandry and Enrichment team.
• Prepares hospital areas, equipment, and supplies in advance of scheduled procedures, including sterile surgeries.
• Operates and coordinates preventive maintenance of hospital equipment including but not limited to radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, dentistry, anesthesia and ventilator systems, and patient monitoring and support.
• Coordinates and performs cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and organization of hospital areas, equipment, and instruments, including coordination of support from other Veterinary and Operations Department personnel as applicable.
• Operates and coordinates preventive maintenance of instrument cleaning and sterilization equipment including but not limited to ultrasonic cleaner, steam autoclave, and plasma sterilizer.
• Operates and coordinates preventive maintenance of diagnostic laboratory equipment, including but not limited to point-of-care analyzers, microscope, centrifuge, incubator, fume hood, and cold storage.
• Organizes and maintains pharmacy and supply inventory, and orders pharmaceuticals and supplies as directed by veterinarians.
• Coordinates separation and appropriate disposal of pharmaceutical, laboratory, and necropsy waste pursuant to EPA regulations, including scheduling waste disposal contractors.
• Assists with post-mortem examinations by participation in necropsies, sample handling, and cleaning as requested by veterinarians.
• Participates in onboarding of newly hired certified veterinary technicians in coordination with veterinarians, including orientation to hospital operations and specialized training in zoological medicine as requested.
• Guides and instructs veterinary preceptors and veterinary technician students, Zoo Med Support Intern,…