Veterinary Technician

The Veterinary Technician is responsible forprovidingmedical care and upholding welfare for a diverse collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates, supports conservation and research initiatives,and departmental operations.

Our Mission:

The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision:

To be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery of patients
• Responsible for administering and monitoring anesthesia in a variety of species including large,dangerous and venomous animals, ensuring patient safety throughout surgical and diagnostic procedures.
• Utilize controlled substances and super-potent narcotics (schedule II) responsibly and safely following DEA and Texas Animal Health Commission regulatory guidelines.
• Serves on dart team and works collaboratively with the firearms team during animal containment emergencies.
• Surgicalassistancein sterile and non-sterile procedures
• Diagnostic imaging, including radiology,ultrasonography, and computed tomography
• Adheres to radiation safety practices and regulations outlined by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Dental prophylaxis and dental radiography
• Administration of medications via oral, intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC) routes.
• Performs a range of veterinary diagnostic laboratory procedures, including manual preparation and microscopic interpretation of blood smears, fecal examinations, cytologic evaluation of various sample types, and comprehensive urinalysis.
• Proficient in operating laboratory equipment for the processing and analysis of routine and diagnostic samples and ensures proper handling and shipment of specimen samples to reference laboratories
• Euthanizes animals humanely and ethically aligned with AAZV and AVMA Euthanasia Guidelines under the guidance of a veterinarian.
• Performs animal necropsy procedures with veterinary oversight, including specimen collection, tissue sampling, and proper handling and submission for diagnostic testing; ensuresaccuratedocumentation, follows AZA SSP/TAG necropsyguidelinesand adheres to all biosecurity and safety protocols.
• Responsible for triaging native wildlife cases, performing initial evaluations, andinitiatingbasic supportive care under veterinary guidance.
• Prepares medical procedures by setting up necessary equipment and supplies, ensures proper cleanup and disinfection following procedures, andmaintainsmedical instruments and equipment in good working condition.
• Maintainsaccurateandtimelydocumentation, including anesthesia monitoring data, veterinary medical records, daily logs, and research data,in accordance with established protocols. Utilizes TRACKS and Microsoft Office applications to record and manage data.
• Partners with animal keepers to train medical husbandry behaviors.
• Performs husbandry tasks such as cleaning, feeding, and/or maintenance as needed.
• Executes pharmacy related duties with accuracy such as calculating precise dosages and dilutions, medication preparation and compounding, prescription fulfillment and handling, and drug administration.
• Responsible for the secure handling, preparation, dispensing, and documentation of controlled substance sin accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Ensuresproper inventory control,accurate recordkeeping, and compliance with DEA guidelines.
• Ensures the veterinary clinicremainsclean, well-organized, and fully functional by managing inventory levels, restocking supplies, andmaintainingcleanliness and readiness of all treatment and exam areas.
• Maintains a safe work environment andmaintainsstandards and regulations of AZA, AAZV, USDA, OSHA, DEA, Texas Department of State Health, Texas Animal Health Commission, and other regulatory agencies and associations as they apply to zoological institutions and veterinary programs/facilities.
• Ensures compliance and provides guidance on zoonotic disease risks and implements appropriate biosecurity and public health practices in compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations
• Demonstratestheappropriate useofandperformsmaintenance on veterinary medical and diagnostic equipment.
• Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to supervisor.
• SupportsHZI conservation programs (APC, Houston toads, sea turtles, Brazos water snake, EEHV) and other research efforts by collecting samples,…