Licensed Veterinary Technician

Description

At Virginia Living Museum, we inspire people to discover, care for, and protect the natural world. Home to 1,100+ Virginia native species, we connect with our community through immersive experiences, innovative partnerships, and investments in sustainability.

Accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), Virginia Living Museum is one of only fifteen institutions in the country to hold both distinctions. Community volunteers outnumber staff by approximately 8:1, extending our reach and strengthening our mission every day.

Our full-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including 35 days of paid time off per year (9 holidays, a birthday, 10 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 3 personal days), fully paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance, dental coverage, and health insurance costs full or partially subsidized by the Museum. Additional benefits include a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and the option to participate in a 401(k) retirement plan.

Join this dynamic organizational culture to inspire and connect people with the natural world!

Full Time, Exempt, 37.5 - 40 hours/week (on-site)

Living Exhibits

The Veterinary Technician is responsible for providing the Museum with clinical support in the medical care of the museum’s live animal collection. This position collaborates with the museum’s Lead Veterinarian, Senior Director of Living Exhibits, Curators, animal care staff, and volunteers to implement the veterinary care program and maintain all veterinary department equipment and protocols to the highest AZA standards. This position’s priorities align with the VLM strategic plan's three core initiatives: immersive experiences, innovative partnerships, and investments for sustainability.

This position reports to the Lead Veterinarian.

• Degree obtained from an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technology Program
• Maintains all appropriate veterinary technician licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia
• One year of experience as a veterinary technician in a zoological, aquarium, or exotic animal specialty practice/setting required. Three or more years of experience preferred
• Proficiency in animal restraint, sample collection techniques, sedation and anesthesia monitoring, cytology, hematology, parasitology, radiograph positioning, and intravenous catheter placement
• Knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, behavior, handling, and anesthesia techniques of zoological species including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical equipment cleaning and sterilization in addition to knowledge of infectious disease control and quarantine practices
• Experience in maintenance of electronic records; experience with ZIMS preferred
• Chemical immobilization training preferred
• Experience with operant conditioning/training for cooperative care behaviors in domestic or zoological species preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work independently; must display initiative, good judgement, and self-driven, motivated demeanor
• Must be able to remain calm, make sound decisions, and provide direction in a crisis situation
• Must have proof of current rabies vaccination or agree to be vaccinated at the museum’s expense
• First Aid & CPR certification or willingness to obtain at the museum’s expense
• Must have a valid driver’s license

• Be a positive, enthusiastic representative of the Virginia Living Museum
• Ensure the medical care at the Virginia Living museum meets or exceeds AZA requirements
• Perform, or assist the veterinarian in preparation for, and…