Veterinary Technician (Seasonal)

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This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by providing experienced technical and medical support to the veterinary staff in creating innovations and excellence in conservation leadership and animal welfare by enabling the Hospital Operations Department to meet the most current standards for specialized veterinary care.

This is a temporary/seasonal non-union position, salary grade Sea07, with a starting pay rate of $32.24 per hour. The Benefits Summary Information (for this position, please refer to the seasonal employees section): Benefits Table and/or details also provided below after the job description information. Or paste in your browser to view:

www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf

Primary job duties and responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

1. * Prepare for and assist veterinary staff in performing clinical procedures. Maintain and monitor anesthesia, including the operation of inhalation anesthesia equipment and patient monitoring devices.
2. * Conduct various types of laboratory tests including, but not limited to, comprehensive hematology and serum chemistry, cytology, and fecal analysis for parasites. Create and maintain accurate medical record documentation of clinical procedures, prescriptions, and diagnostic laboratory work. Forward samples for analysis of non-routine tests and research requests to outside referral laboratories. Under necessary conditions, assist with sample preparation, clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as required.
3. * Operate and maintain imaging equipment, including digital radiography, mammography, computed tomography, and ultrasound h direction from veterinary staff. Conduct diagnostic imaging, including positioning of the patient, exposure, and development of radiographs. Perform cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of the treatment room, surgical suite, surgical instruments, and equipment. Perform troubleshooting, quality control procedures, and required maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment
4. * Accurately dispense and record medical prescriptions. Properly administer medications and vaccinations as directed by veterinarians. Maintain current pharmacy inventory, treatment areas, laboratory, and equipment inventory. Assist with ordering drugs, medical supplies, laboratory supplies, and inventory maintenance.
5. * Communicate regularly with the Hospital Manager and Associate Veterinarians regarding management of active medical cases including, but not limited to, medical procedures, nutrition, training, and behavioral enrichment.
6. * Report equipment and facility maintenance needs and perform minor maintenance tasks.
7. * Monitor guests to ensure animal and human safety and protection of park property. Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests' appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit.
8. Other related duties as assigned.

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

Position requirements:

• Graduation from an AVMA certified school of veterinary technology required. Licensure in the state of Illinois within 90 days of hire required.
• Completion of a zoo-focused internship and/or one-year experience with non-domestic or exotic species as a certified veterinary technician in a zoo or private practice required.
• Excellent technical skills, including proficiency in restraint, sample collections techniques, patient monitoring, intravenous catheter placement, cytology, parasitology, and blood analysis, with domestic animals required.
• Detailed and current knowledge of veterinary medical practices, animal anatomy and physiology, basic pharmacology and principles of anesthesia required.
• Ability to work with live animals safely.
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical equipment cleaning and sterilization in addition to knowledge of infection control and quarantine practices.
• Ability to deliver various medications through standard practices.
• Capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Good decision-making skills and sound judgment.
• Proficient in perceiving and acting upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with regard to animal matters, personnel and other privileged information.
• Team player and able to develop and maintain good working relationships.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong communications (reading, writing, and speaking) and interpersonal skills required. English fluency at a professional proficiency required.
• Computer proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel required.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• A valid driver's license is required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver's license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required for out-of-state residents.

Desirable/Preferred qualifications:

• Excellent technical skills, including proficiency in restraint, sample collections techniques, patient monitoring, intravenous catheter placement, cytology, parasitology, and blood analysis, with exotic animals preferred.
• Knowledgeable in the management of captive populations including related AZA conservation programs preferred.
• Ability to take initiative in identifying and solving problems and recommend ideas and viable suggestions to improve operations is strongly desired.
• Experience with PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office software packages preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional information: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Must represent BZC in a professional manner at all times. Incumbent must demonstrate knowledge of occupational hazards and safe work practices around such hazards. Veterinary technicians are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals. These positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures. Brookfield Zoo Chicago may require an employee to take and pass a physical examination to determine the employee's ability to meet the essential functions of the job. This may include vaccinations, blood tests, hearing tests, or other such medical testing or procedures as deemed reasonably necessary for the job and/or required by law. This position will serve to back-fill full time positions during times of short staffing and can include weekends and holidays.

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the BZC Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at brookfieldzoo.org/careers. Please look for requisition number 214.

Benefits Summary

We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's generous employee benefits.

Please note, benefits vary based on whether benefits are provided through the Teamsters Union for positions represented by the Teamsters or by Brookfield Zoo Chicago for non-union positions. For non-union positions, some benefits also differ by pay grade classification if noted.

Seasonal Employees

Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.

Retirement Savings: A 401(k) savings plan is available for all employees. Choose either pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% you contribute.

Other Benefits & Perks for All Employees (unless otherwise noted)

Advanced Inquiry Degree Program

Brookfield Zoo Chicago has partnered with Project Dragonfly at Miami University of Ohio to bring an exciting Master's degree program to the Chicagoland area. The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is an inquiry-driven learning experience, allowing participants to take classes from Miami University faculty. Enrollment is open to applicants with a bachelor's degree, regardless of academic major or profession. This program is designed for teachers and other education professionals.

BZC University

The Zoo offers a variety of training, both on-site and via virtual classes and e-learning through Brookfield Zoo Chicago University at no cost to employees, including professional development, skill-building courses, conservation topics, zoo and animal-related topics, safety, leadership development, wellness, and much more. Instructors include guest speakers, staff presenters, and outside trainers.

Access Credit Union

Employees are eligible immediately upon employment to participate in the credit union. The minimum balance is $5. Savings are insured up to $100,000, and savings accounts, new and used car loans, personal loans, student loans, and much more are available.

Blackhawk Work Perks

Special offers on Chicago Blackhawks games. Tickets start at $30.

Discounted Membership at Loyola Center for Fitness

Corporate discount members receive $0 enrollment and 25% off individual dues. Monthly pricing is subject to the number of people on the membership.

Discounted Day Care

Discounted day care is available through a partnership with KinderCare Education to provide discounted childcare benefits for employees. Covered brands include KinderCare Learning Centers, Children's Creative Learning Center, Inc. (CCLC), and Champions before and after-school care programs. Employees with children enrolled at a participating center save 10% on childcare tuition for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years available at over 100 locations throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area.

Employee Discounts

Employees may benefit from "Working Advantage," an employee discount program, which offers a wide variety of discounts to staff.

Enterprise-Rent-A-Car

Discounts are available to staff members through Enterprise-Rent-A-Care for their personal use.

Free Flu Vaccines

Each year the Zoo offers free, on-site flu vaccinations to all full-time and regular part-time employees.

Free Admission and Parking

Free admission and parking privileges are provided to Non-Union Full-Time Employees and Union Full-Time Employees only and their immediate family members of BZC employees who have completed the required paperwork.

Free Admission to Other Cultural Institutions

The Zoo has reciprocal agreements with other major Chicagoland cultural institutions which allow employees and certain guests to receive free admission and/or parking pursuant to BZC's policy.

Free Notary Public Service

Several staff are commissioned Notary Publics and provide free notary services to BZC staff.

Freebie Table

Consistent with our conservation ethic, we have a "Freebie" table where staff can place unused/unwanted items that still have value for other staff members to claim. This has been a great way to recycle/upcycle by making unused items available to others.

Little Free Library: Take a Book. Share a Book.

The Zoo has a "Little Free Library" book exchange. If an employee sees a book they would like to read, they can take it, or they may donate a book they have finished. When they are done, they can return it to the Little Free Library or leave it at another Little Free Library location for others to enjoy.

Zoo Day Camp Discount

Zoo staff who register their child(ren) for Summer Camp at Brookfield Zoo Chicago receive a discounted price for a week of camp for each child registered. The discount is limited to immediate family members only (grandchildren included). Lunch and T-shirts are not discounted.

Zoo Discounts

Employee discounts are available on BZC gift shop and restaurant purchases, including 25 cent drinks when the Zoo-issued drink cup is used.