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RVT Veterinary Technician

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Chimpanzee Care and direction from the consulting Veterinarian, the RVT Veterinary Technician supervises all on-site medical care. Duties include daily rounds of resident chimpanzees, collecting samples, running diagnostics, coordinating prescriptions and treatments, facilitating the work of the Care staff by ensuring that the staff have the necessary knowledge to perform routine medical treatments, overseeing the medication/drug inventory; responsible for administrative functions such as medical records and drug logs. Orders, receives and distributes materials, supplies and medications; and facilitates medical care operations; reviews, develops and/or revises standard operating procedures or other reports; conducts or coordinates operational training. Supports veterinarian during any procedures. Additionally, acts as a liaison between the veterinarian and Care staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES are derived from SECTION C, Performance Standards.
  • Med Center/Office
  • Supervise use and care of medical equipment including microscopes, centrifuge, x-ray, anesthesia, and other veterinary tools.
  • Oversee all diagnostics procedures; review results with veterinarians and interpret outcomes to Care staff.
  • Ensure medical standards are met through supervision of routine cleaning and setup of medical areas.
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Ensures that veterinary care standards are maintained at or above those set by USDA, DNR, GFAS, and HSUS.
  • Oversee the implementation of routine medication prescriptions.
  • Actively participate in chimpanzee husbandry and care to maintain relationships with chimps.
  • Update, approve, and implement protocol modifications for veterinary care, triage, rehabilitation viability, and euthanasia protocols.
  • Design and implement wellness plans for all chimpanzees collaboratively with the Vet.
  • Approve and oversee all husbandry practices for patients within the medical center or under direct veterinary care.
  • Evaluate all animals daily and schedule exams or diagnostics as needed.
  • Consult with Care staff on medical concerns and routine wellness exams; additionally work with behavior committee on operant conditioning for routine exam procedures.
  • Coordinate necropsies and cremations as needed.
  • Volunteer & Interns
  • Work with volunteers and interns on a daily basis in a professional and courteous manner.
  • Mentor interns on individual projects as assigned.
  • Work within a team to evaluate and promote/demote volunteers.
  • Update volunteers and intern training protocols as needed.
  • Supply Inventory
  • Monitors inventory levels of veterinary supplies and medications.
  • Works with vendors to ensure quality and prices meet standards provided by management.
  • Identifies and suggests new products, vendors, resources, or inventory routines as needed to continually improve quality and meet budget.
  • Admin
  • Implements, develops and/or revises standard operating procedures or other reports; conducts or coordinates training.
  • Maintains or reviews necessary records of logs relating to medical care in both handwritten medical files as well as the ZIMS online database.
  • Prepares and has responsibility for the annual budget for medical supplies and consultants in tandem with the consulting veterinarian.
  • Provides support on writing monthly and annual reports.
  • Train team members in the use of diagnostic, surgical and radiographic equipment.
  • Disaster Response
  • Test, repair, or replace all medical equipment and supplies as part of the disaster response program on a routine schedule.
  • In the event of a major disaster, respond to the situation as outlined in the current Emergency Preparedness Protocol.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES are derived from SECTION C, Performance Standards.
  • May develop, conduct or supervise advancements in veterinary treatments or procedures.
  • Actively participating in team problem-solving and decision making processes; required attendance at weekly staff meetings.
  • Is prepared to travel for meetings and continuing education.
  • Other duties as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred, licensed and/or registered as a Veterinary Technician to practice in the State of Georgia is required.
  • Must be 18 years of age per state and federal requirements.
  • Five to ten years progressive experience in veterinary facilities, primate experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of microscopic fecal analysis.
  • Must remain current in CPR and first-aid certification.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license with 3 years clean driving record.
  • Maintain Euthanasia certification.
  • Must complete continuing education credit as required by the State of Georgia Veterinary Practice Act for veterinary technicians.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Must have advanced knowledge of animal husbandry and rehabilitation.
  • Must know basic principles of operant conditioning in relation wellness exams and medication receipt.
  • Must be able to move/lift 50 pounds.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Must have or obtain and maintain an up-to-date vaccines as required for this position.
  • Must be able to use a computer and word/excel programs.
  • Excellent organizational and time planning skills.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking and ability to handle complex situations with sound judgment and problem solving skills.
  • Demonstrated to be proactive and self-motivated.
  • Must be able to endure occasional long workdays (up to 12 hours) and maintain focus, accuracy and physical activities required by job.
  • Work requires continual attention to detail. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.