Job Title: Hospital Keeper/Veterinary AssistantDepartment: Veterinary ServicesReports to: Senior Veterinary TechnicianFLSA Status: Non-ExemptJob Status: Full-timeJob Purpose: Reporting to the Senior Veterinary Technician, the Hospital Keeper/Veterinary Assistant is responsible for carrying out all animal husbandry routines and maintenance of all hospitalized and/or quarantined animals at ZA. Assisting the veterinary staff with various hospital duties. This position is responsible for animal husbandry and maintenance of all off exhibit, holding and quarantine areas in the veterinary department. Other duties include medical data entry, filing, and assisting veterinary staff. This person will report to the Veterinary Technician or Veterinarian in the absence of Senior Veterinary Technician.Job Factors:
Work effectively in a team environment
Actively support and implement area policies, procedures and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for the collection and the safety of staff and visitors
Exhibit a high level of performance of general keeper duties including animal care and observations, facility maintenance and animal health care
Assist the veterinary staff in exams, medical treatments, preventative care and procedures.
Follow all safety protocols
Participate in and support collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the collection including veterinary care and research.
Monitor health and behavior of animal collection while housed in veterinary clinic and quarantine and communicate changes to supervisors and vet staff.
Must be able to prepare and administer prescribed medical treatments.
Responsible for preparing and maintaining accurate medical records, including computer data entry and filing, and for updating/monitoring daily records of hospitalized and quarantine animals.
Will assist in maintaining zoo hospital, including sanitation, inventory and maintenance of physical plant and equipment
Support the Mission, Vision and Values of Zoo Atlanta and its departments
Understand and support Zoo Atlanta’s Strategic and Master Plans and departmental Collection Plans
Assist in coordinating and implementing veterinary, departmental, maintenance, horticulture and external department initiatives
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
A degree in biology, animal science, veterinary technology, or related field desired. Sufficient relevant experience will be considered in partial fulfillment of education requirement.
At least one year of prior animal care experience or internship at zoological facility preferred.
Must communicate effectively and promptly with managers and co-workers verbally and in writing, following appropriate communications channels.
Must be able to work as a team member and can adapt to frequently changing conditions and various job details.
Must be dependable and demonstrate flexibility regarding work schedules
Must be willing to work weekends, evenings and holidays
Must be able to perform strenuous work and lift at least 50 pounds repetitively, bending, lifting, etc.
Possess basic writing and computer skills to complete reports and other written work as required
Must be able to work well with students and volunteers and be willing to teach.
Able to safely operate a vehicle and use light power tools after suitable training
Willing and able (when appropriate) to handle and restrain animals, including potentially dangerous animals after suitable training
Must obtain and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license
Work Environment:
Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather
Indoors in veterinary clinic, animal quarantine and holding areas/exhibits
Work involves possible exposure to radiation, zoonotic diseases, potential hazardous chemicals, narcotics, and bio-hazardous waste.
MISC: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.Zoo Atlanta is an EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment
