Veterinary Technician

• Under general supervision, assists veterinarians in the medical care of the animal collection including all species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
• Under general supervision, assists veterinarians in training activities related to the medical care of the animal collection as above.
• Administers anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian, monitors said animals under general anesthesia, and assists in surgery.
• Assists in veterinary and animal emergencies.
• Supervises and performs cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of surgical instruments, equipment, and hospital and operating areas to maintain zoo hospital in a clean and orderly condition.
• Performs other related duties required by veterinarians to maintain and operate the hospital safely and efficiently.
• Operates the diagnostic laboratory, including, but not limited to, hematology, biochemistry analysis, cytology, and parasitology.
• Prepares biological specimens for shipment.
• Organizes and maintains pharmacy including rotating inventory, removing expired products, and ordering pharmaceuticals and supplies, under the direction of veterinarians.
• Operates and maintains radiographic equipment.
• Dispenses and administers medications and vaccinations as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Assist with post-mortem examinations through necropsies, cleaning, waste removal, or sample handling.
• Maintains accurate records, including computer entry for Tracks or similar programs.
• Assists with coordination of the activities of veterinary and veterinary technician students, volunteers, and other individuals as directed by zoo veterinarians.
• Assists in any special maintenance project as required.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of occupational hazards involved and the safe work practices to employ while in proximity of potentially dangerous animals or substances.

• Assist in educational and/or research programs as requested.
• Assist in preparation and presentation of training programs for zoo volunteers and new employees as requested.
• Conduct tours for visitors and volunteers as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions, and otherwise communicate effectively and efficiently with co-workers and supervisor.
• Knowledge of computer programs of basic word processing, spreadsheets, and internet database access.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, our visitors, and the general public.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the zoo’s mission and philosophy
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action
• Good skill in safe operation of veterinary equipment including but not limited to restraint, remote injection, radiography and other imaging, and surgical, monitoring and anesthetic equipment
• Good interpersonal skills including ability to get along with diverse groups with tact and maturity.
• Ability to represent Lincoln Park Zoological Society in a professional manner at all times
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with visitors and general public

• Preference will be given to those individuals with a least one year of experience as a veterinary technician, preferably with exotic or zoo animals.
• Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify an individual provided the individual can be certified as a veterinary technician in the State of Illinois.

• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds without vehicle
• Ability to handle and restrain zoo animals
• Ability to perform a variety of physical tasks that include but are not limited to climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, crawling
• The employee will be regularly exposed to water, chemicals, and potentially loud noises.
• Physical strength, including ability to regularly move 30 lb objects and occasionally move 50 lb objects
• Ability to work in small, confined spaces
• Ability to work in all weather conditions – including potentially adverse conditions
• Ability to wear requisite Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that may include rubber/latex gloves, masks, eye goggles and airway protection
• No allergy related to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to work

• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch balance or ability of movement that might interfere with ability to work
• Ability to maintain immune response to exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases

• Certified as a veterinary technician in the State of Illinois or similarly certified in another state and must obtain Illinois license within thirty (30) days from date of hire.
• Maintain said certification appropriately with continuing education and ethics.
• Valid IL driver’s license and able to maintain a good driving record.

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!

Lincoln Park Zoological Society