Veterinary Technician

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Support and foster a team that promotes African Lion Safari’s mission, strategy and goals.

· Work in accordance with our Operations & Safety manual as well as terms of employment.

· Maintain quality of practice as outlined by the requirements and guidelines set out by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario for accredited facilities.

· Maintain a clean, organized and functional workspace.

· Help coordinate the preventative health care program for the animal collection.

· Perform in-house laboratory testing and analysis as appropriate.

· Prepare and submit samples for outside laboratory diagnostic testing.

· Assist with necropsies including collecting and preparing tissues for histopathologic evaluation.

· Know animal care procedures established by the facilities and adhere to biosecurity protocols.

· Assist veterinarians during medical/surgical procedures including set up and use of equipment and supplies, assisting with chemical or manual restraint, monitoring patients during sedation and anesthesia, administration of treatments, production of radiographs, sample collection, record keeping, observation of patients during recovery, and breakdown and clean up after procedures.

· Fill prescriptions, administer treatments, and interface with keepers on administration instructions and compliance as directed by the veterinarian.

· Act as a direct line of communication to the veterinarian in their absence when triaging animals and continue treatments as directed.

· Assist in the maintenance of the clinical supply inventory, including stocking and ordering.

· Use of autoclave and maintenance of sterile surgical instruments for procedures.

· Maintain medical equipment in good working order including regular calibration and processes as recommended by the manufacturer.

· Maintain accurate records for medical care, laboratory results, controlled substance logs, and anesthesia and surgery logs.

· Enter medical and husbandry records into Tracks software.

· Collaborate in creating, updating, and upholding the standard operating procedures.

· Flexible work schedule that requires being on call during off hours (including weekends and holidays)

Qualifications and Experience:

· Veterinary technician diploma

· A minimum of one (1) year experience in a zoo or wildlife environment

· Knowledge of biology, zoology and animal husbandry

· Current Rabies vaccine or titer

· Maintain current tetanus, hepatitis A/B and influenza vaccines

· Ability to communicate clearly and effectively via verbal and written means

· Ability to work well with a team in a variety of settings

· Skill in observation in order to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets and behaviour

· Ability to handle high stress/elevated risk situations when feeding, transferring or restraining animals

· Skilled in diplomacy and confidentiality when interacting with co-workers, visitors and volunteers

· Demonstrated working knowledge of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and WHMIS

· Valid Driver’s licence

· Valid PAL is to be obtained during this stage

Preferred Skill Set

· Knowledge of animal handling, capture, and restraint protocols and equipment

· Knowledge of medical and husbandry requirements of a wide range of taxa

· Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and minimizing occupational risk of transmission

· Knowledge of CAZA standards

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to indoor and outdoor environments as well as disinfecting, laboratory and medical chemicals. Employee must understand the physical and health risks inherent to working with wildlife and a managed animal collection. Act with good judgement and discretion. Must have the ability to meet physical demands of the job and must be in a position to handle loads exceeding 35 kg.

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: 40 – 44 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person