The Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) is looking for a Veterinary Technician to join a strong Veterinary Services team committed to providing high quality care to a world class animal collection that is both large and diverse. Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Society has had an international reputation for cutting-edge animal care and wildlife conservation that continues today. The zoo supports a philosophy of proactive preventative medical care and the highest level of care for ill animals. Veterinary Services is comprised of an experienced team in a 20,000 square foot hospital facility featuring advanced equipment including an in-hospital CT scanner. Department operations are well funded and dedicated capital funds provide for annual investment in new medical equipment. A comprehensive in-house laboratory affords flexibility. Our experienced technicians provide excellent support and allow for great efficiency as the Veterinary Services team provides compassionate clinical care supporting the larger aims of the institution and working collaboratively with Animal Programs staff.

As a Veterinary Technician, you will prepare for and assist veterinary staff in performing clinical procedures. You will make use of your knowledge of principles of anesthesia to maintain and monitor anesthesia, including the operation of inhalation anesthesia equipment and patient monitoring devices. Drawing upon your technical skills, you will conduct various types of laboratory tests including, but not limited to, comprehensive hematology and serum chemistry, cytology, and fecal analysis for parasites. You will make arrangements to forward samples for analysis of non-routine tests and research requests to outside referral laboratories. You will also assist in the operation and maintenance of imaging equipment including digital radiography, mammography, computed tomography, and ultrasound under direction from veterinary staff; and, conduct diagnostic imaging, including positioning of the patient, exposure, and development of radiographs. Utilizing your basic pharmacology knowledge, you will 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; and, assist with ordering drugs, medical supplies, laboratory supplies, and inventory maintenance. You will make use of your detailed knowledge of veterinary medical practices to create and maintain accurate medical record documentation of clinical procedures, prescriptions, and diagnostic laboratory work. Your knowledge of sterile techniques will be utilized as you perform cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of the treatment room, surgical suite, surgical instruments, and equipment. As a Vet Tech, you will also perform troubleshooting, quality control procedures, and required maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment as well as report equipment and facility maintenance needs and perform minor maintenance tasks. You will use your strong communication and interpersonal skills to 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. Under necessary conditions, assist with sample preparation, clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as required. You will also assist in creating an extraordinary guest experience will you monitor guests to ensure animal and human safety and protection of park property, communicate with and assist guests and take initiative to facilitate guests' appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit. You may also assist in training interns, seasonal employees, and volunteers.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for the position include:

• Graduation from an AVMA certified school of veterinary technology required. Licensure in the state of Illinois within 90 days of hire required.


• Experience with zoo/exotic animals required and/or a minimum of 2 years experience as a certified veterinary technician working in a small animal/exotics practice required.


• Technical skills are required including proficiency in restraint, sample collections techniques, patient monitoring, intravenous catheter placement, cytology, parasitology, and blood analysis.


• Detailed and current knowledge of veterinary medical practices, animal anatomy and physiology, basic pharmacology and principles of anesthesia required.


• Must be able to work with live animals safely.


• Must possess knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical equipment cleaning and sterilization in addition to knowledge of infection control and quarantine practices.


• Must be able to deliver various medications through standard practices.


• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.


• Must possess good decision-making skills and sound judgment.


• Must be proficient in perceiving and acting upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.


• Must be able to maintain confidentiality with regard to animal matters, personnel, and other privileged information.


• Must be a team player and able to develop and maintain good working relationships.


• Must have the ability to work with minimal supervision.


• Strong communications (reading, writing, and speaking) and interpersonal skills 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.


• Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.


• This is a full-time position including weekends and holidays.

The desirable/preferred qualifications for the position include:

• Ability to take initiative in identifying and solving problems and recommend ideas and viable suggestions to improve operations is strongly desired.


• Knowledgeable in the management of captive populations including related AZA conservation programs preferred.


• Experience with PowerPoint and other MS Office software packages preferred.


• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.