The Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) is looking for a Supervisory 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 the Supervisory Veterinary Technician, you will provide supervision, training, and leadership of Veterinary Technician Staff proactively by training, monitoring, and reviewing the work performance of the veterinary technician staff (training also includes interns, seasonal or temporary employees and volunteers), providing communication of performance expectations and work assignments, and ensuring expectations are met and assignments are completed. You will also provide regular and timely feedback relating to work performance, prepare and conduct performance appraisals, and handle personnel situations in a timely, objective, and consistent manner while holding staff accountable for departmental and institutional initiatives and policies. By engaging staff in professional development activities and celebrating achievements/accomplishments, you will create and maintain a positive team environment. Utilizing your prior experience as a Vet Technician, you will participate in the preparation for procedures and assistance provided to veterinary clinicians in performing procedures. You will maintain and monitor anesthesia, including the operation of inhalation anesthesia equipment, remote drug delivery systems, and patient monitoring devices; participate in various types of diagnostic imaging (positioning of the patient, exposure, and storage of digital images), and laboratory tests including but not limited to comprehensive hematology and serum chemistry, cytology, and fecal analysis for parasites to ensure accuracy and operational efficiency, and under certain conditions will assist with sample preparation. You will be responsible for the forwarding of samples for analysis of non-routine tests and research requests to outside referral laboratories, the accurate dispensing and recording of medical prescriptions and the administering of medications and vaccinations as directed by veterinarians. As the Supervisory Vet Technician, you will also maintain appropriate levels of inventory in the following areas: pharmacy, treatment areas, laboratory, and equipment; order drugs, medical supplies, laboratory supplies in accordance with the Society's policies; and, create and maintain accurate medical record documentation of clinical procedures, prescriptions, and diagnostic laboratory work. Making use of your knowledge and experience with sterile techniques, you will be responsible for the cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of the treatment room, surgical suite, surgical instruments and equipment, animal enclosures, pools, and service areas. Your prior knowledge and experience with relevant equipment will be used as you will ensure proper operation and maintenance of imaging equipment, including digital radiography, mammography, computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound with direction from veterinary staff; participate in the troubleshooting, quality control procedures, and required maintenance on all clinical and laboratory equipment/instruments; and, be responsible for the timely reporting of facility maintenance needs. You will make the most of your excellent communication skills to communicate regularly with hospital supervisors/managers regarding the performance of technical staff, management of active medical cases including but not limited to medical procedures, laboratory operations, nutrition, training, and behavioral enrichment. Additionally, you will oversee staff training, proficiency, and participation in zoo-wide and area emergency procedures as needed or directed and communicate and monitor hospital guests to ensure protection of Society property as well as animal and human safety.

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.
• Minimum 10 years experience as a certified veterinary technician, 7 years experience working with exotic animals, and 5 years of supervisory experience are required.
• Excellent technical skills including proficiency in the restraint, sample collection techniques, patient monitoring, intravenous catheter placement, cytology, parasitology, and blood analysis, with domestic and exotic animals.
• Detailed knowledge and experience working with digital radiography equipment and computed tomography. Knowledge of CT image protocols and reconstruction. Detailed and current knowledge of veterinary medical practices, animal anatomy and physiology, and basic pharmacology and principles of anesthesia.
• Knowledge of standards relating to appropriate regulatory agencies including but not limited to AVMA, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Drug Enforcement Agency, and U.S. Department of Agriculture as well as state and local agencies to assist with compliance with in the veterinary practice.
• Knowledge of and experience with sterile techniques, surgical equipment cleaning and sterilization, and infection control and quarantine practices.
• The following competencies are required and highly important for successful performance: sound decision making and judgment skills, analytical skills, integrity, critical and strategic thinking, compliance, resourcefulness, and excellent communication skills including verbal, written, and listening.
• Proven proficiency in detecting and acting upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with regard to animal matters, personnel and other privileged information.
• Team player and strong interpersonal skills. Must be able to develop and maintain good working relationships.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience required.
• 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:

• Experience working with zoo animals.
• Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint and/or MedArks.
• Previous involvement in clinical research, field research, and conservations programs.
• Knowledge in the management of captive populations including related Association of Zoos and Aquariums conservation programs.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - M/F/V/D.