Veterinary Technician

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Oregon Zoo is looking for a Veterinary technician to join our dynamic veterinary team where you will play a key part in providing exceptional medical care to a diverse range of species at our state-of-the-art Veterinary Medical Center. If you have experience with anesthesia monitoring, diagnostics, imaging, clinical procedures, laboratory techniques, emergency response, and exotic animals, this is your opportunity to use your expertise in a truly unique and meaningful environment.

As the Veterinary technician you will:

• Assist veterinarians in clinical procedures on a variety of zoo animal species:
  • Prepare treatment area or surgery room with appropriate instruments, monitoring equipment, and emergency supplies as indicated by the veterinarian.
  • Assist in safe and appropriate manual and chemical animal restraint techniques.
  • Perform as surgical nurse or anesthetist as directed by the veterinarian.
  • Administer treatments, collect medical samples in a variety of zoo animals, and maintain medical records.
  • Use advanced imaging equipment to produce diagnostic quality studies in all size of patients.
  • Clean instruments and work areas following medical procedures and sterilize surgical instruments and darts.
  • Perform resuscitation and emergency procedures in non-domestic mammals, avian and herptile species.

• Perform in-house lab analysis including but not limited to:
  • Automated hematology and chemistry analysis in most mammal species.
  • Manual hematology of avian reptile and amphibian species.
  • Manual hematology with cell morphology description in elephant samples.
  • Identification of fecal parasites of avian, herptiles, and zoo mammal species.
  • Use of advanced parasitological examinations in zoo animals.
  • Urinalysis and urine sediment evaluation of non-domestic species.
  • Cytology of samples from a variety of zoo animal species.

• Dispense prescribed medications following appropriate labeling and controlled drug regulations with ability to provide keeper education on proper administration and observations.
• Perform triage and treatment administration in non-domestic animals.
• Contribute to the daily care and treatment of hospitalized, neonatal, and critical patients. Participate in operant conditioning training for medical behaviors and procedures as required by medical needs and as directed by the veterinarians.
• Understand and be prepared for Emergency Code Responses.
• May be required to prepare darts and immobilize an animal under the directive of a zoo veterinarian during an emergency situation.

Attributes for success:

•Proven ability to monitor anesthesia in a large variety of zoo animals ranging from fish and insects to megavertebrates and apes.

•Demonstrated ample technical skillset working with exotic zoo animals in a clinical environment including IV catheter placement and phlebotomy in zoo animals.

•Adequate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and treatment of disease in non- domestic species.

•Demonstrated knowledge of modern laboratory principles, techniques and equipment with the ability to apply them in clinical analysis.

•Demonstrated ability to perform manual hematology on avian, amphibian and reptile species. Demonstrated ability to perform CBC’s and advanced skills for analysis of elephant blood samples. Demonstrated skills to adequately perform cytology of samples of mammals, avian and herptile species.

•Experience with infectious diseases and control procedures related to zoo animals. Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions while working with zoo animals including knowledge of risk while working with ultra- potent opioids.

•Knowledge of animal nursing concepts pertaining to zoo animals.

•Demonstrated skill in the proper use of laboratory and veterinary medicine equipment such as gas anesthesia machines and monitoring equipment, IV fluid pumps, radiology equipment, ultrasound and endoscopy equipment, and microscopes and centrifuges.

•Proven ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality. Ability to clearly communicate technical medical information to non-technical staff.

•Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and maintain efficiency in a dynamic setting under the direction of multiple veterinarians.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.   

Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant. 

Minimum qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a veterinary science-related field, and
• Three years of full-time professional animal care veterinary technician experience that is current and includes significant experience monitoring anesthesia, or
• Any combination of experience, education and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential job duties.

Required:

• Must be legally credentialed to practice as a Veterinary Technician.
• Must maintain an Oregon veterinary technician license and be in good standing (those with out-of-state licensure must be eligible to apply for Oregon licensure within 6 months).
• Rabies vaccination or willingness to receive vaccination and boosters as needed.
• Must possess a current driver’s license and driving record sufficient to be insured by Metro insurance carrier.

Working Conditions:

• Work is generally performed in a hospital or laboratory setting with frequent interruptions. Work includes frequent walking, standing, lifting, grabbing, and stooping.
• Work is routinely done with dangerous animals and/or potential zoonotic risk.
  
• Duties frequently require the ability to lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 pounds and occasionally higher

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications:

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Experience working in an AZA accredited facility.
• Experience working with exotic animals

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application
• A cover letter
  

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check 
• Background, driving records check for finalist candidate 

 

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is step 1 $33.36 to step 5 $44.74. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between Step 1 $33.36 to the equity range Step 4 $41.88. 

This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by LiUNA Local 483. It is classified as a Veterinary Technician.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Sarah Winters

Email: sarah.winters@oregonmetro.gov

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Non-discrimination?in hiring decisions

Metro is committed to equal employment?opportunity?and?complies with?all applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws. Metro employment decisions – including recruitment, screening, interviewing, selection, promotion, compensation, and separation – must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected class.?? 

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework 

This position is designated as “hybrid telework.” You will be required to work onsite and at times have the option to work away from your assigned work location. The specific schedule and balance of onsite and telework will be discussed with the hiring manager at the time of offer. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington to work at Metro. Please note, the designation of hybrid telework may be subject to change at a future time.

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. 

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page. 

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Metro 

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home. 

As part of the Metro family, <<venue or Oregon Zoo>> helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.

The Oregon Zoo and Metro

The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's most popular paid attraction. The zoo’s roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.