Animal Health Technician/Supervising Animal Keeper

Animal Health Technician/Supervising Animal Keeper - County of Bergen

Department of Parks – Division of Park Operations

Under the direction of the Zoo Curator and Veterinarian, cares for, treats sick, injured animals and monitors the overall health of the animal collection at the Bergen County Zoo.

Knowledge and Abilities: (may include but not limited to)

• Duties include but not limited to medicating, observation, routine fecal analysis, run x-ray equipment, assist vet during surgeries, clean hospital cages, supervise assigned staff, trains staff in care and feeding of animal collection and other work as assigned.
• Renders treatment of sick or injured animals as directed by Veterinarian and/or Zoo Curator
• Medicates animals as prescribed.
• Performs preliminary examinations of animals to determine symptoms of disease or injury and reports findings to the Veterinarian and/or Zoo Curator.
• Operates x-ray equipment to determine any internal injuries to animals.
• Assists in the development of new zoo displays and animal exhibits.
• Knowledge of animal care and handling
• Performs macro and microscopic studies on specimens of animal feces and skin scrapings to determine the kind and extent of any parasite infestation.
• When surgery is performed, may assist the Veterinarian by sterilizing instruments, securing supplies, handing off surgical instruments and cleaning of the operating area.
• Knowledge of the principles of normal and abnormal animal life processes and of laboratory procedures.
• Disinfects cages for the control and eradication of infections and communicable diseases.
• Under direction of the Veterinarian, injects animals to be disposed of with lethal drugs.
• May directly supervise the activities of the principal animal keeper and rest of animal keeping staff when difficult or unusual problems arise.
• Ability to gather and record information regarding cases to prepare animal patients for examinations and ready instruments and equipment for use.
• Ability to organize and maintain the zoo’s technical library to ensure a complete selection of necessary volumes pertinent to the zoo’s operation.
• Assist in the selection and acquisition of new animals.
• May attend conferences related to the animal care field.
• Knowledge of zoology, biology, and animal management
• Ability to recognize an analyze problems with the purpose of solving them in an efficient and effective manner.

*

Education Requirements:

· BS in biology or related field

· Two (2) years’ experience in a vet technology program

· Experience in an Accredited Zoo Facility a must

Schedule:

· Full Time – OT occasional.

· Able to work weekends, holiday and varied shifts.

Other:

· Valid Driver’s License

· Vet technician certification

· Computer skills

· ZIMS. Species 360

Please send employment application to resume@co.bergen.nj.us– put in subject line job applying for, thank you.

The County of Bergen is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of The County of Bergen not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a BS in biology or related field?
• How many years of experience do you have in a vet technology program?

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person