Animal Health Technician

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Smithsonian\s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

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Animal Health Technician

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Join a World-Class Wildlife Health Team

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The Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute is seeking an Animal Health Technician to support the veterinary care and health management of one of the nation\s most diverse zoological collections. Working within the Department of Wildlife Health Sciences, this position plays a critical role in providing veterinary technical, clinical, and laboratory support for a wide variety of non-domestic species housed at the Smithsonian National Zoo.

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This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled veterinary technician who is passionate about animal welfare, conservation, and collaborative zoo medicine.

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Position Summary

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The Animal Health Technician supports veterinarians and veterinary consultants in delivering comprehensive medical care to the Zoo\s animal collection. Responsibilities include assisting with clinical procedures, diagnostics, anesthesia, surgery, preventive medicine programs, inventory management, and medical record maintenance.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Provide technical support during animal anesthesia, treatment, surgery, dentistry, radiology, and preventive medicine procedures.

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• Assist with diagnostic imaging, including obtaining and developing radiographs.

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• Collect biological samples including blood, urine, and fecal specimens and perform associated laboratory procedures.

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• Prepare blood smears, conduct diagnostic tests, and complete clinical pathology documentation.

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• Maintain accurate medical and surgical records.

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• Monitor and maintain veterinary hospital equipment and coordinate servicing when necessary.

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• Manage medical inventories and supplies, including ordering, purchasing, stocking, and tracking materials in accordance with standard operating procedures

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Experience Required

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Minimum Qualifications: \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tCandidates must possess qualifying experience that demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide veterinary technical support. Examples of qualifying backgrounds include: \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tVeterinary assistant or technician experience working with livestock or exotic animals. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tAnimal welfare or animal health inspection experience. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tDirect animal care experience involving livestock or wildlife. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tExperience supporting veterinarians in clinical settings. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tIn addition, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level supporting veterinary medical programs. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tPreferred Qualifications: \t\t\t\t\tVeterinary technician experience in a zoo, aquarium, wildlife, or exotic animal setting. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tExperience with animal anesthesia and surgical support. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tClinical laboratory and diagnostic imaging experience. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tStrong organizational and inventory management skills. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tExcellent communication and teamwork abilities.

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Further Comments

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Why Join NZCBI? \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tThe Smithsonian's National Zoo is a global leader in wildlife conservation, animal care, veterinary medicine, and scientific research. Team members have the opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of rare and endangered species while supporting cutting-edge conservation programs. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tCompensation & Benefits \t\t\t\t\tSalary: $70,623 - $91,815 annually \t\t\t\t\tFederal benefits package \t\t\t\t\tPaid leave and holidays \t\t\t\t\tRetirement and insurance programs \t\t\t\t\tProfessional development opportunities

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Salary

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$70,623 - $91,815 annually

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How to Apply

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Application Information

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Location: Washington, DC

\t\t\t\t\tPosition: Animal Health Technician (GS-09)

\t\t\t\t\tApplication Deadline: August 18, 2026

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The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplace.

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For full details and application instructions, visit USAJOBS.

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https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/879109200

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Smithsonian\s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Washington, DC 20008

Phone: 202-633-3504

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