Veterinary Technician - Part time

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Turtle Back Zoo

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Veterinary Technician - Part time

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About Us:

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Nestled within the scenic South Mountain Reservation, the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is a vibrant 30-acre haven for 150 different domestic and wildlife species, managed by the nation\s oldest county park system. Wee proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2006 and hold an American Humane Certification since 2017, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of animal care.

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Exciting Opportunity:

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Wee expanding our veterinary team with the opening of our brand-new, state-of-the-art Animal Wellness Center in April 2025! This is a unique opportunity to join a dedicated team and work in a cutting-edge facility designed to provide exceptional care for our diverse animal collection.

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Our New Animal Wellness Center Features:

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• 10,000 sq ft facility with guest viewing into the treatment room, nursery, and lab, offering unique educational opportunities.

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• Steris equipment in both treatment and surgical suites with CCTV viewing for guest engagement.

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• Advanced diagnostic tools, including a CT room and machine, portable radiology and ultrasound units, endoscopes, and more.

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• Dedicated surgical suite, neonatal suite, and ICU.

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• In-house laboratory for blood work, urinalysis, and fecal testing.

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MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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Animal Care and Husbandry:

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• Feed and provide fresh water to animals according to dietary requirements.

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• Administer medications and supplements as directed by the veterinary team.

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• Monitor and document animal health and behavior, reporting any concerns to supervisors or veterinarians.

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• Participate in welfare evaluations on a regular basis.

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• Assist with veterinary procedures and health checks.

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• Participates with other animal care staff to provide positive reinforcement training.

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Enclosure Maintenance:

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• Clean and disinfect animal enclosures, ensuring they are safe and secure.

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• Maintain habitat enrichment items and create new enrichment activities to stimulate natural behaviors under the direction of supervisors.

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• Conduct regular inspections of enclosures to identify and repair any potential hazards.

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Public Interaction and Education:

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• Provide informative and engaging talks and demonstrations to zoo visitors.

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• Answer questions from the public and promote awareness of conservation efforts.

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• Contributes to educational presentations, programs, tours, and special events.

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Record Keeping:

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• Maintain accurate records of animal diets, health, behavior, and breeding.

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• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports on animal care activities.

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Team Collaboration:

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• Work collaboratively with other Animal Care Team members, veterinarians, and support staff.

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• Participate in team meetings and training sessions.

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• Assist in training new staff and volunteers.

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Mentoring and Educating:

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• Mentor students, interns, and volunteers, providing guidance and support in animal care practices.

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• Develop and deliver training programs and workshops for students and interns.

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• Evaluate the performance of students and interns, offering constructive feedback and support.

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• Foster a learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and professional growth.

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• Collaborate with educational institutions to facilitate internship programs and provide meaningful learning experiences.

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Experience Required

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QUALIFICATIONS \t\t\t\t\t•\tAt minimum, a two-year degree is required as a certified Licensed Veterinary Technician \t\t\t\t\t•\tBachelor's Degree in zoology, biology, animal science, or a related field preferred. \t\t\t\t\t•\tPrevious experience working with animals in a zoo, sanctuary, or similar environment is highly desirable. \t\t\t\t\t•\tExperience in mentoring, teaching, or training is highly desirable. \t\t\t\t\t•\tStrong observational skills to monitor animal health and behavior (experience using Microsoft Suite and/or Species 360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) is highly desirable). \t\t\t\t\t•\tExcellent communication skills for interacting with the public, team members, and students. \t\t\t\t\t•\tBasic understanding of animal husbandry, nutrition, and enrichment. \t\t\t\t\t•\tPatience and leadership abilities to effectively mentor and educate students and interns. \t\t\t\t\t•\tExperience working within a team environment is highly desirable. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tSPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS \t\t\t\t\t•\tMust be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. \t\t\t\t\t•\tMust possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action. \t\t\t\t\t•\tMust possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, students, and visitors. \t\t\t\t\t•\tAbility to work harmoniously with other personnel. \t\t\t\t\t•\tAbility to minimize waste of supplies, misuse of equipment, etc. \t\t\t\t\t•\tMust possess the ability to seek out new methods & be willing to incorporate them into existing practices. \t\t\t\t\t•\tBe able to follow written and oral instructions. \t\t\t\t\t•\tMust have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm. \t\t\t\t\t•\tIs proficient in composition of written communication. \t\t\t\t\t•\tMust have a clean and valid driver's license. \t\t\t\t\t•\tMust be physically able to operate a motor vehicle and other equipment. \t\t\t\t\t•\tMust be able to operate hand tools and power tools. \t\t\t\t\t•\tMust have physical strength for lifting or moving up to 75 pounds. \t\t\t\t\t•\tMust be able to walk, stand, climb extension ladders, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl & move within confined areas. \t\t\t\t\t•\tMust be able to lift, push, pull, and move equipment, supplies, etc., without restrictions.

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How to Apply

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Join Us!

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If you are a dedicated technician seeking to shape the future of animal wellbeing in a supportive, cutting-edge environment, we encourage you to apply.

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To Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to Jilian Fazio at jfazio@parks.essexcountynj.org.

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Turtle Back Zoo

560 Northfield Rd

West Orange, NJ 07052

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