Exhibits Technician II Live Animal Care Technician, Aquarium #02050 City of Virginia Beach Job Description Date of Last Revision:

Transcription

1 Exhibits Technician II Live Animal Care Technician, Aquarium #02050 City of Virginia Beach Job Description Date of Last Revision: FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Pay Plan: General Grade: 17 City of Virginia Beach Organizational Mission & Values The City of Virginia Beach exists to enhance the economic, educational, social and physical quality of the community and provide sustainable municipal services which are valued by its citizens. The City of Virginia Beach organization is based upon a belief in the democratic process of government. This belief provides meaningful ways for citizens, reflecting the diversity of our City, to contribute to the development of public policy. This process is enhanced by organizational values which guide member performance within the Virginia Beach Quality Service System. These Values define our desired organizational culture. We value quality customer service; teamwork; leadership and learning; integrity; commitment; and inclusion and diversity. Class Summary This position works in conjunction with Aquarium veterinary staff and is responsible for coordinating the emergency response to, and daily care and treatment of, stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. These activities involve creation and implementation of animal care plans involving medical, nutritional and behavioral requirements. The Live Animal Care Technician (LACT) manages medical supply inventories including controlled drugs and coordinates field response to live strandings, as well as animal releases and euthanasia cases. This position serves as a primary liaison with veterinarians and appropriate federal agencies regarding live animal activities related to these protected species. In addition, the LACT assists the Stranding Response Coordinator and Research Coordinator with scheduling, training and supervision of other staff and volunteers involved in the daily activities of the stranding response program and research activities involving live animals. This position: assists with developing protocols for live animal research that balance individual animal welfare and rigorous scientific investigation; manages data associated with live stranding response and rehabilitation; assists in the preparation of grant and contract reports and proposals involving live animal data and research; and assists with other aspects of the stranding response and research programs as needed. Representative Work Functions and Responsibilities Participate in daily work planning with Stranding Response Coordinator by directing animal care activities and coordinating staff and volunteer efforts needed for those activities. Assist the Stranding Response Coordinator and Research Coordinator with scheduling, training and supervision of other staff and volunteers involved in the daily activities of the stranding response program and research activities involving live animals. Under the supervision of Aquarium veterinary staff, coordinate the emergency response to, and daily care and treatment of, stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Assist veterinarian in creation and implementation of animal care plans involving medical, nutritional and behavioral requirements. Manage medical supply inventories including controlled drugs and coordinates field response to live strandings, animal releases and euthanasia cases. Serve as a primary liaison with veterinarians and appropriate federal agencies regarding live animal activities with these protected species. Ensure all medications are received, inventoried, stored, distributed, and logged appropriately according to Federal Drug Enforcement Agency, Virginia Department of Health Professions, Association of Zoos &

2 Aquariums and other applicable protocols and requirements. Assist veterinarian in the performance of all diagnostics needed for live animal assessment and treatment. Calculate, prepare and administer medications as prescribed by a supervising veterinarian. Responsible for maintaining animal feeding and treatment instructions in a consistent format for staff and volunteers involved in animal care. Develop (in coordination with veterinarians and senior staff) and maintain all live animal handling and treatment protocols. Supervise record keeping of diagnostic testing, feeding, drug therapy and behavior for live animal patients. Maintain inventory of food (in coordination with other staff), food supplements and other animal rehabilitation supplies and equipment. Coordinate animal care visits and medical procedures with Aquarium veterinarians and other consulting veterinary/medical specialists. Oversee scheduling, obtaining authorizations, and other handling and transport logistics for animal releases. Provide live animal updates at weekly staff meetings and for other Aquarium staff, as requested. Provide training on live animal stranding response, husbandry and rehabilitation to staff and volunteers. Maintain communication with, and ensure documentation and delivery of required paperwork to, state and federal authorizing and permitting agencies. Enter data and oversee databases associated with live animal strandings and research. Participate in on-call coverage of stranding hotline and assist with other stranding response duties as needed and assigned. Perform other job duties requiring skills, knowledge and physical requirements as demanded by those duties described or less. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on then current workloads and department needs. Performance Standards Perform detailed health management tasks related to medical, nutritional and behavioral welfare of live stranded animals, working in conjunction with research and stranding coordinators and veterinary staff; compile records/reports and manage medical supply and drug inventories with high degree of accuracy and ethics; work cooperatively with other staff to accomplish the Aquarium s animal health management goals; and thoroughly communicate the Aquarium s goals to the general public. Must be able to effectively train, lead and assist other staff, interns and volunteers in relevant tasks. Adhere to policies, procedures, and performance standards. Page 2 of 5

3 Minimum Qualifications Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to four (4) years providing emergency treatment for wounded wildlife in a veterinary clinic, shelter or rehabilitation facility, utilizing the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must have, or obtain, a current and valid Virginia or North Carolina driver s license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV driver s license eligibility requirements. Preferred Qualifications Associate s degree in veterinary technology from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited veterinary technology program. Licensure to practice as a veterinary technician in Virginia. Bachelor s degree in marine science, biology, zoology, veterinary science or related field. Experience in emergency treatment for sick or injured marine mammals or sea turtles. Veterinary technician training with exotic animals. Experience with animal health management as applicable to assigned area. Special Requirements Must be available to work a flexible schedule including evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required to meet operational needs. This position may require that incumbents to wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, or other safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee s supervisor based on position assigned. Physically able to swim, hike up to 5 miles in all weather, lift 50 lbs, carry 30 lbs. May be required to successfully complete a pre-employment physical. Knowledge-Skills-Abilities Required to Perform Satisfactorily A. Knowledge 1. Knowledge of animal science subject areas, especially the biology and physiology of sea turtles and marine mammals. 2. Knowledge of veterinary medical examinations and procedures, including euthanasia and necropsy as applicable to assigned areas. 3. Knowledge of animal illness and injury symptoms; treatment alternatives; and drug sources, properties and interactions; as applicable to assigned area. 4. Knowledge of animal care and health maintenance techniques and measures as applicable to assigned area 5. Knowledge of veterinary medical supplies and equipment including sources, inventory and applications as applicable to assigned area. 6. Knowledge of nutrition requirements for diverse species and ages as applicable to assigned area. 7. Knowledge of the basic life support systems of freshwater and marine aquaria as applicable to assigned area. 8. Knowledge of bacteriological or chemical sampling and analysis techniques and procedures as applicable to assigned area. 9. Knowledge of Drug Enforcement Agency, Virginia Department of Health Professions, Association of Zoos & Aquariums and other applicable protocols and requirements. 10. Knowledge of laws governing record keeping of controlled substances. 11. Knowledge of veterinary medical terminology and charting/reporting. B. Skills 1. Skill in preparing and administering medications, serums and treatments as prescribed by Page 3 of 5

4 and under the direction of a veterinarian. 2. Skill in basic veterinary laboratory diagnostic sampling and testing including blood, urine, fecal, micro, cloacal, digital x-rays and radiographs, as applicable to assigned area. 3. Skill in animal capture, restraint and quarantine as applicable to assigned area. 4. Skill in animal husbandry and safe handling techniques as applicable to assigned area. 5. Skill in operating a computer and using City standard software. 6. Skill in developing and writing protocols and procedures. 7. Skill in data management. C. Abilities 1. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 2. Ability to follow directions and maintain effective working relationships with Aquarium staff and other groups or organizations with which the Aquarium has contact. 3. Skill in problem solving in assigned area. 4. Ability to maintain detailed records and organize reports. 5. Ability to organize and evaluate data to identify trends and recommend action verbally and in written reports. 6. Ability to apply critical thinking to research and identify the strengths/weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions and approaches to health problems. 7. Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize competing tasks. 8. Ability to work independently and lead small teams with limited supervision. Working Conditions The below stated working conditions are intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of positions in the noted job title. A more detailed description will be made available at the position (PCN) level. NOTE: Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City s business. Physical Requirements: Physical refers to the requirement for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement. Medium to heavy work that involves walking, standing, bending, stooping, climbing, lifting, pushing and raising objects, and involves exerting up to 50 pounds of force on a regular and reoccurring basis and occasional use of standard office equipment; considerable skill and adeptness in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving close tolerance or limits of accuracy. Mental Requirements: Mental refers to the degree that the job involves cognitive activities, and use of mental processes Performs specialized technical or professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures and their application to problems not previously encountered; applies specialized technical or professional principles and practices in the solution of problems; may require continuous, close attention for accurate results and frequent exposure to unusual pressure. Environmental Conditions: Environmental refers to job conditions inherent to the job setting, including those that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken. May risk exposure to animals/wildlife to include exposure to animal bites, scratches, and diseases; may be exposed to venomous and non-venomous animals, insects, fishes, amphibians, arthropods and other Page 4 of 5

5 species of organisms; work may be performed outdoors, indoors, in or under water, under all types of weather conditions with exposure bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, noise, vibration, fumes, odors, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, toxic or caustic chemicals, and height. Sensory Requirements: Sensory refers to hearing, sight, touch, taste, and smell required by the job. Normal visual acuity, depth perception, field of vision, color perception, hearing, speaking, sense of smell, and texture perception. Page 5 of 5