Zoo Veterinary Assistant ZU en Louisville Metro Government, KY

About the Department

Summary Objective

The purpose of this position is to provide veterinary support to the Louisville Zoo Animal Health Center.
This class works under close to general supervision according to set procedures but determines how or when to complete tasks.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Provide daily care and husbandry to hospitalized animals, animals undergoing quarantine, or animals temporarily housed in the zoo animal health center.

• Provide medical assisting skills at the direction of supervisor or attending veterinarian. Medical assisting skills include: General nursing, surgical assistance, diagnostic sample collection and processing for analysis, dispensing and administering medication, obtaining medical history, obtaining vital statistics, and related tasks.

• Organize hospital supplies and equipment, maintain order and cleanliness of hospital, dispose of outdated and non-used items appropriately. Maintains sterilized medical supplies and operates gas and steam sterilization equipment. ? Input medical and husbandry records into record keeping computer software.

• Conducts general maintenance (including minor repairs) to animal hospital equipment, buildings, and furnishings.

• Handles animal carcasses, assists with necropsy, and transports animal remains for disposal.

• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High School Graduation or GED equivalent.

• One year of documented experience (2,080 hours) working directly with non-domesticated/exotic animals in an institutional setting (i.e., Zoological Park, Aquarium or Wildlife Park, Pet Shop or Veterinary Clinic).

• One year of documented experience (2,080 hours) working in a veterinary practice

OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Must participate in employee health program.

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 lbs.

• Lifts and carries items weighting over 50 lbs. in a team setting

• Sufficient mobility, vision, and hearing are needed to ensure a safe working environment.

• Works in the elements of the weather

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT)

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:

- Extreme heat and/or cold, animals/wildlife, radiation (x-ray), disease/pathogens.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses. Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.