Veterinary Technician/Registrar

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND 

The mission of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For more than 35 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium historically hosts nearly 500,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals. Altogether, the Aquarium is home to over 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 54,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 60 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to volunteers who contribute over 19,000 hours annually.  

 The Veterinary Technician/Registrar is a licensed veterinary technician with clinical and registrar responsibilities. This position is responsible for laboratory procedures, records, equipment, and medications at the Aquarium, as well as support of the daily husbandry activities of the animals in quarantine or under medical observation or treatment. Registrar duties include assisting with the Aquarium’s animal record system (Tracks) and animal acquisitions and dispositions. This is a full-time hourly position reporting to the Associate Director of Animal Husbandry.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least a 2-year degree from an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program.
• Credentialed (CVT, RVT or LVT), and ability to maintain credentials upon hire
• Minimum one (1) year’s paid experience in a veterinary setting, with preference given to experience at a public zoo or aquarium
• General knowledge of computer databases and Microsoft office suite.
• Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal.
• Able to lift a minimum of sixty (60) pounds.
• Able to negotiate various field conditions.
• Able to work standing up for extended periods of time.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• SCUBA certification is a plus.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, days closed due to inclement weather, and to travel for extended periods of time to perform collecting and other duties.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Participation and management of the cases under advisement from the veterinarians.
• Participation in anesthetic events (induction, intubation, monitoring).
• Performing or assisting with necropsies.
• Equipment use and maintenance (Clean and sterilize tools and equipment, prep tools for surgeries and exams, maintain clean and orderly veterinary spaces and exam rooms).
• Management and entry of patient records (anesthesia records, laboratory results, fecal results, and prescriptions) on paper and in TRACKS.
• Calculating, filling, compounding, and administering prescriptions.
• Performing necessary medical treatments for animals within the collection.
• Proficient in laboratory techniques - fecal analysis, hematology (including manual differentials on mammals, avian, and reptiles), water coliform testing, and cytology).
• Capture, crate, and transfer animals using appropriate restraint and handling techniques designed to put the least amount of stress on the animal.
• Preparing and packaging various samples for shipment or archive.
• Familiarity with the protocols for handling Class II narcotics and all controlled substances.
• Assist in daily husbandry of animals under medical observation or treatment.
• Follow AZA and USDA standards and protocols for animal care.
• Participates in behavioral training of animals for medical procedures.
• Performs euthanasia of animals as directed by the Veterinarians.
• Communicates problems, issues, or concerns as it relates to the collection, staff or public to the Veterinarian or other senior staff.
• Schedule & assist with preventative medicine and animal care.
• Track inventory of medical supplies, purchase and restock medications, dispose of expired inventory
• Manage medical records system
• Maintain the official records of and accurately manages the institution’s animal collection records system (Tracks) with oversight from the Director of Husbandry
• Train users on new modules within the animal records system (Tracks).
• Work with staff to improve data-recording procedures, correct errors and solve problems.
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders and maintain accurate documentation on Tracks for live animal transactions (e.g., transaction agreements, permits), including domestic and international shipments, collection of fish and invertebrates and return-to-wild events.
• Maintain an accurate centralized list on Tracks of all permits that relate to animal care. Work with curatorial staff when renewals are required.
• Assist with and provide timely departmental reports.
• Documents and communicates observations
• Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to field collections, research activities, animal husbandry assistance, animal transports, and educational presentations.
• Able to work weekends and holidays and travel for extended periods of time. 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.