Status: Regular, Full-time Employee, Non-exempt
Pay: $19.28 - $22.78 per hour (DOQ)
Reports to: Rehabilitation Program Manager
Benefits: Full Benefits-eligible, Parking & Amenities.
Retirement: State Employee Retirement System (ERS).
Closing date: Open until filled.
Note: This position will close once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. Incomplete applications or applications without accompanying documents when required will not be considered.
Jekyll Island, the smallest barrier island on Georgia’s coast, is dedicated to maintaining the delicate balance between nature and humankind through conservation, education, and preservation. Surrounded by salt marshes, expansive oceanfront, and ancient maritime forests, it is situated within the chain of the Golden Isles and just a few miles from St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Brunswick. As a State Park, Jekyll Island is a coastal haven where nature and humans peacefully co-exist.
Job Summary:
Under general direction from the Rehabilitation Program Manager and utilizing well-defined objectives and guidelines, the Veterinary Technician provides “hands-on” leadership through knowledge of the disciplines of veterinary medical primary technical care and a general understanding of sea turtle rehabilitation and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the veterinary hospital facilities including the diagnostic laboratory, pharmacy, surgery, and radiology suite. The Veterinary Technician is responsible for carrying out the orders of the attending veterinarian regarding patient care in the hospital area. Responsibilities include providing technical and medical assistance in the care and daily treatment of all animals maintained by the GSTC. In addition, the Veterinary Technician assists in anesthesia, and surgical procedures, maintains all diagnostic equipment in good order and orders, and maintains an inventory of medical drugs, equipment, and supplies.
Description:
Responsible for providing technical and medical assistance in the care and treatment of all animals maintained by the GSTC under the general supervision of the Rehabilitation Program Manager.
Responsible for husbandry and care of a wide variety of wild birds and reptiles in a rehabilitation setting, as well as the medical, surgical, and rehabilitation procedures and tasks.
Creates weekly treatment schedule to ensure all animals in care are evaluated by the attending veterinarian.
Manages the daily flow and prioritizes treatments, examinations, and procedures to maximize resources.
Operates diagnostic equipment (endoscopy, radiology, clinical pathology, parasitology, etc.), assists in surgical procedures, and has familiarity with protocols for handling scheduled narcotics and controlled substances; performs data entry of medical records in electronic record-keeping systems, including ZIMS. Additionally, ensures that all GSTC animal medical records are maintained in accordance with Georgia State Veterinary Medical Association rules and guidelines.
Develops and maintains maintenance logs for all hospital equipment.
Develops and implements training for the operation and maintenance of all hospital equipment.
Assist the attending veterinarian in anesthesia, surgery, and medical care of the animals.
Maintains medical equipment and supplies in clean, orderly, and working condition.
Orders, stocks, and organizes pharmacy inventory, monitors outdated and recalled drugs, and manages donations of equipment and supplies when necessary.
Develops teaching itineraries for veterinary externs, interns, and volunteers about rehabilitation/caretaking protocols in the hospital.
Assists with supervising and coordinating hospital volunteers and interns under the direction of the Rehabilitation Program Manager.
Duties include feeding and caring for all animals under the GSTC’s care, medicating animals and maintaining quarantine protocols as directed, cleaning and maintaining exhibits, tanks, life support systems, and husbandry record keeping.
Maintains hospital cleanliness, including such duties as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and disinfecting equipment and lab areas. Disposes of garbage and sterilizes containers and instruments.
When appropriate, enthusiastically participates in public outreach and educational programming, including special tours, public and private education programs, and daily visitor interactions/educational interpretation.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Rehabilitation Program Manager.
Certified Veterinary Technician Qualifications:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in a related field (environmental biology, veterinary technical care, conservation, education, etc.) is preferred.
A Veterinary Technician degree from an accredited institution (e.g., CVT, LVT) and national veterinary technician certification or license is required.
IWRC’s Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator (CWR) preferred or must obtain two years from hire. Must maintain continuing education units (CEUs) biennially to maintain certification.
Requires a minimum of four years of experience working with exotic animals; prefers work experience in the zoo, aquarium, or rehabilitation field.
Must be a skilled and effective communicator committed to advancing sea turtle and wildlife conservation through rehabilitation, research, and education.
Direct experience in wild animal rescue, rehabilitation, veterinary technical expertise, research, and public education preferred.
Experience working with sea turtles preferred.
Desired lab skills include manual CBC on reptiles, use of Heska E-POC analyzer, iSTAT, centrifuge, and refractometers.
Skilled, knowledgeable, and up-to-date on the use of medical equipment, including digital radiology, endoscopy, ultrasound, anesthesia machine, doppler, cold laser therapy, V.A.C therapy, and fluid administration.
Work hours may include evenings and weekends for emergency care.
Ability to work under pressure in emergencies.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and overtime, and be on-call for emergencies.
Performs “on-call” duties for rescue response, essential medical treatments, and animal health emergencies when necessary.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:
Exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
More than 50% of the typical workday will be spent reaching, lifting, and repetitive use of wrists, hands, and fingers.
Between 25 and 50% of the day will be spent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and pulling.
Less than 25% of the day will be spent climbing, standing, sitting, walking, and feeling.
Sensory abilities require vision, hearing, and touching, with more than 50% of the day spent communicating, talking, and hearing.
Must have visual clarity to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
Work will be performed both inside and outside.
Work is subject to extreme cold and extreme heat, and high humidity.
Work includes exposure to vibrations, hazards, infectious diseases, and required to wear a respirator.
The noise level is considered normal to loud and may require shouting.
This description of job responsibilities is intended to reflect the major responsibilities and duties of the job. It is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time.
This position will close once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. Applicants who complete the online application process will receive an email receipt of submission to the email address provided. If the email confirmation is not received, the applicant may contact Human Resources at 912-635-4081 for confirmation; however, due to the volume of applicants received, we cannot provide information on application status after receipt. Applicants who need assistance to accommodate a disability may request accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 912-635-4081.
All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Incomplete applications or applications without accompanying documents when required will not be considered. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the selection process. Successful completion of background checks is required, including credit when applicable to the position. Relocation expenses are not authorized; applicants should consider this when applying.
Jekyll Island Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Authority supports equal employment opportunities for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
To apply for the position please follow the link below. Applicants will need to fill out an electronic application and supply a cover letter and resume. https://jobapply.page.link/W3E35
