Hospital Operations - Veterinary Technician

Join the PRIDE!

Since our opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world's longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction, and award-winning educational institution.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by providing experienced technical and medical support to the veterinary staff in creating innovations and excellence in conservation leadership and animal welfare by enabling the Hospital Operations Department to meet the most current standards for specialized veterinary care.

This is a non-union full-time hourly position, grade 07H with an expected hiring range of $29.87 to $32.85 per hour. For our Benefits Summary Information, follow this link to our follow this link to our Benefits Table or copy and paste the following in your internet browser 5dfac8db-5b35-45d1-8e3c-b37c698b6d43.pdf (please refer to the non-union, full-time employee section) and / or refer to the b enefit details provided below after the job description information.

Primary job duties and responsibilities :

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Prepare for and assist veterinary staff in performing clinical procedures. Maintain and monitor anesthesia, including the operation of inhalation anesthesia equipment and patient monitoring devices.
• Conduct various types of laboratory tests including, but not limited to, comprehensive hematology and serum chemistry, cytology, and fecal analysis for parasites. Create and maintain accurate medical record documentation of clinical procedures, prescriptions, and diagnostic laboratory work. Forward samples for analysis of non-routine tests and research requests to outside referral laboratories. Under necessary conditions, assist with sample preparation, clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as required.
• Operate and maintain imaging equipment, including digital radiography, mammography, computed tomography, and ultrasound under direction from veterinary staff. Conduct diagnostic imaging, including positioning of the patient, exposure, and development of radiographs. Perform cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of the treatment room, surgical suite, surgical instruments, and equipment. Perform troubleshooting, quality control procedures, and required maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Accurately dispense and record medical prescriptions. Properly administer medications and vaccinations as directed by veterinarians. Maintain current pharmacy inventory, treatment areas, laboratory, and equipment inventory. Assist with ordering drugs, medical supplies, laboratory supplies, and inventory maintenance.
• Communicate regularly with the Director and Veterinarians regarding management of active medical cases including, but not limited to, medical procedures, nutrition, training, and behavioral enrichment.
• Report equipment and facility maintenance needs and perform minor maintenance tasks.
• Monitor guests to ensure animal and human safety and protection of park property. Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests' appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit.
• Assist in training interns, seasonal employees, and volunteers.
• Other related duties as assigned.
• Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

Position requirements and specifications :

Desirable / preferred qualifications :

Additional information : This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Must represent BZC in a professional manner at all times. Incumbent must demonstrate knowledge of occupational hazards and safe work practices around such hazards. Veterinary technicians are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals. These positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures. Brookfield Zoo Chicago may require an employee to take and pass a physical examination to determine the employee's ability to meet the essential functions of the job. This may include vaccinations, blood tests, hearing tests, or other such medical testing or procedures as deemed reasonably necessary for the job and / or required by law. This is a full-time position that may include weekends and holidays.

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the BZC Career Portal www.brookfieldzoo.org / careers and use the Advanced Search feature to look for requisition 201 to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile.

We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's generous employee benefits.

Non-Union Full-Time Employees

Eligibility : Eligible employee is defined as a regular, full-time employee who is regularly scheduled to work a minimum of 35 hours or more per week. Coverage begins on the date of hire. Have a family? You can also cover your spouse, civil union partner, and / or eligible children who are under age 26.

Time away from work : Paid Time Off (PTO) is accrued based on Years of Service and pay grade on a per-pay-period basis starting on the date of hire. Unused PTO time carries forward from one calendar year to the next to a specified maximum. Below are the equivalent amounts employees, who work 8 hours per day or 10 hours per day, earn in a 12-month period. An employee's pay grade is included in the job description.

Years of Service

New hire- 5 years

5+ years

10+ years

15+ years

20+ years

Positions in Grades 01H-06

Positions in Grades

07H-14-14MT-15MT

Positions in Grades

16H-17MT

Positions in Grades

07H1-081 (10hr / day)

Holidays : Non-union employees are eligible for 8 paid holidays per year.

1.

New Year's Day

2.

Memorial Day

3.

Juneteenth

4.

Independence Day

5.

Labor Day

6.

Thanksgiving Day

7.

Day after Thanksgiving Day

8.

Christmas Day

Medical Insurance : Employees may choose from one of two medical plans : Blue Cross-Blue Shield HMO or PPO Plan. A waiver credit is available to employees who waive enrollment in medical insurance. Coverage begins on the employee's hire date.

Benefit

Coverage Tiers Available

HMO Employee Cost

(biweekly)

PPO Employee Cost

(biweekly)

Waiver Credit

(biweekly)

Medical Insurance

Single, Single +1, Family

$71.19 - $279.22

$46.26 - $181.49

Not Applicable

Medical Waiver

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

HMO

PPO

Annual Deductible

$0

For In-Network : $250 Individual / $500 Family

For Out-of-Network : $500 Individual / $1,000 Family

Out-of-pocket maximum

$1,500 Individual / $3,000 Family

Prescription drug expense limit : $1,000 Individual / $2,000 Family

For In-Network : $1,000 Individual / $2,000 Family

For Out-of-Network : $2,000 Individual / $4,000 Family

Doctor Visits

PCP Visit

Specialist Visit

Preventive care /

screening / Immunization

$20 / visit

$60 / visit

No Charge

$20 / visit; deductible does not apply

$40 / visit; deductible does not apply

No Charge; deductible does not apply

Hospitalization

Facility Fee

Physician's / surgeon's fees

$250 / day

No Charge

20% co-insurance

20% co-insurance

Prescription Drugs

Generics

Preferred Brand Drugs

Non-Preferred Brand Drugs

Specialty Drugs

$30 / prescription (retail)

$60 / prescription (mail order)

$45 / prescription (retail)

$90 / prescription (mail order)

$60 / prescription (retail)

$120 / prescription (mail order)

$60 / prescription (retail)

Deductible does not apply

$5 / prescription (retail), $10 / prescription (mail order)

$15 / prescription (retail), $30 / prescription (mail order)

$30 / prescription (retail), $60 / prescription (mail order)

$5 / $15 / $30 / prescription (retail)

Dental Insurance & Vision Care Coverage : A dental plan and an employee-paid vision care plan are available. A waiver credit is offered to employees who waive enrollment in the dental plan. Coverage begins on the employee's hire date.

Mental Health : Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to the employee. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24 / 7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.

Retirement Savings : A 401(k) savings plan is available for all employees. Choose either pre-tax and / or Roth after-tax contributions. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% you contribute.

Employer-paid Income Protection : Short-Term and Long-Term disability benefits are available which provide up to 60% of the employee's base weekly wages for the first 90 days, then up to 60% of the employee's monthly wages if the employee is unable to return to work. Basic Term Life & Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance policies each in the coverage amount of 1X the employee's annual salary, plus an additional $10,000 in coverage. Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in these benefits upon hire.

Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) : Brookfield Zoo Chicago believes in helping eligible employees take advantage of pre-tax savings for eligible healthcare and / or dependent care expenses. Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars from their paychecks to save for pre-tax reimbursement of qualified healthcare and / or dependent care expenses.

Voluntary Benefits :

Other Benefits & Perks for All Employees (unless otherwise noted)

Advanced Inquiry Degree Program

Brookfield Zoo Chicago has partnered with Project Dragonfly at Miami University of Ohio to bring an exciting Master's degree program to the Chicagoland area. The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is an inquiry-driven learning experience, allowing participants to take classes from Miami University faculty. Enrollment is open to applicants with a bachelor's degree, regardless of academic major or profession. This program is designed for teachers and other education professionals.

BZC University

The Zoo offers a variety of training, both on-site and via virtual classes and e-learning through Brookfield Zoo Chicago University at no cost to employees, including professional development, skill-building courses, conservation topics, zoo and animal-related topics, safety, leadership development, wellness, and much more. Instructors include guest speakers, staff presenters, and outside trainers.

Access Credit Union

Employees are eligible immediately upon employment to participate in the credit union. The minimum balance is $5. Savings are insured up to $100,000, and savings accounts, new and used car loans, personal loans, student loans, and much more are available.

Blackhawk Work Perks

Special offers on Chicago Blackhawks games. Tickets start at $30.

Discounted Membership at Loyola Center for Fitness

Corporate discount members receive $0 enrollment and 25% off individual dues. Monthly pricing is subject to the number of people on the membership.

Discounted Day Care

Discounted day care is available through a partnership with KinderCare Education to provide discounted childcare benefits for employees. Covered brands include KinderCare Learning Centers, Children's Creative Learning Center, Inc. (CCLC), and Champions before and after-school care programs. Employees with children enrolled at a participating center save 10% on childcare tuition for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years available at over 100 locations throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area.

Employee Discounts

Employees may benefit from "Working Advantage," an employee discount program, which offers a wide variety of discounts to staff.

Enterprise-Rent-A-Car

Discounts are available to staff members through Enterprise-Rent-A-Care for their personal use.

Free Flu Vaccines

Each year the Zoo offers free, on-site flu vaccinations to all full-time and regular part-time employees.

Free Admission and Parking

The laminated pass entitles the employee to free parking and admission to the Zoo and paid attractions. The card also extends the same privileges to the employee's immediate family (spouse, domestic partner, civil union partner, children, and parents).

Free Admission to Other Cultural Institutions

The Zoo has reciprocal agreements with other major Chicagoland cultural institutions which allow employees and certain guests to receive free admission and / or parking pursuant to BZC's policy.

Free Notary Public Service

Several staff are commissioned Notary Publics and provide free notary services to BZC staff.

Freebie Table

Consistent with our conservation ethic, we have a "Freebie" table where staff can place unused / unwanted items that still have value for other staff members to claim. This has been a great way to recycle / upcycle by making unused items available to others.

Little Free Library : Take a Book. Share a Book.

The Zoo has a "Little Free Library" book exchange. If an employee sees a book they would like to read, they can take it, or they may donate a book they have finished. When they are done, they can return it to the Little Free Library or leave it at another Little Free Library location for others to enjoy.

Zoo Day Camp Discount

Zoo staff who register their child(ren) for Summer Camp at Brookfield Zoo Chicago receive a discounted price for a week of camp for each child registered. The discount is limited to immediate family members only (grandchildren included). Lunch and T-shirts are not discounted.

Zoo Discounts

Employee discounts are available on BZC gift shop and restaurant purchases, including 25 cent drinks when the Zoo-issued drink cup is used.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and / or evenings.

The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.