We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive work environment for our employees, and offer a comprehensive benefit plan including a 403b contribution and fully-paid insurance.
- Pay rate of $16/hr
- Full employer-paid health insurance including a dental plan (premium paid by employer)
- 403b plan (3% employer contribution)
- Annual 10 days of vacation begins day accruing on day one, with availability for day(s) off after initial 90-day period. PTO/ESST and vacation days accrual determined by hours worked annually and years of service
Veterinary Technician Assistants (VTAs) work with our medical team to provide treatment and rehabilitation to injured, orphaned, or sick wild animals. They perform a variety of veterinary medical care and support services; properly manage and adhere to all WRC medical, safety and training procedures; and maintain high quality standards in medical care, facility maintenance, and record keeping.
The position is part of our medical team consisting of full-time veterinarians, veterinarian interns, and certified veterinary technicians. Our nonprofit wildlife hospital is fully-equipped, including: digital radiology, ultrasound, in-house lab (including teaching microscope), a surgical suite, XRF lead/heavy metal detection, and critical care capabilities.
WRC is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, has a year-round staff of 31, and relies greatly on the efforts of more than 600 volunteers.
Details
Scheduling:
VTAs will work an average of 40 hours per week for the year. Hours may be less during the winter and more during summer peak season
Supervisor will create schedule and adjust as needed
Your initial training schedule may be different
Due to operating 365 days a year, evenings, weekends, and holidays will be part of the scheduling process (holiday pay for specific holidays)
VTA duties:
Prepare and administer medications/treatments to adult patients and intensive nursery patients
Set up patient caging, adjust husbandry, and prepare patient diets
Perform basic diagnostic testing
Maintain proper record keeping
Respond appropriately and promptly to emergency protocols
Maintain a clean, organized treatment area and ensure an adequate level of hospital and laboratory supplies
Follow and enforce all WRC policies and protocols
Continually learn about our diverse patient population and be able to adapt procedures and protocols to support both population-based and individualized medicine in a high-volume setting
Train and oversee meds help volunteers
Requirements
Rabies pre-exposure vaccine series and current titer are required before starting
Candidate must:
be capable of lifting 30 lbs from the floor
be able to be on their feet for 10 hours at a time
be able to work on the floor
be able to work in varying weather conditions
maintain the wild nature of patients by following WRC policies and procedures
treat everyone with respect
Selection Criteria
Ability to project a positive attitude toward co-workers, supervisor and volunteers
Ability to act decisively while remaining calm and compassionate in stressful situations
Ability to work well with other people and as a member of a team
Ability to prioritize tasks and complete them in an efficient manner
Knowledge of basic restraint/handling of animals
Experience with wildlife preferred but not required
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota (WRC) is the busiest wild animal hospital in the world, admitting 21,000 patients annually. WRC's mission is to release these animals back into the wild. WRC is a non-profit organization that relies greatly on the efforts of volunteers and interns during the busy summer months. Our opportunities provide hands-on experience working with wildlife.
