Cheyenne Mountain Zoo · Colorado · posted today
Welcome to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Work on an actual mountain in the shadow of Pikes Peak! Cheyenne Mountain Zoo celebrates its centennial in 2026 and is recognized among North America’s leading zoos. Join a collaborative veterinary team dedicated to excellent animal care, preventive medicine, and continuous improvement. Position Summary The Veterinary Technician is an integral member of the veterinary team, providing skilled clinical and technical support for the health and welfare of the Zoo’s diverse animal collection. Working under veterinarian supervision, this position combines hands-on patient care, anesthesia, diagnostics, hospital operations and close collaboration with animal care colleagues. Qualifications ● Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program and successful completion of the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), as required for Colorado certification. ● At least 2–3 years of experience as a registered veterinary technician required; at least one year of zoo veterinary technician experience or a zoo internship strongly preferred. ● Registered with the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians, or able to transfer registration within 90 days. ● Proficient with electronic medical records (including ZIMS/Tracks or comparable systems), Word, Excel and Google tools; strong attention to detail, follow-through and accountability. ● Valid, unrestricted driver’s license; legally authorized to work in the United States; successful pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. ● Available for on-call duty with a response time of no more than one hour unless otherwise approved by the Head Veterinarian. Departmental Expectations & Role ● Participate in medical and preventive care for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates; provide skilled nursing and patient care under direct or indirect veterinarian supervision. ● Support anesthesia under direct veterinarian supervision, including drug handling, dart preparation, induction, maintenance, monitoring, recovery and accurate ZIMS documentation. ● Perform in-house diagnostic testing and manual differentials for mammalian, avian and reptilian patients; prepare and ship biological specimens to external laboratories. ● Dispense and administer veterinarian-prescribed medications and vaccinations; promptly and accurately maintain clinical, laboratory and biomaterial storage records in ZIMS, Tracks or similar systems. ● Prepare and break down hospital, field, dental, anesthesia and sterile surgical procedures; assist with necropsies, specimen handling and post-procedure cleaning. ● Operate, clean and coordinate preventive maintenance of radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, dental, anesthesia, ventilator, patient-monitoring and support equipment. ● Maintain instrument sterilization systems (including ultrasonic cleaners and autoclaves) and laboratory equipment (including analyzers, microscopes, centrifuges, incubators, fume hoods and cold storage). ● Organize pharmacy and medical supply inventories; order medications and supplies as directed by veterinarians. Teamwork, Safety & Professional Practice ● Communicate clearly and respectfully with veterinarians, technicians, animal care teams and other Zoo departments; actively contribute to problem-solving and constructive conversations. ● Collaborate with animal care staff on positive-reinforcement training that supports voluntary medical behaviors and animal welfare. ● Participate in emergency responses and drills, including animal escapes, human exposure to ultrapotent drugs, fire and other Zoo emergencies. ● Guide veterinary preceptors, students and volunteers as directed; engage professionally in the zoo veterinary technical community. ● Help open and close the hospital; maintain orderly, clean and ready-to-use facilities, equipment and supplies; develop or maintain procedures and reports as assigned. ● Protect confidential information; follow Zoo policies, dress standards and applicable USDA/OSHA safety guidance; demonstrate reliability, punctuality, integrity and a positive guest experience. Compensation & Benefits Pay is dependent upon experience, with an expected range of $55,000 - $65,000/year
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