JOB DESCRIPTION: Hospital Assistant (Part-Time)

DEPARTMENT: Veterinary Services

LOCATION: Hattiesburg Zoo

SHIFT: Maximum 24 hours per week on a schedule requiring a mix of weekdays, weekends, evenings and holidays as required.

REPORTS TO: Veterinarian

SUMMARY: The Hattiesburg Zoo is currently seeking an exceptional, enthusiastic, and team-oriented hospital assistant to join our team. We strive to provide exceptional and progressive medical care to the animal collection and further the field of zoological medicine through conservation and research.

The Hattiesburg Zoo was opened on Easter Sunday in 1950. It grew gradually over the decades, but in 2009 the Hattiesburg Convention Commission took over the management of the zoo, and we have progressed exponentially since then. The zoo currently sits on 12 acres in Kamper Park, but we’re continuing to grow and expand, eventually planning on occupying 25 acres (not including parking). The Hattiesburg Zoo is AZA accredited. The veterinary team consists of one full-time veterinarian and one certified veterinary technician. We are working diligently to improve and grow our veterinary program as our zoo continues to grow. Named Best Travel Attraction of the Year by the Mississippi Tourism Association in 2017, the Zoo is also listed as the #1 thing to do in Hattiesburg by TripAdvisor.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintain a clean and sterile environment within veterinary facilities while ensuring safe use of chemicals
Assist with record-keeping tasks.
Ensure veterinary facilities are adequately stocked and prepared for routine procedures.
Aid in the preparation of in-house diagnostics and laboratory samples for external testing.
Support routine maintenance of veterinary equipment.
Assist in the setup and breakdown of veterinary procedures.
Collaborate with the veterinary technician and veterinarian during procedures.
Recognize and report any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors to veterinary staff and monitors animals for signs of distress or disease
Participate in sustainable initiatives developed for veterinary facilities.
Perform additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education and Work Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent; actively pursuing a degree in a relevant field related to veterinary medicine or one year of experience in a zoo, veterinary clinic, or similar profession

Essential Job Qualifications:

Must possess a valid Driver’s License and meet eligibility requirements for driving while conducting company business.
Current negative TB test.
Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds).

Knowledge and Skills:

Strong work ethic, self-motivated, and committed to the vision of the Hattiesburg Zoo.
Ability to comprehend and follow both oral and written instructions.
Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work, usually involving lifting or carrying moderately heavy animals. Must be able to handle a lot of lifting, cleaning, and constant motion. May involve some stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
Capacity to establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues and the public.
Friendly demeanor towards the public and courteous to visitors.
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace software.

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