Licensed Veterinary Technician

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota

Position: Licensed Veterinary Technician 

Schedule: 40 hrs/wk on average

Compensation: Salaried at $44,000, commensurate on experience

Overview: 
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota (WRC) is North America’s busiest wildlife hospital and is located just north of St. Paul, Minnesota. WRC admits more than 25,000 wild animals from among 200 species. As a high-capacity, emergency hospital, WRC provides a fast-paced, collegial work environment and numerous educational opportunities for people from all backgrounds. 

Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) work with the 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 licensed veterinary technicians. Our nonprofit wildlife hospital is fully-equipped, including: digital radiology, ultrasound, inhouse lab (including teaching microscope), a surgical suite, and critical care capabilities.

WRC is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, has a year-round staff of more than 30, and relies greatly on the efforts of more than 600 volunteers. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive work environment for our employees, and offer a comprehensive benefit plan including a 403(b) contribution and fully-paid insurance.

Details & Requirements 

• Professional LVT experience of three years 

• Position is dependent on obtaining a veterinary technician license in the state of MN within 3 months of starting employment.

Physical Demands: 

o Able to frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds 

o Comfortable working in a standing position for prolonged periods 

o Be able to move from standing to kneeling and back to standing on a regular basis o Work with allergens such as peanuts 

o Accept the risks of working in a wildlife hospital including zoonotic diseases 

o Have fully functioning eyesight including good peripheral vision 

o Ability to work around and clean up animal waste and bodily fluids 

o Be able to work in varying weather conditions 

o Rabies pre-exposure and tetanus vaccines are required (valid rabies titer required every 2 years; failure to provide vaccination record and current titer negates job offer)

Schedule: 

o LVTs will work an average of 40 hours per week for the year. Hours will be less during the winter and more during summer peak season 

o Initial training schedule may be different from permanent schedule 

o Due to operating 365 days a year, evenings, weekends, and holidays will be part of the scheduling process

LVT Duties: 

o Prepare and administer medications/treatments to all adult patients and any complicated nursery patients 

o Set up patient caging, adjust husbandry, and prepare patient diets 

o Perform diagnostics such as radiographs, manual CBCs, operate bloodwork machines, cytology, parasitology, culture/sensitivity, gram stain, urinalysis, etc. 

o Prep for surgeries and monitor anesthesia for patients undergoing diagnostics or procedures 

o Maintain proper record keeping 

o Respond appropriately and promptly to emergency protocols 

o Assist in training volunteers and students, attend regular staff meetings and other meetings as requested 

o Maintain a clean, organized treatment area and ensure an adequate level of hospital and laboratory supplies 

o Follow and enforce all WRC policies and protocols 

o 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

Compensation Package: 

o Salaried at $44,000, commensurate on experience 

o Full employer-paid health insurance including a dental plan (premium paid by employer) 

o 403(b) plan (3% employer contribution) 

o Annual 10 days of vacation begins 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

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 

● Willingness to work a flexible schedule

To Apply: Email your resume, two professional references and a cover letter to Medical Director Dr. Agnes Hutchinson: hr@wrcmn.org