Veterinary Technician (Part-Time, Temporary)

Pay rate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the starting range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $28.68 - $34.21 per hour. An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer.

*Applications accepted until March 1, 2026*

Application Process: Applicants must submit a resume and a copy of their CA RVT license as part of their application. Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview.

*Note: This is a part-time temporary position, anticipated to last until September 30, 2026. Extension is possible depending on the needs of the organization*

The part-time veterinary technician will hold an essential role in the Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital – a 17,000 sq ft, state-of-the art facility set in the beautiful Oakland Hills.The Oakland Zoo is a leader in animal care and welfare with numerous conservation partners with whom the veterinary technician may be actively involved.This person will work collaboratively with our veterinary team - comprising 3 veterinarians, 4 veterinary technicians, and 3 hospital keepers.

Oakland Zoo offers part-time employees a valuable benefits package, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Paid Sick Time, optional 403b Retirement Plan, and a Zoo Membership. They also have access to various perks, discounts, and programs to enhance their overall experience.

• Must be able to work 2-3 days per week and have availability for weekends and holidays.
• Maintain patient medical records and various logs including radiology, contraception, and controlled substance logs in accordance with regulations.
• Conduct laboratory diagnostics including fecal analysis, hematology, serum chemistry analysis, cytology, urinalysis, and water testing; procure, package, and ship laboratory samples.
• Assist veterinarians and full-time veterinary technicians in providing care, including anesthesia monitoring, venipuncture, surgical assistance, diagnostic imaging, dentistry, medical treatments, laboratory tasks and emergency care.
• Assist with ordering and maintaining medical supply inventory.
• Perform clinical tasks including but not limited to endotracheal intubation; anesthetic induction, monitoring, and recovery; IV catheter placement; medical calculations; fluid therapy; hand injections; and obtain diagnostic images using a variety of modalities including digital and dental radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans on a wide variety of zoological and domestic species.
• Perform and assist with chemical and manual restraint of a variety of species including remote delivery systems.
• Assist with training new volunteer technicians, veterinary students, externs, interns, and shadows.
• Clean, organize, and assist with maintaining the veterinary hospital and its equipment.
• Administer, fill, and dispense prescriptions as directed by the veterinarian.
• Assist with euthanasia and necropsy procedures as well as disposal of samples and hazardous waste.
• Create and uphold hospital procedures and policies.
• Participate in conservation efforts that are supported by the Oakland Zoo and provide medical care for animals that are part of these conservation programs which may include off-site field work.
• Participate in emergency preparedness programs and assist in preparing operating procedures for disaster response.
• ​​Participate in and support Oakland Zoo Marketing Department requests as well as hospital tours for visitors.​
• Perform other duties as required and assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Oakland Zoo does not expect every applicant to have every skill and qualification listed here and will consider the combination of formal education, training, and practical experience of each applicant. We are committed to supporting the career development of our employees. A strong candidate who is interested in growing and learning in this role will possess at least 75% of the following qualifications. If this is you, then we strongly encourage you to apply.

• Degree in Veterinary Technology or equivalent required from an AVMA approved, accredited Veterinary Technology Program 
• Must be a Registered Veterinary Technician with the state of California and subsequently maintain RVT status throughout employment 
• Minimum of 2 years of clinical veterinary technical experience.​​​ ​​​
• Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with non-domestic animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions
• Valid Driver’s License and good driving record (ability to obtain authorization from the Zoo’s Insurance Carrier).
• Medical requirements:
  • Negative TB test within the last year
  • Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years
  • Rabies vaccine or proof of a protective rabies titer within the last 2 years

Bonus if you have

• Clinical veterinary experience in a zoological setting.

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Physical Considerations- The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

•  Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e., feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e., hay bale)
• Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)  

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities– May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.  

• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.
• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
• Inclusive Facilitation – able to comfortably move a group through pre-determined content while balancing inclusion and timing; able to flexibly weave in related content to make connections for learners and adjust or pivot when needed
• Leadership – mentors, advises, and develops people across identities with consideration for cultural relevance and responsiveness, self-awareness around implicit bias and understanding of the power dynamics that exist in organizations.
• Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems
• Time management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife

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