Job Description
Position: Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
Department: Animal Care
Reports to: Director of Animal Care
Position Requirements:
The Greater Vancouver Zoo is seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented, and motivated Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) to support the health and well-being of our diverse animal collection. This role provides both clinical and husbandry support to our animal care program, working under the guidance of the contracted Zoo Veterinarian(s) and alongside our animal care team.
Zoological experience is strongly recommended but not required. We welcome applicants with a veterinary background in companion, exotic, large or mixed animal practice[BS1] who are interested in transitioning to a zoological setting.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the delivery of medical care across the Zoo’s animal collection, including preventive medicine, diagnostics, treatment, and emergency care.
- Support and implement the Zoo’s preventative health program through scheduled exams, vaccinations, parasite control, and lab diagnostics.
- Monitor, prepare, administer[BS2] , and document treatments as directed by the Veterinarian(s); maintain accurate and organized medical records.
- Facilitate and uphold quarantine protocols for incoming or outgoing animals.
- Participate in animal handling, restraint, and transport as required.
- Assist in diet preparation and nutrition monitoring.
- Provide welfare-focused care to hospitalized and quarantined animals, including daily husbandry and enrichment.
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of medical and quarantine facilities.
- Train and supervise interns, seasonal staff, and volunteers.
- Participate in ongoing staff education, public demonstrations, and Zoo-wide initiatives including conservation programs.
- Assist with zoonotic disease surveillance and occupational health protocols as needed.
- Collaborate across departments to ensure seamless and ethical animal care.
Accountability:
The RVT position is a non-supervisory role, sharing primary accountabilities of animal husbandry with all other animal keepers assigned to route.
Qualifications:
- Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) designation in good standing in British Columbia (or eligibility for registration).
- At least 2–3 years of veterinary experience; experience in exotic or zoological animal care is a strong asset but not required.
- Strong knowledge of general animal health, anatomy, husbandry practices, and preventative care.
- Comfort working with a wide range of taxa (e.g., carnivores, primates, birds, reptiles, hoofstock).
- Sound judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic medical records systems.
- Valid BC driver’s license required.
Physical and Environmental Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 70 lbs, and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Comfortable standing, walking, crouching, or kneeling for extended periods.
- Exposure to strong animal odors, vocalizations, and cleaning agents.
- Mental stamina to manage emotional demands, competing priorities, and fast-paced decision making.
Work Environment:
- Collaborative and supportive team with a shared passion for animal welfare and conservation.
- Daily interaction with animal care staff, veterinary team, and education staff.
- Occasional contact with guests and the general public, especially during educational programs or emergency events.
The above listed tasks are the responsibilities of all Animal Care Staff employed by the GVZoo. Animal Care Staff are not limited to the tasks listed above and may be required to perform additional tasks as assigned by the Director of Animal Care.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $24.00-$27.00 per hour
Additional pay:
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Store discount
- Vision care
Flexible language requirement:
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
