| Job Description: |
Under the direction of the Veterinary Care Manager and Clinical Veterinarian, the Veterinary Care Technician 2 (Sea Turtle Medical Focus) will perform advanced veterinary care for stranded and injured sea turtles. This position primarily supports clinical and surgical activities, while collaborating with research teams and adhering to wildlife rehabilitation protocols. The technician will also oversee the administration of medical treatments, ensure accurate record-keeping, and maintain medical equipment and supplies.
The role involves minimal husbandry responsibilities, focusing instead on direct medical and rehabilitative care, sample collection, and assisting with procedures such as anesthesia and surgery. Collaboration with wildlife agencies and support for medical protocols for research projects are key components of the role.
Sea Turtle Medical Care
1. Veterinary Support: Assist veterinarian with all aspects of veterinary care, including triage, diagnostics, sample collection, wound care, and administering treatment to sea turtles. Conduct regular assessments of patients and update medical records.
2. Surgical Assistance: Provide pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative support, including anesthesia monitoring, preparation of surgical sites, and post-operative care, ensuring compliance with best practices in veterinary medicine.
Medical Operations & Record Management
1. Medical Equipment & Supplies: Maintain medical equipment, ensuring that it is clean, orderly, and functional. Monitor and manage inventories of drugs, supplies, and equipment, including medications, ensuring proper storage and expiration tracking.
2. Health Record Management: Document clinical assessments, treatment plans, and outcomes in an accurate and timely manner, following best practices for veterinary record-keeping and wildlife agency protocols.
Research & Protocol Development
1. Research Collaboration: Work closely with research teams to facilitate clinical sample collection for scientific studies. Ensure that all treatments align with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) guidelines and research protocols.
2. Teaching & Training: Participate in the development and delivery of training sessions for veterinary students, technicians, and animal care staff, focusing on advanced medical techniques and sea turtle rehabilitation protocols.
Outreach & Communication
1. Public Communication: Collaborate with the outreach team to provide medical expertise during public tours, educational events, and “behind the seas” tours. Share information about sea turtle health and rehabilitation efforts.
2. Agency Coordination: Work with local and state wildlife agencies to report case findings and adhere to legal reporting requirements.
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