The Houston Zoo is seeking candidates for the position of Administrative Assistant, Veterinary Clinic. This position is responsible for a variety of tasks including, but not limited to supply inventory and ordering, facilities work orders and safety compliance, administrative duties, secretarial and data management tasks, and electronic medical records entry.
Competitive candidates will possess a proven ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Preferred candidates will have experience in a veterinary clinic setting as well as excellent written and verbal communication, flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, a teamwork-oriented mindset, and an ability to connect to the Zoo's conservation mission.
OurMission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
OurVision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities - Performs data entry for laboratory results and diagnostic reports in a timely and efficient manner in ZIMS (electronic medical record keeping system).
- Participate fully in animal records management. Assist with records management, including in any transition, testing, and development for veterinary modules. Work closely with the zoo's two registrars to troubleshoot any concerns with the electronic medical records keeping system.
- Compiles data for use in a variety of reports, surveys, inventories, and studies, including conservation project data management. Prepares incoming and outgoing animals records and regulated documents.
- Coordinates collection, storage and shipments of biological samples for a variety of purposes including fixed tissues and cryopreservation units and receives packages containing supplies, reagents, and chemicals. Also, routinely delivers samples to nearby laboratories and makes routine animal transports.
- Helps to manage and coordinate visitors to the clinic, including, but not limited to, senior veterinary students, veterinary interns, summer conservation students, and other professionals.
- Works under the direct supervision of the Director of Animal Health and closely with other clinic staff to accomplish daily tasks.
- Works with the Director of Animal Health to ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations, including biological sample shipments.
- Contacts reference laboratories assures proper completion of submission forms and maintains log of specimens sent from zoo.
- Regularly performs an inventory of clinic supplies and orders needed materials. Works with the veterinary and veterinary technician staff to help maintain medication inventory in the pharmacy, including controlled drugs under the supervision of a veterinarian.
- Facilitates and manages work orders for the veterinary clinic complex. Helps to maintain a preventative maintenance schedule for the complex, which includes working with the veterinarians and veterinary technicians to schedule servicing for medical equipment.
- Participates in the zoo's safety committee, shares information with the clinic team, and ensures compliance with zoo safety policies.
- Support the Animal Health team outside of the clinic, including Animal Nutrition, Pest Management, and Sea Turtles as needed.
- Participate in the zoo's conservation projects, supporting the mission and vision.
- Performs other miscellaneous tasks as assigned.
Education and Experience - Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or minimum one (1) year related experience and/or training within a veterinary or medical setting or equivalent combination of education and experience in Business Administration or Liberal Arts.
- Preferred: Recent experience working in a veterinary clinic or hospital.
- May be required to safely operate a motor vehicle. Valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.
About Houston Zoo's Veterinary Program In addition to managing clinical cases, the veterinary program maintains a strong focus on preventive medicine with a busy schedule of quarantine and routine health exams, diagnostic screening, and vaccinations. The veterinary staff also works closely with veterinary and human medical specialists when advanced diagnostics or therapies are needed for animal patients.
The Denton A. Cooley Animal Hospital at the Houston Zoo includes a full suite of diagnostic and treatment facilities, as well as advanced anesthetic monitoring, digital cordless radiography, in-house and portable ultrasound units, rigid and flexible endoscopy, and specialized laboratory equipment. In summer 2017, the staff moved into a brand new medical facility that includes expanded and updated space for the laboratory, large and small animal radiography, surgery, large and small animal treatment, necropsy, and office space.
The Houston Zoo supports staff in professional development such as conferences, workshops, and other learning opportunities. Members of the veterinary team are involved in a number of local and international in situ conservation programs, including the USFWS Recovery and Reintroduction Programs for the critically endangered Attwater's prairie chicken and Houston toad, sea turtle rehabilitation, and an ongoing elephant herpes virus research program with Baylor College of Medicine. The veterinary department regularly hosts senior students, summer veterinary interns, colleagues, and other visiting professionals. The veterinary team includes five veterinarians (including the Director of Animal Health and 4 ACZM diplomates), five licensed veterinary technicians, four animal care staff (including an animal care staff supervisor), and two administrative staff. Clinic staff are part of a larger Animal Health Team that includes the staff in Animal Nutrition, Pest Management, and Sea Turtles.
The administrative staff position is a critical part of this large, diverse, and busy zoo medicine practice.
ABOUTHOUSTON Houston is the fourth largest city in the US and ranks first among the nation's most populous cities in total acreage of parkland, with many greenspaces, parks and bayous that allow for year-round hiking, biking and kayaking. Houston is home to a diverse culture as well as the world's largest medical complex, a vibrant museum and theatre district, the Johnson Space Center, and a continually growing technology industry. Houston is considered to have one of the best culinary scenes in the country, including vegan friendly restaurants, farm to table restaurants, and breweries. Forbes magazine ranks Houston first among US cities where paychecks stretch the furthest. Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are just 50 miles away, offering beach access and unparalleled opportunities for birding and other outdoor activities.
Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Disclaimer The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
Benefits Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.
- Medical and Prescription Drug
- Vision
- Dental
- Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
- Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
- Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
- Supplemental Life
- Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
- 401k, with employer match
Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.
- Free Zoo Membership
- Free Guest Passes
- Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
- Free parking
Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.