Please apply by September 25, 2026, 11:59PM Pacific time.

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Oregon Zoo is looking for a Veterinary technician to join our dynamic veterinary team where you will play a key part in providing exceptional medical care to a diverse range of species at our state-of-the-art Veterinary Medical Center. If you have experience with anesthesia monitoring, diagnostics, imaging, clinical procedures, laboratory techniques, emergency response, and exotic animals, this is your opportunity to use your expertise in a truly unique and meaningful environment.

As the Veterinary technician you will:

• Assist veterinarians in clinical procedures on a variety of zoo animal species: Prepare treatment area or surgery room with appropriate instruments, monitoring equipment, and emergency supplies as indicated by the veterinarian.
• Assist in safe and appropriate manual and chemical animal restraint techniques.
• Perform as surgical nurse or anesthetist as directed by the veterinarian.
• Administer treatments, collect medical samples in a variety of zoo animals, and maintain medical records.
• Use advanced imaging equipment to produce diagnostic quality studies in all size of patients.
• Clean instruments and work areas following medical procedures and sterilize surgical instruments and darts.
• Perform resuscitation and emergency procedures in non-domestic mammals, avian and herptile species.
• Perform in-house lab analysis including but not limited to:Automated hematology and chemistry analysis in most mammal species.
• Manual hematology of avian reptile and amphibian species.
• Manual hematology with cell morphology description in elephant samples.
• Identification of fecal parasites of avian, herptiles, and zoo mammal species.
• Use of advanced parasitological examinations in zoo animals.
• Urinalysis and urine sediment evaluation of non-domestic species.
• Cytology of samples from a variety of zoo animal species.
• Dispense prescribed medications following appropriate labeling and controlled drug regulations with ability to provide keeper education on proper administration and observations.
• Perform triage and treatment administration in non-domestic animals.
• Contribute to the daily care and treatment of hospitalized, neonatal, and critical patients. Participate in operant conditioning training for medical behaviors and procedures as required by medical needs and as directed by the veterinarians.
  Understand and be prepared for Emergency Code Responses.
• May be required to prepare darts and immobilize an animal under the directive of a zoo veterinarian during an emergency situation.
  Attributes for success:
• Proven ability to monitor anesthesia in a large variety of zoo animals ranging from fish and insects to megavertebrates and apes.
• Demonstrated ample technical skillset working with exotic zoo animals in a clinical environment including IV catheter placement and phlebotomy in zoo animals.
• Adequate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and treatment of disease in non- domestic species.
• Demonstrated knowledge of modern laboratory principles, techniques and equipment with the ability to apply them in clinical analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to perform manual hematology on avian, amphibian and reptile species. Demonstrated ability to perform CBC’s and advanced skills for analysis of elephant blood samples. Demonstrated skills to adequately perform cytology of samples of mammals, avian and herptile species.
• Experience with infectious diseases and control procedures related to zoo animals. Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions while working with zoo animals including knowledge of risk while working with ultra- potent opioids.
• Knowledge of animal nursing concepts pertaining to zoo animals.
• Demonstrated skill in the proper use of laboratory and veterinary medicine equipment such as gas anesthesia machines and monitoring equipment, IV fluid pumps, radiology equipment, ultrasound and endoscopy equipment, and microscopes and centrifuges.
• Proven ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality. Ability to clearly communicate technical medical information to non-technical staff.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and maintain efficiency in a dynamic setting under the direction of multiple veterinarians.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.   

Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application
• A cover letter

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check
• Background, driving records check for finalist candidate 
   

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is step 1 $33.36 to step 5 $44.74. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between Step 1 $33.36 to the equity range Step 4 $41.88. 

This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by LiUNA Local 483. It is classified as a Veterinary Technician.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Sarah Winters

Email: sarah.winters@oregonmetro.gov