Find & Apply For Veterinary Technician / Technologist Jobs in Sarasota, Florida

Position Summary The Aquarium Veterinary Technician provides veterinary technical support to Mote SEA as part of the Veterinary Services team. The technician supports medical care, diagnostics, and treatment of aquatic animals while working collaboratively with curators and aquarists, who retain responsibility for daily husbandry, exhibit operations, and behavioral management. A strong commitment to animal welfare, clear communication, and effective teamwork within an AZA-accredited framework is essential. Success in this role requires strong veterinary technician skills, excellent attention to detail, clear communication, sound judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively across teams. The ideal candidate is comfortable adapting their skills to a wide variety of species and working in a dynamic aquarium environment where animal care needs can vary from day to day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Veterinary Technician Responsibilities Clinical & Medical Support

• Assist veterinarians with physical examinations, diagnostics, anesthesia, treatments, and medical procedures.
• Prepare, administer, and document medications as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Perform veterinary technical procedures within scope of training and licensure, including venipuncture, fluid therapy, injections, wound care, and bandaging, under veterinary direction.
• Monitor animals during procedures and recovery, recording clinical parameters and observations.
• Assist with emergency medical response and triage in coordination with veterinary staff. Diagnostics & Laboratory Support
• Collect, process, and prepare biological samples (blood, fecal, cytology) for in-house or external analysis.
• Perform basic laboratory procedures with training and supervision.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and cleanliness. Medical Records & Regulatory Support
• Maintain accurate medical records, treatment logs, and inventories.
• Support compliance with AZA standards and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Follow established biosecurity, infection control, and safety protocols.

Collaboration with

Curators & Aquarists:

Interdepartmental Coordination

• Work closely with curators and aquarists to support animal health while respecting defined roles and responsibilities.
• Communicate medical findings, treatment plans, and care considerations to aquarist teams as directed by the veterinarian.
• Coordinate timing of medical procedures with husbandry schedules and exhibit operations. Supportive Participation
• Provide guidance to aquarists on medical treatments or monitoring as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Assist with staff training related to medical procedures, animal health monitoring, and safety protocols, in coordination with curators and veterinary staff. Facilities, Equipment & Hospital Support
• Clean, disinfect, and maintain veterinary equipment and treatment areas.
• Assist with hospital readiness and emergency response preparedness.
• Support quarantine and isolation areas in collaboration with animal care teams. Professional Development
• Participate in ongoing training.
• Maintain veterinary technician licensure and required continuing education.
• Support AZA accreditation standards and institutional animal welfare goals.

Qualifications:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Technology is required.
• Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT, LVT, or RVT) preferred.
• A minimum of one year's experience as a full-time Veterinary Technician is required.
• A minimum of one year of aquarium, exotics, zoo, or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary animal care team is required.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs with assistance.
• Ability to work in wet, humid, and variable environments.
• Availability for rotating weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hours response.
• Requires handling, working with, or exposure to large, potentially dangerous animals, animal diseases, and potentially hazardous chemicals.

Core Competencies:

• Commitment to animal welfare and AZA standards
• Clear communication and adaptability
• Team-oriented mindset
• Attention to detail and accountability
• Willingness to learn and grow professionally To apply, please submit the following to djones@mote.

org or mail to Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before November 13, 2026: Cover letter addressed to Dr. Darbi Jones DVM, Veterinarian Resume or C.V.

Benefits:

403(b) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Describe in 2-3 sentences your experience with medical care, diagnostics and treatment of aquatic animals. To be considered for the position, you must include a cover letter. Have you attached or pasted your cover letter?

Education:

Associate (Required)

Experience:

full-time

Veterinary Technician:

1 year (Required) aquarium, exotics, zoo, or equivalent: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person