Find & Apply For Veterinary Technician / Technologist Jobs in Salisbury, Maryland

Job Description

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City of Salisbury, MD Classification Description Classification Title:

Animal Care Technician Grade:

3

Department:

Salisbury Zoo FLSA Status:

NE Date:

10/26/2026

Position Profile:

Under the supervision of the Collections Curator, the Animal Care Technician provides a high standard of animal care to Zoological population, which encompasses husbandry, diet preparation, and cleaning of assigned habitats; applying behavioral husbandry techniques and goals including enrichment & operant conditioning; maintaining accurate, thorough records utilizing ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System) & other software; assist Veterinary staff with procedures. Performs other duties as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities Administration/Department Administration:

Manage the overall animal care team and procedures while performing routine animal husbandry duties for living collections.

• Work with other animal care staff toward maintaining a high standard of animal welfare for the Zoological population
• Prepare diet for specified animals
• Provide husbandry for designated animal habitats
• Conduct daily observations on animals for atypical behavior, illness, and/or injury
• Assist the veterinarian in the treatment of animals with illness or injury
• Facilitate behavioral husbandry goals utilizing enrichment and operant conditioning methods
• Assist with facility maintenance
• Handles and transports animals as needed.

Both on and off site

Skills Proficiency/Strategic Planning:

Skillful in use of tools, hardware, software, and equipment.

• Assists with maintenance of facility & grounds
• Working knowledge of City policies and procedures
• Knowledge of zoological policies and practices regarding animal care and habitat maintenance
• Knowledge of animal diet requirements
• Knowledge of safe animal handling procedures
• Follow written and oral instructions
• Effectively prioritize and multitask with attention to detail
• Demonstrates ability to safely and efficiently utilize basic hand tools
• If over the age of 21, safely & appropriately follow instructions on driving city vehicles
• Performs other duties as assigned Page 1 of 4
• Pass a 6-hour shooting range course

Leadership/Team Leader:

Provides strong guidance and oversight. Instills confidence and inspires action while maintaining accountability.

• Works with the Zoo team, which consists of a Director, Assistant Director, Collections Curator, Registrar, Animal Care, Groundskeepers, Maintenance, Education Department, Veterinary team, Guest Services and Administrative Assistant.
• Collaborates with the teams of other City departments and stakeholder groups.

Stewardship:

Safeguards equipment, supplies and material.

• Educates guests on the importance of the Salisbury Zoo, its relation to the city and the zoological industry as a whole
• Regularly observes the Zoological population and interprets what they observe
• Work closely with the animal care, veterinary and maintenance staff to successfully complete projects

Development/Leadership Development:

Provides opportunities to engage in leadership development and learn about career advancement. Participate in opportunities to earn or maintain professional credentials and certifications.

• Attend opportunities and/or training for department staff to engage in professional development, career advancement and other City initiatives to improve interdepartmental relations
• Works on improving leadership skills by attending relevant meetings and trainings
• Keeps informed on current Zoological and animal care practices by attending workshops and educational programs or reading specialized literature.
• Generate individual annual performance goals that reflect institutional mission and strategic priorities.
• Effectively communicate with the public courteously and tactfully at all times;
• Effectively communicate and maintain effective working relationships with other staff members and members of the public. Performance Expectations

Communication:

Articulates thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively to exchange information. Listens to others and provides useful feedback. Effectively communicates with the public courteously and tactfully at all times.

• Demonstrates effective communication skills within Animal Care team, and with Zoological staff outside of Animal Care
• Maintains clear, concise records utilizing software including ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System), Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and other software as required
• Provides consistent, effective updates to peers & leadership regarding changes to animal behavior, diets, husbandry management, etc.

Work Ethic:

Demonstrates personal accountability, effective work habits, integrity and ethical behavior.

• Displays respectful behavior toward peers, leadership, guests, stakeholders, and animals Page 2 of 4
• Prioritizes effective, efficient work habits while maintaining a high standard of animal care

Teamwork:

Works well as a part of a team through respectful and collaborative relationships with colleagues, customers, affiliates and stakeholder groups.

• Clear ability to function in an individual capacity while effectively collaborating with peers as needed
• Actively supports Animal Care team to achieve multitude of dynamic goals

Problem Solving:

Improves, designs, refines, finds and invents criteria in order to resolve problems. This combines creative and critical thinking.

• Resourcefully apply solutions to obstacles within daily work, coordinates with peers & leadership to overcome challenges within role
• Leads with a proactive mindset when approaching daily care

Initiative:

Takes charge before others do and/or without being instructed.

• Seek out information to assist in personal and professional growth as an Animal Care team member
• Apply knowledge and experience to aid in the consistent elevation of husbandry standards