Veterinary Technician/WildCare Center Manager
Veterinary Technician/WildCare Center Manager
Do you have a passion for wildlife conservation, animal health, and making a meaningful impact every day? The Hutchinson Zoo is seeking a Registered Veterinary Technician to lead animal care at the Cargill WildCare Center—our region’s premier wildlife rehabilitation and animal wellness facility. This is an extraordinary opportunity to blend veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, leadership, and community impact in one incredible role.
The Hutchinson Zoo is a small, municipal Zoo in central Kansas. It is a vibrant and engaging part of our community, fulfilling our mission of "Plains conservation through community engagement, inspiring experiences, and exemplary animal care." The Zoo's flagship conservation program is Native Wildlife Rehabilitation, which receives over 1,000 annual admissions. In 2024, the Zoo celebrated 27 years of continuous AZA accreditation, opened a 3-acre Gateway to the Prairie Exhibit and embarked on a new Strategic Master Plan. More Masterplan updates and growth opportunities are underway for 2026.
Why You'll Love This Role
As a key member of our animal care leadership team, you will:
• Provide hands-on medical care for native wildlife and zoo animals
• Manage our wildlife rehabilitation center and participate in animal welfare initiatives
• Lead and mentor interns, seasonal staff, and volunteers
• Work closely with zoo veterinarians on diagnostics, treatment plans, and preventative health
• Help rehabilitate, release, and protect Kansas wildlife
• Support conservation education and behind-the-scenes experiences that inspire the public
🌎 Be Part of Something Bigger
From stabilizing an injured hawk to tube-feeding orphaned opossums, this role plays a direct part in animal rehabilitation and recovery efforts. You will also ensure the health of our zoo collection by coordinating veterinary care, maintaining our on-site pharmacy, and advancing our high standards of animal welfare in accordance with AZA and USDA guidelines.
What You'll Do
• Perform triage, medical treatments, lab testing, and supportive care for wildlife
• Manage medical records and permit reports (WRMD, Species360, Federal documentation)
• Oversee medication inventory, ordering, distribution, and pharmacy compliance
• Coordinate veterinary care and serve as liaison among leadership, staff, and consulting veterinarians
• Supervise and train interns, seasonal staff, and volunteers
• Support animal training initiatives and contribute to education and fundraising events
Experience Required
What We're Looking For: Registered or Licensed Veterinary Technician (or eligible to obtain Kansas registration within 6 weeks) Minimum 2 years of veterinary technician experience (wildlife or zoo experience preferred) Strong clinical skills in emergency care, lab work, fluid therapy, and animal handling Passion for wildlife rehabilitation and conservation Leadership, teamwork, and excellent communication skills Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with diverse species and unique challenges.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW: Group Health, Dental & Vision insurance through Meritain/Aetna, Retirement; KPERS Defined Benefit & 457 Retirement Savings Plans Insurance, Disability Death Benefit Life & Optional Voluntary Life Insurance, Medical & Dependent Care Spending Account, Vacation, Sick & City Holiday Leave, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Wellness Program
Salary
$45,968-69,014 per year DOQ
How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please visit the City of Hutchinson website (https://hutchgov.applicantpro.com/jobs/3900387) and review the full job description.
Hutchinson Zoo
6 Emerson Loop East
Hutchinson, KS 67501
Phone: 6202594120
Visit our website: hutchinsonzoo.org