STEVEN THURSTON
Denver
Summary
Accomplished Registered Veterinary Technician with extensive experience in animal healthcare. Skilled in laboratory procedures, medical record-keeping, and client relations. Possesses excellent communication and customer service skills to deliver quality patient care.
Experienced in a variety of animal species, treatment, diagnostics, pharmacology, and emergency.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
08.2024 - 01.2025
- Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
- Collected patient biopsies and blood samples for laboratory analysis.
- Processed new patients and updated patient records with key information using standardized registration systems.
- Administer medications, vaccines and treatments as instructed by veterinarian.
- Treated and provided medical care in highly dangerous environments including venomous snakes, large predators/animals that pose personnel risk, and ultra potent opioids.
- Administered prescribed injectable controlled substances, tranquilizers, sedatives and injectable or inhalant anesthetics.
- Filed daily progress records, surgery logs, x-ray logs, and routine records.
- Collected and prepared specimens for laboratory testing.
Senior Laboratory Technician
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
09.2017 - 06.2023
- Conducted extensive training and testing for EEHV in elephants
- Achieved extensive budget cost reduction for in-house testing
- Led clinical pathology, quality assurance, and chemistry analysis as a Senior Laboratory Technician and Chemistry Lead Technician at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
- Develop and implement new laboratory techniques to improve efficiency and accuracy of testing procedures
- Develop and implement new laboratory procedures and protocols to improve efficiency and accuracy of sample processing and testing
- Collaborate with veterinarians and researchers to develop new diagnostic tests and protocols for wildlife diseases
- Collaborate with research scientists to identify and implement innovative laboratory technologies and methodologies that advance the understanding and conservation of wildlife
- Manage and maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment to ensure smooth operations and avoid delays in testing procedures
- Develop and implement new strategies for laboratory waste management to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainability
- Supervise and mentor junior laboratory technicians to ensure high-quality work and professional growth
Lead Technician Emergency Department
VCA Animal Specialty Group
01.2013 - 09.2016
- Recovered Surgical Patients after Procedure
- Excellent Pharmacology Skills
- Emergency Triage
- CPR
- Surgery
Education
AAS - Pharmacology, Surgery, and Clinical Pathology
Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista
Skills
- Strong work ethic
- Quality control
- Extensive Knowledge in all fields of Veterinary Medicine
- Public speaking
- Brand representation
- Customer service expertise
- Excellent time management
- Exceptional communication
Personal Information
- Age: 35
- License: LIC 11269
Timeline
Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
08.2024 - 01.2025
Senior Laboratory Technician
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
09.2017 - 06.2023
Lead Technician Emergency Department
VCA Animal Specialty Group
01.2013 - 09.2016
AAS - Pharmacology, Surgery, and Clinical Pathology
Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista
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