Animal Health and Welfare Director

Al Ain Zoo; Abu Dhabi Emirate; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading zoological facility in the UAE seeks an Animal Health and Welfare Director. This role involves managing comprehensive animal health programs, leading a team, and ensuring high welfare standards for various species. Candidates must hold a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, possess significant experience in zoological settings, and demonstrate strong leadership abilities. The position includes responsibilities like medical oversight, budget management, and research, in a collaborative environment focused on animal welfare.

Qualifications

• 10 years of employment experience in a Zoo, Aquarium, or Oceanarium Organization.
• 10 years of experience in a leadership role.
• 10 years of experience in the development and oversight of zoological budgets.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the maintenance and management of all aspects of collection animal health.
• Oversees medical care of rescued animals.
• Leads the Animal Health Department annual budget.
• Consults and educates in areas of health, welfare, and husbandry.
• Conducts animal health research projects.

Skills

Strong leadership, communication and teamwork skills

Critical thinking, verbal and written communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Demonstrated knowledge with professional zoo/aquarium and animal behavior and conservation communities

Advanced computer skills, including MS Office applications

Education

Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree

Master’s Degree or postgraduate qualification in Veterinary Medicine

Job description

Job Overview

The Animal Health and Welfare Director is responsible in providing direction of and participation in the comprehensive animal health and welfare program. This includes the zoo’s animal population (mammals, fish, reptiles, birds & invertebrates) as well as providing support for any associated Rescue & Rehabilitation program. This position is integral to the direction of the fascility’s high animal welfare standards and to the advancement of the science of animal health. This role is responsible for the management of the animal welfare program and sits within the Strategic Operations Management Office; a Miral Experiences Board. This position is responsible for all aspects of the animal health and welfare program of the team and associated operations; responsible for developing a high performing and motivated team.

Job Scope

• Responsible for the maintenance and management of all aspects of collection animal health including diagnosis and treatment of disease, preventative medicine programs, the animal welfare program, and nutrition
• As part of various programs, oversees medical care of rescued animals.
• Responsible for leading of the Animal Health Department annual budget
• Shares responsibility for the management of animal rescue program with the Zoological team
• Consults and educates the Zoological colleagues and leadership team in areas of health, welfare, and husbandry
• Conducts animal health research projects and prepares the results for presentations and peer-reviewed publications
• Provides strategic direction and contribution to the planning, organization, and implementation of the Animal Health and Welfare department’s short and long term plans and goals
• Develops and updates colleagues resourcing and plans for the team
• Plans and develops the Animal Health and Welfare department’s annual operating budget in coordination with the Zoological husbandry team
• Develops and maintains safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment for colleagues and animals
• Assists in the field for rescues, health assessments and possible research with various species
• Participates in developing long-range goals and objectives, including capital planning
• Ensures any noncompliance and/or safety related incidents are investigated and corrective action taken as needed in conjunction with HSE and/or HR
• Identifies and monitors key results and financial performance for assigned areas
• Participates in formulating and administering department’s policies as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned by the leadership team

Minimum Qualifications, Experience and Skills Requirements

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree
• Master’s Degree or postgraduate qualification in Veterinary Medicine
• Must be able to obtain a license to practice veterinary medicine in the UAE

Desirable:

• Board eligibility, Member or Diplomat status of a recognized Veterinary statutory / professional body

Years of Experience: Essential:

• 10 years of employment experience in a Zoo, Aquarium, or Oceanarium Organization. This may include Post-doctoral training or a minimum of 2 years of full-time practical experience
• 10 years of experience in a leadership role
• 10 years of experience in the development and oversight of zoological budgets

Skills: Essential:

• Strong leadership, communication and teamwork skills
• Critical thinking, verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated knowledge with professional zoo/aquarium and animal behavior and conservation communities
• Advanced computer skills, including MS Office applications

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; you may be required at any time to perform any other duties to meet the needs of the business.