Associate Veterinarian

Rosamond Gifford Zoo; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 130,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading zoo in California is seeking a part-time Associate Veterinarian to provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for its diverse animal collection. Ideal candidates will hold a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and have experience with various genres of zoological species. This position involves collaboration with the veterinary team to implement preventative care and maintain animal health standards, while also contributing to research and educational programs.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine or VMD required.
• Experience with terrestrial mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.
• Valid NYS driver's license and specific veterinary licenses required.

Responsibilities

• Provide routine and urgent medical care for zoo animals.
• Maintain health through management of clinical cases including surgery and diagnostics.
• Supervise veterinary technicians and lab technicians.

Skills

Zoological species experience

Veterinary medicine

Surgical skills

Communication

Education

Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Job description

General statement:

Under the general direction of the Senior Veterinarian and reporting to the Executive Director or their designee, the Associate Veterinarian is responsible for providing routine and urgent medical and surgical care for the zoo’s animal collection. This Associate Veterinarian position is part-time and can include benefits. The veterinary department currently consists of one full-time veterinarian, one full-time licensed veterinary technician, two part-time licensed veterinary technicians, and one laboratory technician. Operating out of a new 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art Animal Health Center, the veterinary department provides care to over 800 animals at the zoo.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain the health of the animal collection through management of clinical cases including diagnosis and treatment of illness or injury, follow up of medical cases, surgery, dentistry, necropsies, assisting in managing animal nutrition, approving animal enrichment and browse, and providing emergency animal health services.
• Work within the veterinary team to implement preventative healthcare program including routine examinations and species-specific preventative care (immunization, bloodwork, parasite surveillance and control, infectious disease screening, dental prophylaxis, etc).
• Communicate clearly with animal care management regarding results of exams, diagnostics, treatments, medical plans and management.
• Maintain medical records ensuring accuracy and professionalism.
• Coordinate pre-shipment health exams and proper quarantine procedures for new animals.
• Perform duties of a USDA category II accredited veterinarian including regulatory testing for tuberculosis and brucellosis and endorsement of certificates of veterinary inspection.
• Perform gross necropsies and collect samples for histopathology, analyze and communicate necropsy findings.
• Safe handling and documentation of pharmaceuticals including controlled substances and ultra-potent narcotics. Ensure compliance with regulatory policies and reporting requirements.
• Supervise licensed veterinary technicians and lab technicians.
• Once developed, assists in overseeing veterinary extern and post-graduate training programs, including selection of candidates, mentoring and training veterinary externs and interns, weekly topic rounds, manuscript review.
• Collaborate with colleagues and local veterinary specialists on clinical cases as needed.
• Participate in research projects and publications as able. Support AZA conservation programs and other research efforts by collecting samples and gathering and submitting data as appropriate.
• Maintain standards and regulations of AZA, AAZV, USDA, OSHA and other regulatory agencies applicable to zoological institutions.
• Assist the veterinary team in maintaining the Animal Health Center and hospital equipment.
• Other Duties as Assigned - Examples may include but are not limited to: participation in public tours, zoo special events and education programs.
• Safely operate equipment and vehicles used within the department.

Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or a VMD degree from an AVMA accredited approved college or university required.
• Must have experience with zoological species including terrestrial mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. This may include post-doctoral training or a minimum of one year of full-time practical experience in a zoological institution.
• Valid NYS driver’s license required and must be maintained throughout incumbency.
• State of New York Veterinary License required or must be obtained prior to hire.
• USDA category II accreditation required or must be obtained within three (3) months of hire.
• DEA registration for class II-V drugs required or must be obtained within three (3) months of hire.
• ACZM Board Certified or Board Eligible preferred.

Qualified individuals should send a resume, cover letter, and two professional references to [e-mail], [e-mail], and [e-mail].