Associate Veterinarian

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo; West Orange (NJ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated veterinary team at a vibrant zoo nestled in a scenic reservation! As an Associate Veterinarian, you'll provide exceptional care to a diverse animal collection in a state-of-the-art facility. This role offers the chance to engage in preventative medicine, emergency care, and education while contributing to animal welfare and conservation efforts. With a focus on continuous learning and professional development, this position is perfect for passionate veterinarians eager to make a difference. Be part of a mission that inspires the community to connect with wildlife and promotes the highest standards of animal care.

Benefits

Continuing Education Opportunities

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Flexible Scheduling

Qualifications

• DVM from an AVMA-accredited college required.
• 3+ years of experience in zoological medicine.
• Strong clinical and surgical skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical and surgical treatment for various animals.
• Teach interns and students in the Wellness Center.
• Conduct animal health research and community education.

Skills

Veterinary Medicine

Zoological Medicine

Anesthesia

Surgery

Communication Skills

Research Skills

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Tools

Diagnostic Tools

Remote Injection Equipment

Job description

Associate Veterinarian

About Us:

Nestled within the scenic South Mountain Reservation, the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is a vibrant 30-acre haven for 150 different domestic and wildlife species, managed by the nation's oldest county park system. We're proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2006 and hold an American Humane Certification since 2017, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of animal care.

Exciting Opportunity:

We're expanding our veterinary team with the opening of our brand-new, state-of-the-art Animal Wellness Center in April 2025! This is a unique opportunity to join a dedicated team and work in a cutting-edge facility designed to provide exceptional care for our diverse animal collection.

Our New Animal Wellness Center Features:

10,000 sq ft facility with guest viewing into the treatment room, nursery, and lab, offering unique educational opportunities.
Steris equipment in both treatment and surgical suites with CCTV viewing for guest engagement.
Advanced diagnostic tools, including a CT room and machine, portable radiology and ultrasound units, endoscopes, and more.
Dedicated surgical suite, neonatal suite, and ICU.
In-house laboratory for blood work, urinalysis, and fecal testing.

Your Role:

As an Associate Veterinarian, you'll play a crucial role in providing clinical, medical, and surgical treatment for our entire animal collection. Our zoo maintains an active preventative medicine program as well as responds to emergencies during and after zoo hours. Our team includes an ACZM diplomate as well as 2 full-time and 1 part-time veterinary technicians. The zoo employs an off-site contracted nutritionist, who assists veterinarians with managing the diets for all animals on grounds. A commissary team works closely with the vet team to prepare food for distribution and further preparation throughout the zoo.

Key Responsibilities:

• Veterinary Care:
  • Provide routine and emergency medical and surgical treatment to a wide range of collection animals, including megavertebrates, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
  • Provide preshipment and quarantine exams and diagnostics.
  • Offer emergency care or euthanasia for ill or injured wildlife found on or near Zoo grounds.
  • Conduct welfare assessments of collection animals as their health needs evolve.
  • Ensure compliance with USDA and AZA standards, as well as other federal and state regulations related to animal health, exhibition, captive management, and transportation.
  • Implement preventative medical program for the entire collection.
  • Maintain USDA Class 2 accreditation for health certificate completion.
  • Perform necropsies on deceased collection animals and wildlife as needed.
  • Maintain thorough and timely animal health records.
• Research and Education:
  • Teach veterinarian interns, students, and preveterinary students that rotate through the Wellness Center.
  • Serve on the Zoo's Animal Management Team and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
  • Deliver lectures or training to local institutions of higher learning.
  • Represent the Zoo to the media, including print, radio, television, and social media.
  • Conduct seminars and hospital tours.
  • Pursue animal health research projects and prepare results for presentation and publication (preferred).
• Training and Safety:
  • Provide training to zoo staff on zoonotic disease prevention, illness recognition, proper use of cleaners and disinfectants, and medication administration.
  • Participate in animal-related emergency responses, including the animal escape and envenomation response teams.
  • Support the professional development of Animal Wellness Center and TBZ staff.

Experience:

• Required Qualifications:
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited college.
  • At least 3 years of full-time experience practicing zoological medicine in AZA (or equivalent) accredited institutions.
  • Board certification or eligibility in Zoological Medicine by the American College of Zoological Medicine or the European College of Zoological Medicine.
  • Licensed to practice veterinary medicine within the State of New Jersey (or obtain such license within the first 3 months of appointment).
  • USDA Category II accreditation for New Jersey (or obtain such accreditation within the first 6 months of employment) to write required interstate and international animal health certificates, perform tuberculosis testing, and submit diagnostic samples to state and federal animal disease laboratories.
  • Experience with anesthesia, medicine, and surgery of a broad range of taxonomic species, including non-human primates, nondomestic carnivores, diverse avian and reptilian species, and various domestic species including small ruminants and poultry.
  • Experienced in the use of a variety of types of remote injection equipment (pole syringes, blowpipes, CO2 pistols and rifles).
  • Experienced in the use of dangerous drugs such as ultra-potent narcotics, and registered (or able to obtain registration) by the US DOJ Drug Enforcement Administration to order, possess, administer and dispense controlled substances, including but not limited to schedule 2 and 2N medications including thiafentanil and etorphine.
  • Able and willing to work weekends and holidays and to work overtime when required. May be required to stay overnight at Zoo in the event of animal illness, weather emergency, or any other situation that may impede normal transit to the Zoo.
  • Ability to respond to the Zoo within 40 minutes (assuming normal traffic) in the event of an emergency.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills for educating and advising diverse teams.
  • Interest and ability to conduct animal health research.
• Other Requirements:
  • High EQ and effective listener.
  • Respectful, fair, and tactful.
  • High standards for animal health care
  • A passion for animal welfare and conservation.
  • Strong clinical and surgical skills.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
  • A willingness to provide excellent guest and staff educational experiences.
  • A commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
  • Prior to starting work, successful completion of a background check.

Join Us!

If you're a dedicated veterinarian seeking a rewarding career in a dynamic and supportive environment, we encourage you to apply! Be part of our mission to provide exceptional care for our animals and inspire our community to connect with wildlife.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to Jilian Fazio