Associate Zoo Veterinarian: Exotic Animal Medicine

Virginia Zoo; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

PTO 12 days

17 paid holidays

Professional development support

PSLF eligibility

Coastal location

Job summary

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is seeking an Associate Zoo Veterinarian to join our animal health team. You will deliver preventative and emergency care across a diverse animal collection, perform surgeries and anesthesia, and maintain records in ZIMS.

You will work closely with curators and staff to advance animal welfare and conservation programs. Qualified candidates hold a DVM and Virginia license (or eligibility), with 2+ years postgrad zoo experience.

Qualifications

• Must have DVM or equivalent from AVMA-accredited veterinary school.
• Valid Virginia veterinary license or eligibility prior to employment.
• Minimum 2 years postgrad experience; zoo internship or 2 years at AZA‑accredited institution.
• Experience anesthetizing large carnivores, great apes, and hoofstock; mega vertebrate experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Foster a positive, professional work environment and collaborate with zoo staff and vendors.
• Work with curators, keepers, and Head of Veterinary Services on case management.
• Stay current with veterinary literature and maintain regulatory standards.
• Provide preventative and emergency care for a wide range of taxa.
• Perform surgical and anesthetic procedures, including in guest areas.
• Conduct necropsies and communicate findings to the team promptly.
• Provide emergency care and euthanasia for wildlife on zoo grounds when needed.
• Maintain USDA Category II Accreditation and assist in acquisitions/dispositions.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping in ZIMS and participate in conservation initiatives.
• Share on-call duties after hours; respond within 45 minutes during emergencies.

Skills

DVM

Team collaboration

Communication

Clinical anesthesia

Education

DVM or equivalent

Tools

ACZM/ECZM eligibility

Job description

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is seeking an Associate Zoo Veterinarian to join our animal health team. You will deliver preventative and emergency care across a diverse animal collection, perform surgeries and anesthesia, and maintain records in ZIMS.

You will work closely with curators and staff to advance animal welfare and conservation programs. Qualified candidates hold a DVM and Virginia license (or eligibility), with 2+ years postgrad zoo experience.