Director of Conservation Medicine at The Wilds

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium; Cumberland (OH); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wilds seeks a senior leader to guide Conservation Medicine, integrating clinical care, research, and population health across large wildlife populations.

You will oversee veterinary services, disease surveillance, biosecurity, regulatory compliance (USDA/AZA/ACUC), and collaborations with universities and conservation partners, while mentoring residents and staff. The role requires DVM and ACZM or eligibility, plus license and DEA prerequisites.

Qualifications

• DVM degree is required and Ohio license eligibility is necessary.
• ACZM board certification or ability to achieve within 6 months of hire is required.
• Active or eligible Ohio veterinary license and DEA licensure eligibility.
• Experience leading veterinary teams in zoological or conservation settings is essential.

Responsibilities

• Direct diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of animal health across the collection.
• Lead development and implementation of preventative medicine and herd health programs for large wildlife populations.
• Oversee veterinary hospital operations, pharmacy, and medical protocols.
• Ensure emergency veterinary coverage and lead response to critical animal health situations.
• Conduct and oversee necropsy procedures and disease investigations.
• Develop and execute conservation medicine programs aligned with institutional priorities.
• Provide mentorship for veterinary residents, interns, and research participants.
• Disseminate findings through publications, presentations, and professional engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Team management

Biosecurity

One Health

Education

DVM (or equivalent)

ACZM board certification or eligibility within 6 months

Ohio veterinary license

DEA licensure eligibility

Job description

Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Conservation Medicine program at The Wilds, advancing the health and sustainability of managed wildlife populations through excellence in clinical care, conservation research, and collaborative partnerships. This role integrates veterinary medicine, population health, and conservation science to support The Wilds' mission and global conservation initiatives. Serves as a key member of the senior leadership team.

Clinical & Animal Health Leadership

• Direct diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of animal health across the collection
• Lead development and implementation of preventative medicine and herd health programs for diverse, large-scale wildlife populations
• Oversee veterinary hospital operations, pharmacy, and medical protocols
• Ensure emergency veterinary coverage and lead response to critical animal health situations
• Conduct and oversee necropsy procedures and disease investigations

Conservation Medicine & Research

• Develop and execute a strategic conservation medicine program aligned with The Wilds' mission and global conservation priorities
• Design, implement, and oversee applied conservation research programs in collaboration with Conservation Science staff
• Promote a One Health approach integrating animal, human, and environmental health principles
• Provide mentorship and oversight for veterinary residents, interns, and research participants
• Disseminate findings through publications, presentations, and professional engagement
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support research initiatives

Population Health & Biosecurity

• Lead disease surveillance, epidemiology, and biosecurity programs for multi-species, large-acreage environments
• Develop and implement quarantine and animal movement protocols to ensure regulatory compliance and population health
• Manage health risks associated with free-ranging and co-managed species groups

Leadership & Operations

• Create an inclusive, high-performing team culture with clear communication and accountability
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, resources, and long-term planning initiatives
• Collaborate with Animal Management, Conservation Science, and other departments to support institutional goals
• Ensure appropriate staffing, training, and professional development
• Participate in organizational strategic planning and leadership decision-making

Regulatory Compliance & Ethics

• Maintain compliance with all applicable laws, standards, and best practices, including USDA and AZA requirements
• Responsible for completing and coordinating veterinary care components of AZA, American Humane and ZAA accreditation applications.
• Serve as Chair or lead representative for the Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC)
• Maintain regulatory records and facilitate inspections and reporting
• Maintain strong professional relationships with regulatory agencies and inspectors

External Partnerships & Representation

• Coordinate veterinary and research collaborations with universities, AZA institutions, and conservation organizations
• Maintain collaborative relationships and coordinate with associated animal health and research contacts and partners to support program goals
• Represent The Wilds at professional meetings, conferences, and in scientific forums
• Support educational initiatives and contribute to training programs with academic partners

General Responsibilities

• Contribute expertise to animal management decisions including husbandry, nutrition, and reproduction
• Coordinate with Animal Management and Conservation education & Engagement Departments to support veterinary components of guest programming.
• Support organizational mission, sustainability efforts, and conservation priorities
• Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) during weekends during the peak season (generally May-October)
• Perform other related duties as assigned that align with the scope and responsibilities of this leadership role and support animal health, conservation, research, and operational priorities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting
• Work conducted in outdoor environments with exposure to extreme weather conditions
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, anesthetic agents, and wildlife-related hazards
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs occasionally

Additional Notes

• This position operates in a large, open-range conservation environment requiring both clinical and field-based veterinary expertise
• Occasional travel, including conference attendance, fieldwork across property, and collaboration with partner institutions
• Role requires sound judgment, adaptability, and the ability to balance animal welfare, conservation goals, and operational priorities.

Education & Licensure

• DVM (or equivalent) required
• Board certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) or ability to achieve within 6 months of hire required.
• Valid driver's license with good driving record required
• Valid Ohio veterinary license or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire required
• Eligibility for DEA licensure required

Experience & Technical Expertise

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in zoological, wildlife, or conservation medicine required
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience required
• Experience with large hoofstock, carnivores, and/or free-ranging or semi-free-ranging wildlife populations strongly preferred
• Experience in wildlife immobilization, anesthesia, and field-based veterinary procedures preferred
• Knowledge of population health, epidemiology, and disease surveillance in managed or free-ranging systems preferred
• Research experience required; demonstrated success in leading or contributing to applied conservation research preferred

Regulatory, Research & Compliance

• Experience with regulatory compliance (such as USDA-APHIS, AZA accreditation standards, and ACUC) required
• Experience in grant writing, research funding acquisition, and scientific publication preferred

Skills, Competencies & Other Requirements

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills required
• Strong computer proficiency and data management skills required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
• Ability to work independently while leading cross-functional teams required
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with internal teams and external partners required
• Ability to adhere to all safety protocols and standard operating procedures required
• Ability to pass required background checks and drug screening