Director of Pathology

Wildlife Conservation Society; New York (NY); On-site; USD 165,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Wildlife Conservation Society in New York seeks a Director of Pathology to lead the Zoological Health Program’s pathology division, overseeing Bronx Zoo operations and providing essential diagnostic support across WCS sites including the New York Aquarium and City Zoos. The role reports to the VPZHP and drives veterinary standards, research, and collaboration.

The position requires a veterinary degree (DVM/ VMD/ DMV), board eligibility, 5–10 years of zoological pathology experience, and strong

Qualifications

• Veterinary degree from an AVMA-accredited program and a valid Driver’s License.
• Board certification or eligibility in ACVP/ECVP or equivalent desirable.
• 5–10 years of zoologic veterinary pathology experience with progressive duties and personnel oversight.
• Ability to manage a complex, multi-veterinarian/multi-technician health care program.
• Knowledge of USDA, OSHA, AZA, AA​ZV, NYS and NYC regulations.
• Strong English reading/writing and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible schedule including non-traditional hours, holidays, on-call, and weekends.
• Experience coordinating activities with multiple departments.
• Represent WCS professionally and uphold safety.
• Commitment to WCS’s mission and vision.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative oversight coordinating pathology program activities.
• Oversee pathology staff at the Bronx Zoo and provide support across all WCS sites.
• Support donor tours, communications, and reports for ZHP initiatives.
• Develop and implement veterinary protocols meeting regulatory standards.
• Foster research activities and peer‑reviewed publications.

Skills

English communication

Team leadership

Flex scheduling

Education

DVM/VMD/DMV or equivalent

Board certification or eligibility (ACVP/ECVP)

Job description

Job Description

Position: Director of Pathology Reports to: Vice President of Zoological Health Program (VPZHP)

Department: Zoological Health Program

Position Managed: Senior Pathologists, Pathologists Director, Molecular Program, Medical Records Specialists, Technicians

Location: Bronx Zoo-based

Scope: WCS Bronx Zoo, City Zoos, and New York Aquarium.

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $165,000 - $180,000

Position Summary

The Director of Pathology provides leadership for the pathology division of the Zoological Health Program (ZHP) at WCS, oversees the pathology program and pathology staff at the Bronx Zoo, as well as provides critical animal pathology support across all four WCS zoos, the New York Aquarium, and international conservation programs. This position reports to the VPZHP. The Director of Pathology is a key leader and integral part of the WCS Zoos & Aquarium Division and collaborates to provide optimal disease diagnostics for animals in the parks. Excellent attention to detail, being proactive and flexible, having a mind for organization, possessing excellent veterinary pathology skills and knowledge, and maintaining strong written and oral communication skills, are all important elements contributing to success in the role.

Principal Responsibilities

• Maintain competency, and knowledge of current information and procedures in zoological and wildlife medicine, and wherever appropriate, incorporate new advances into the ZHP to enhance animal care and well-being.
• Ensure ZHP pathology staff also maintain and utilize current knowledge of advances in veterinary medicine.
• Provide administrative oversight in coordinating appropriate and timely pathology program activities.
• Provide administrative support of staff personnel including residents/fellows, students, and volunteers in the areas of scheduling, operations, budget, record keeping, development and maintenance of policies and procedures, and facility operations.
• Perform and coordinate emergency coverage and on-call duty as necessary.
• Establish and maintain proactive pathology programs.
• Regularly assess current protocols and investigate and implement new procedures to ensure an efficient and sound program.
• Support the VPZHP with Zoological Health Program initiatives, activities, and operations including assisting with donor and other stakeholder tours, communications, and reports.
• Develop and implement veterinary protocols and procedures that meet or exceed all regulatory guidelines and standards including, but not limited to, those from USDA, OSHA, AZA, AAZV, New York State, and New York City.
• Foster original scientific research and peer reviewed publication by pathology staff.
• Engage in scientific research or policy work.
• Collaborate with the VPZHP to develop and oversee pathology operating and capital budgets.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the VPZHP.

Qualification Requirements

• Hold a veterinary degree (DVM, VMD, DMV, or equivalent) from an AVMA-accredited veterinary program and have or be eligible to obtain, and maintain, a valid Driver’s License.
• Board certification or eligibility in relevant Veterinary College (ACVP, ECVP, or equivalent) desirable.
• 5-10 years of zoologic veterinary pathology experience demonstrating progressively increasing duties and responsibilities. Experience overseeing budgets and personnel desirable.
• Be able to manage a complex, multi-veterinarian, multi-technician health care program.
• Demonstrated knowledge with all regulations including those from USDA, OSHA, AZA, AAZV, New York State, and New York City.
• Proficient in reading, writing, and effectively communicating in English with excellent written, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including working non-traditional hours, holidays, scheduled on-call, emergency responses, and weekends or evenings as needed.
• Experience communicating and coordinating activities with a variety of departments.
• Ability to represent WCS in a professional manner in all activities and to provide a positive example to all staff.
• Assures safety of self, staff, animals, and guests through regular participation in safety training and activities; compliance with standard operating procedures; and proper operation and maintenance of equipment.
• Commitment to WCS’s mission and vision.

Physical Requirements

Regular use of a computer, phone, and keyboard. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and driving. Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 pounds. Occasional bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs, and walking on uneven ground.

Workplace Conditions

Work is mainly indoors with some outdoor work and travel. May work alone or with a team. Regular exposure to equipment, tools, loud noise, animals, and potentially infectious materials. Occasional work in bad weather.

Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer

WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories.

It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies.

Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.

Salary Range

$165,000 - $180,000