Senior Veterinarian

ZooTampa at Lowry Park; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Step into a pivotal leadership role at a forward-thinking zoo committed to animal care and wildlife conservation. As a Senior Veterinarian, you will oversee daily clinical operations, mentor staff, and ensure exceptional veterinary care for a diverse animal collection. This role offers the chance to influence animal health standards and engage in exciting rehabilitation efforts, all within a lush, tropical setting. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in wildlife preservation and education, while enjoying a supportive work environment with numerous perks.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options

403(b) Retirement Plan

Competitive PTO plan

Employee Assistance Program

Free gym membership

Free admission to the Zoo

Discounted admission to attractions

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years as a veterinarian, with at least 5 years in a zoo or aquarium setting.
• ACZM board eligibility or certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the veterinary hospital to ensure high-quality care.
• Lead the Animal Health Team and mentor veterinary staff.

Skills

Veterinary Medicine

Leadership

Animal Care

Critical Care

Communication

Education

Doctoral Program in Veterinary Medicine

Post-doctoral experience/internship/residency

Tools

Remote Drug Delivery Systems

ZIMS (Zoo Information Management System)

Job description

Step into a senior clinical leadership role at a zoo making bold moves in animal care and wildlife conservation.

ZooTampa is growing—and so is our veterinary team. We’re hiring a Senior Veterinarian to help lead daily clinical operations, mentor veterinary staff, and support the expansion of our world-class Catherine Lowry Straz Veterinary Hospital. This is a pivotal leadership role with influence across our entire animal collection, including native wildlife and manatees in critical care.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.

Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.

The Sr. Veterinarian is responsible for implementing and upholding the standards of veterinary care in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act (APHIS-USDA), AZA and AAHA. This position leads the Animal Health Team to provide exceptional, comprehensive medical care and wellbeing to the animals at ZooTampa, as well as rescued wildlife. The Sr. Veterinarian / Director of Animal Health is expected to monitor, evaluate, and provide recommendations to the Senior Vice President of Animal Health and Conservation and Sr. VP of Zoological Operations regarding animal health issues within the collection. This position directly supervises the veterinary technicians and veterinarians and is responsible for overseeing the daily functions at the Catherine Lowry Straz Veterinary Hospital.

Your day to day

Essential Functions (including but not limited to):

* Manages the daily operations of the veterinary hospital to ensure the delivery of high-quality, comprehensive medical care for the animal collection.
*Provides leadership and direction to support staff.
* Serves an active role in manatee rehabilitation and critical care at the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center.
*Alongside the Sr VP of Animal Health, reviews and implements a thorough preventative medicine program to include parasite surveillance procedures and control, immunization, infectious diseases screening such as using serology and tuberculosis testing, and dental prophylaxis, birth control, humane euthanasia standards, and regular physical examinations.
* Routinely communicates with the animal health department, animal care leadership, and animal care professionals regarding case management and relevant topics.
* Creates, reviews, and updates policies and standard operating procedures within the animal health department.
* Directs the quarantine program for incoming animals.
* Assists with the coordination of outgoing animal examinations and shipments.
* Regularly maintains and updates medical records (ZIMS) including diagnostics, prescribed treatment and medications, and other relevant data in a timely manner.
* In concert with the Senior Vice President of Animal Health, implements animal and husbandry sanitation protocols including review of products.
* Conducts and assists in necropsies on animals in the collection as to cause of death, disease surveillance, risk assessments, and SSP/TAG requirements.
* Reviews animal enrichment items.
* Maintains State of Florida Veterinary License, USDA Accredited Veterinarian License, Drug Enforcement Agency License, and continuing education hours.
* Ensures that all hospital permits and licensing are in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
* Mentors hospital team members and provides opportunities for professional development.
* Assists the Senior Vice President of Animal Health in developing collaborative relationships with other specialists in veterinary and human medicine, as well as Colleges and Universities for the purpose of participating in veterinary graduate and post-graduate education programs.
* Develops the senior veterinary student externship program and organizes and mentors these students.
* Researches and publishes articles in both scientific and popular publications and promotes public education through lectures.
* Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
* Assists with establishing and reviewing animal welfare assessments and quality of life monitoring.
* Assists with setting up a structured post-graduate fellowship program and serving as an active mentor to the veterinary fellow.
* Review and maintain a documented infection control program.
* Conduct staff training on zoonotic diseases and other topics as requested or needed.
* Communicates reportable diseases to public health officials and Veterinary Program Coordinator or State Veterinarian, when needed.

Reports To:

• Sr VP of Animal Health

Direct Reports:

• Veterinarians
  * Veterinary Technicians

Our Perks at ZooTampa

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options
403(b) Retirement Plan
Competitive PTO plan (Vacation and Wellness time)
Employee Assistance Program
Free gym membership
Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
And so much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace

What are we looking for?

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

* Minimum of 10 years as a veterinarian, with at least 5 years in a zoo or aquarium setting.
* Minimum of 2 years of experience in a leadership or managerial role.
* ACZM board eligibility or certification preferred.
* Experience in applied biology, unique anatomy, special physiology, social structure, and reproduction of a wide variety of wild animals.
* Experience and expertise in safely using ultra-potent narcotics and concentrated drugs.
* Proficiency in using remote drug delivery systems.
* Minimum requirement includes graduation from an AVMA accredited Doctoral Program in Veterinary Medicine as well as Federal Accreditation Certification, Florida License to practice veterinary medicine.
* Post-doctoral experience/internship/residency in a zoological park and/or specialization with exotic animals is preferred.
* National USDA accreditation category II and ability to complete animal health certificates.
* Experience with or capacity for critical care of manatees strongly preferred.
* Working knowledge of:Veterinary medical management in a zoological setting and best practices in zoo medicine
** Disease pathology in a wide variety of wild animals.
** Animal health and husbandry protocols and the implementation of those protocols.
** Medical record keeping and the preparation of reports both routine and specialized in nature on all treatments and research.
** Guidelines established by standard veterinary medicine organizations including AZA, AAZV, AAHA, and APHIS-USDA.

Required Ability To:

* Communicate both orally and in writing in an effective manner.
* Establish and maintain good working relationships with Zoo employees and the public.
* Reconcile and facilitate matters in a positive and productive manner.
* Be flexible, cooperative, and able to adapt easily to shifting priorities.
* Maintain the confidentiality of privileged information.
* Manage emergency animal medical cases in a measured and professional manner.
* Balance animal health and welfare with institutional goals and routines.
* Supervise and direct the work of others.
* Manage complex and varied tasks successfully.
* Work long hours and an unpredictable work schedule and must be on call for emergencies.
* Work in an environment that includes exposure to dust, machinery, infectious diseases and sprays, and inclement weather. PPE including masks, goggles and gloves may be required.
* Must be able to withstand typical Florida climate.
* Position involves sitting, standing, walking, and heavy lifting.
* Ability to see and hear personnel and animals and respond immediately in an urgent or emergency situation.