Senior Veterinarian (Full-Time, Exempt)

ZooTampa at Lowry Park; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading zoo in Florida as a Senior Veterinarian, overseeing clinical operations and leading the veterinary team. This pivotal role involves managing animal health, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with veterinary standards while contributing to wildlife conservation efforts.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Free Gym Membership

Free Zoo and partner attraction admissions

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of veterinary experience, with at least 5 in a zoo or aquarium setting.
• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Florida, USDA accredited.

Responsibilities

• Managing daily operations of the veterinary hospital to ensure high-quality care.
• Providing leadership and support to staff.
• Participating in manatee rehabilitation and critical care.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Flexibility and adaptability

Emergency response capability

Education

AVMA graduate

Job description

Join to apply for the Senior Veterinarian (Full-Time, Exempt) role at ZooTampa at Lowry Park.

Step into a senior clinical leadership role at ZooTampa where we are 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 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 encompass 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by the AZA, offers educational programming, recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters, and seasonal events, earning awards as a family-friendly zoo.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for animals; create personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife; and motivate action to protect and preserve wildlife.

The Sr. Veterinarian is responsible for implementing and upholding veterinary care standards in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act (APHIS-USDA), AZA, and AAHA. This role leads the Animal Health Team to provide medical care and wellbeing for animals and rescued wildlife, monitoring, evaluating, and advising senior leadership on animal health issues. The position supervises veterinary staff and oversees daily hospital operations.

Your day-to-day responsibilities include:

1. Managing daily operations of the veterinary hospital to ensure high-quality care.
2. Providing leadership and support to staff.
3. Participating in manatee rehabilitation and critical care.
4. Reviewing and implementing preventative medicine programs.
5. Communicating with departments on case management.
6. Creating and updating policies and procedures.
7. Overseeing quarantine and shipping of animals.
8. Maintaining medical records and ensuring compliance with regulations.
9. Mentoring team members and fostering professional development.
10. Developing educational and research initiatives, including externship programs and publications.
11. Ensuring activities align with AZA standards, laws, and animal welfare guidelines.
12. Participating in animal welfare assessments and infection control programs.
13. Training staff on zoonotic diseases and communicating reportable diseases to authorities.

Reports To:

• Sr VP of Animal Health

Direct Reports:

• Veterinarians
• Veterinary Technicians

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of veterinary experience, with at least 5 in a zoo or aquarium setting.
• At least 2 years in leadership or management roles.
• ACZM certification preferred.
• Experience with a wide variety of wild animals’ biology, anatomy, and reproduction.
• Proficiency with narcotics and remote drug delivery systems.
• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Florida, USDA accredited, and AVMA graduate.
• Experience with critical care of manatees is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of zoo medicine standards, disease pathology, and animal husbandry protocols.

Required Abilities:

• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to establish relationships with staff and the public.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Confidentiality and professionalism.
• Emergency response capability.
• Physical ability to perform job duties, including lifting and working in various environments.

Perks at ZooTampa:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free Gym Membership
• Free Zoo and partner attraction admissions

Additional Information:

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Healthcare Provider