Senior Veterinarian (Full-Time, Exempt)

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Veterinarian to lead its veterinary team at a renowned zoo in Florida. This pivotal role involves overseeing animal health, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with veterinary standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in veterinary medicine, particularly in a zoo or aquarium setting, and will thrive in a dynamic environment focused on wildlife conservation. Join a passionate team dedicated to providing exceptional care and education while enjoying a range of perks, including health insurance and free zoo admission.

Benefits

Health Insurance

403(b) Plan

PTO

Employee Assistance

Free Gym Membership

Free Zoo Admission

Discounts on Attractions

Qualifications

• 10+ years as a veterinarian, with 5+ years in a zoo setting.
• Leadership experience and familiarity with exotic animals.
• Must have Florida veterinary license and USDA accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily clinical operations and mentor veterinary staff.
• Oversee animal health and welfare standards.
• Manage hospital operations and ensure compliance.

Skills

Veterinary Medicine

Animal Care

Leadership

Communication

Critical Care

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Job description

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Certified Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners, and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings. How to post a job

Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park in Tampa, Florida

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 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters, and seasonal events, earning 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 protecting and preserving wildlife.

Senior Veterinarian Role

Step into a senior clinical leadership role at ZooTampa, where we are making bold moves in animal care and wildlife conservation.

ZooTampa is expanding, and so is our veterinary team. We’re hiring a Senior Veterinarian to lead daily clinical operations, mentor veterinary staff, and support our Catherine Lowry Straz Veterinary Hospital. This pivotal leadership role influences animal collection care, including native wildlife and manatees in critical care.

The Senior Veterinarian is responsible for implementing and maintaining veterinary care standards per the Animal Welfare Act (APHIS-USDA), AZA, and AAHA. This role leads the Animal Health Team to provide comprehensive medical care and wellbeing for our animals and rescued wildlife, monitoring, evaluating, and advising senior leadership on animal health issues. The position supervises veterinary technicians and veterinarians and oversees daily operations at the veterinary hospital.

Daily Responsibilities

Essential Functions include:

1. Managing daily hospital operations to ensure high-quality medical care.
2. Providing leadership and support to staff.
3. Participating in manatee rehabilitation and critical care.
4. Implementing preventative medicine programs, including parasite control, immunizations, disease screening, and dental care.
5. Communicating with departments regarding case management.
6. Creating and updating policies and procedures.
7. Overseeing quarantine, animal examinations, and shipments.
8. Maintaining medical records in a timely manner.
9. Implementing sanitation protocols and conducting necropsies.
10. Reviewing enrichment items and maintaining licenses and permits.
11. Mentoring team members and fostering professional development.
12. Developing educational programs and participating in research and publications.
13. Ensuring compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and standards.
14. Establishing animal welfare assessments and quality of life monitoring.
15. Developing fellowship programs and mentoring veterinary students.
16. Training staff on zoonotic diseases and reporting reportable diseases.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum of 10 years as a veterinarian, with at least 5 years in a zoo or aquarium setting, and 2 years in leadership. Preferred certifications include ACZM. Must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an AVMA-accredited program, Florida veterinary license, and USDA accreditation. Experience with exotic animals, critical care of manatees, and proficiency in veterinary management in a zoological setting are highly desirable.

Additional Requirements

Effective communication skills, ability to build relationships, adaptability, confidentiality, emergency response capability, and physical ability to perform tasks including lifting. Must be able to work long hours, be on call, and work in environments with dust, machinery, infectious diseases, and weather exposure.

Further Comments

This is a Director-level opportunity.

Perks include health insurance, 403(b) plan, PTO, employee assistance, free gym membership, free zoo admission, and discounts on attractions. Visit our careers page for more information.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park
1101 W. Sligh Ave
Tampa, FL 33604
Phone: [phone]