Veterinarian

American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Co.; Billings (MT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ZooMontana is seeking its first employed veterinarian to lead health management for a diverse animal collection, reporting to the CEO. This role marks a milestone as the institution moves from contracted care to in-house veterinary services.

You will oversee clinical care, preventative programs, anesthesia, diagnostics, and the development of the new Animal Health Center opening Spring 2027 on a 70-acre private AZA-accredited campus, advancing conservation and education missions.

Qualifications

• DVM or VMD from AVMA-accredited institution required.
• Minimum 2 years post-graduate clinical experience; at least 1 year in zoological or exotic species (internship/residency preferred).
• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Montana (or able to obtain within 3 months); USDA Category II accreditation within 3 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide routine and emergency medical care for a diverse taxa.
• Design and implement quarantine, vaccination, dental care, parasite control, and infectious disease programs.
• Perform diagnostic imaging and laboratory work; supervise pathology discussions and reports.
• Manage anesthesia and remote immobilization procedures.
• Maintain electronic medical records using SOAP format and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Team supervision

Clinical leadership

Emergency veterinary care

Education & mentorship

Diagnostic imaging

Education

DVM or VMD from an AVMA-accredited institution

Tools

ZIMS

Job description

ZooMontana is currently seeking a visionary leader to serve as our veterinarian. This role marks a significant milestone for the institution as it establishes its first employed veterinary staff, moving away from a contracted clinic model. Under the general direction of the Curator and reporting to the Chief Executive Officer.
As a cornerstone of ZooMontana’s leadership team, the veterinarian provides comprehensive health management and strategic oversight for our diverse animal collection. This pivotal role ensures the highest standards of animal welfare through modern zoological best practices, delivering elite preventative, emergency, and surgical care.
Beyond clinical excellence, the Veterinarian will serve as the administrative architect of our brand-new Animal Health Center, currently in the early stages of construction and slated for completion in Spring 2027. Set on a beautiful 70-acre campus, ZooMontana is a private, AZA-accredited institution where this role will directly advance our core missions of conservation and education.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Clinical & Medical Management

• Comprehensive Care: Provide routine and emergency medical care, including efficient diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and immobilization for a diverse range of taxa.
• Preventative Medicine: Design and implement programs for quarantine, parasite control, vaccinations, dental care, and infectious disease testing.
• Diagnostic Services: Perform and interpret diagnostic imaging (radiography, ultrasound) and laboratory work.
• Pathology: Conduct gross necropsies, collect samples for histopathology, and prepare reports to establish causes of death and monitor population health.
• Anesthesia: Manage sedation and anesthesia, including the use of remote immobilization and the handling of ultrapotent opioids.

Operations & Compliance

• Records Management: Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough electronic medical records using ZIMS, following the SOAP format.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the veterinary program meets or exceeds standards set by the AZA, AAZV, USDA, and OSHA.
• Controlled Substances: Manage the procurement, security, and record-keeping of controlled substances in accordance with DEA regulations.
• Acquisitions: Oversee pre-shipment health exams and manage the quarantine process for all incoming and outgoing animals.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Team Support: Supervise the hospital and foster a collaborative, constructive team environment.
• Husbandry Consultation: Partner with Curators and animal care staff on nutrition, enrichment, habitat design, and training for medical behaviors.
• Education & Mentorship: Manage the veterinary student externship program; mentor and train interns, technicians, and staff on medical protocols.
• Public Relations: Serve as a subject matter expert for guests, donors, and media when required.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Education: DVM or VMD from an AVMA-accredited institution.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years post-graduate clinical experience. Minimum 1 year of zoological or exotic animal experience (internship/residency preferred).
• Licensure: Must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Montana (or able to obtain within 3 months). Must obtain USDA Category II accreditation within 3 months of hire. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Board Certification: ACZM Board Certification or eligibility is preferred.