MOS Code: None

Education and Experience: A Doctorate of veterinary medicine degree and two (2) years of professional veterinary experience in zoological, exotic, and/or wildlife medicine. Completion of a veterinary internship or residency in zoological, exotic, and or wildlife medicine and surgery is desirable,

Licenses and Certificates: Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Texas by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners prior to appointment or licensed in another state. If licensed in another state, must obtain Texas License within 30 days of appointment.

Must obtain and maintain Federal Controlled Substances Registration and USDA Accreditation (Level 2) within 45 days of appointment.

Texas Class "C" Driver’s License or equivalent from another state.

Under general direction, supervise and provide routine health care and medical treatment of zoo animals. Participate in animal management and safety decisions.

• Work with animal care staff to implement a preventative medicine program for zoo animals that includes quarantine, routine exams, disease monitoring, parasite control, vaccinations, and nutrition reviews.
• Perform diagnostic testing and provide medical and surgical treatment for sick or injured animals including Zoo collection and raptor rehabilitation patients.
• Make recommendations and participate in the planning and modification of the nutrition program.
• Collaborate with outside veterinary and human medical specialists to provide specialized care on complicated medical and surgical cases and to help build relationships and community support for the zoo.
• Perform gross necropsies, epidemiological investigations, collect samples for histopathology, and formulate recommendations for preventative measures.
• Implement and enforce departmental animal health and disease control protocols and procedures.
• Provide feedback and recommendations on husbandry, nutrition, enrichment, animal care facilities, animal care procedures, and behavioral conditioning to meet or exceed animal welfare and care standards.
• Participate in the Animal Welfare Committee. Identify and work to resolve animal welfare problems.
• Help manage animal shipments including communication with receiving/sending institutions, perform pre-shipment and quarantine examinations and diagnostics, evaluate pre-shipment test results, and issue health certificates.
• Maintain accurate and detailed medical records using ZIMS record keeping system (Zoo Information Management System). Maintain accurate records of controlled substances including ultra-potent narcotics in compliance with Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and accrediting agencies, animal health and welfare regulations including United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
• Create or participate in scientific research and conservation projects to improve the scientific understanding, human care, and conservation of wildlife.
• Participate in the development of behavioral enrichment, training, and reproduction programs for zoo animals. Participate in behavioral training programs to facilitate medical procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all zoo team members in all departments, consultants, specialists, volunteers, and other zoos.
• Respond to public and media inquiries as requested by Zoo Director or Public Information Officer.
• Assist Chief Veterinarian and Veterinary Technician in training and supervision of Veterinary Support Staff and Volunteers.
• Provide supervision, leadership, and administrative coverage for the Animal Health and Nutrition Section in the Chief Veterinarian’s absence or as assigned.

Note: This is an unclassified contract position.

Note: Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. This position will close when a preset number of qualified applications have been received.

Note: Applicants with a foreign degree must have all relevant documents translated and evaluated by a College, University or Credentials Evaluation Services Department prior to submitting them to the Human Resources Department.

A résumé and/or other documents will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Comments such as “See résumé” are not acceptable and will result in the application being considered incomplete.

To qualify for this position, required education, experience, knowledge and skills must be clearly stated on your application’s employment history. We do not use any information on your resume to review if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Failure to fully detail all experience and job duties in the application, or copying/pasting directly from the job specification, or responses referring to your résumé will eliminate you from consideration for the position.