Associate Veterinarian - Dallas Zoo Management

Established in 1888, Dallas is Texas’ oldest and largest zoo, and is preparing to launch its next major capital campaign, focusing on infrastructure improvements, revitalization of some of the oldest animal habitats and expanding a diverse living collection.

 

The Dallas Zoo is known for innovative animal exhibits, outstanding animal care and welfare programs along with a committed and passionate team. The zoo has highly regarded and nationally recognized field conservation programs, both regional and global in scope, and is home to approximately 2,000 animals, representing around 350 vertebrate species.

 

The Associate Veterinarian will join a team of four other veterinarians, including the Associate Vice President of Animal Health and Welfare, and three additional Associates (two full-time, one part-time). Hospital staff also includes a Director of Hospital Operations, six full-time licensed Veterinary Technicians and three Zoologists. Along with hospital staff, the Animal Health Department consists of a full time Curator of Nutrition and a well-staffed Animal Nutrition Center.

 

The Dallas Zoo is committed to our creating a better world for animals with a mission of engaging people and saving wildlife. Our teams work to accomplish that mission by maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry.

 

The Dallas Zoo has a well-equipped hospital that has an in-house clin-path and EEHV PCR lab, portable digital radiography, ultrasound, rigid and flexible endoscopy, therapeutic laser and more. This position is encouraged to participate in professional organizations, clinical research, and conservation projects.

 

The City of Dallas itself is a large, vibrant, and diverse metropolis, home to many unique neighborhoods. An extensive park system offers more than 60 miles of biking and jogging trails, with multiple lakes nearby for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding. Dallas hosts a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, along with a wide collection of museums, with numerous athletic teams for all interests. Even if you’ve never thought about Texas before, Dallas has something for everyone, and it’s easy to find your community, and home, here.

 

Additionally, The Dallas Zoo offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, and a plethora of benefits options for full-time staff. This is a great time and an incredible opportunity to join our team in this key Animal Health & Welfare role, as we are preparing to launch our largest-ever capital campaign. This capital campaign will focus on infrastructure improvements and revitalization of some of our oldest animal habitats; and will prepare us to serve upcoming generations by accelerating access and connection to nature for all who visit our facility!

 

· Maintain the preventive medicine program, including preshipment exams & testing, quarantine, routine exams, diagnostic imaging, dentistry, vaccinations, fecal parasite exams, zoonotic disease control, contraception, and post-mortem exams.

· Monitor general health and well-being of the collection and continually assess and improve the preventative health care protocols.

· Evaluate sick or injured animals, performing diagnostic testing, medical and/or surgical treatment as appropriate.

· Sedation or anesthesia of animals as needed for exams, treatment, or shipments. This includes close patient monitoring and familiarity with dangers of drugs used particularly ultrapotent opioids.

· Management of any hospitalized animals.

· Maintain accurate and thorough computerized medical records using ZIMS. Provide open and timely communication with animal care staff.

· Administer and instruct other staff members in the administration of medication to animals.

· Supervise the handling and restraint of animals requiring examination, treatment, or hospitalization.

· In conjunction with the staff nutritionist, make recommendations and participate in the planning and modification of the nutrition program for the animal collection.

· Participate in the animal welfare committee, behavioral training program for medical procedures, and provide feedback on the enrichment program.

· Manage outgoing preshipment program, including communication with receiving institutions, examining animals before shipment, performing, and evaluating requested preshipment tests, and issuing health certificates.

· Manage incoming animal quarantine program, including communication with sending institutions, examining animals during quarantine, performing, and evaluating required quarantine testing, and review of medical records of incoming specimens.

· Perform postmortem exams to establish causes of death and prepare submission of collected tissues for histopathology and other testing.

· Manage the senior veterinary student externship program by mentoring and teaching veterinary students.

· In the absence of the Associate Vice President of Animal Health and Welfare, supervise the Hospital staff (, six veterinary technicians, and three hospital zoologists) and attend interdepartmental meetings.

· Cultivate and promote a constructive team approach within the Hospital and with other departments.

· Provide technical training to improve the skill level of other staff members.

· Serve on-call for emergency duty on a rotational basis with other veterinarians.

· Serve as member of the Emergency Immobilization Team & ensure staff readiness via participation in regular target practice and drills.

· Help ensure zoo compliance with all state and federal regulations and accreditation guidelines relating to animal care, husbandry, shipments, and controlled drug management including, DEA, USDA, and AZA.

· Produce and submit case studies and novel research articles to peer-reviewed journals.

· Represent the zoo at conferences with case reports and research presentations.

 

• Must have and maintain excellent surgical and medical skills, including experience with general anesthesia in a broad range of taxa.

• A minimum of three years full-time clinical zoological medicine experience and graduation from an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary medicine required. 

• ACZM Board Certification or Board eligibility is preferred. 

• Must have valid driver's license.

• Must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Texas within 6 months of start of employment. 

• Must be able to obtain and maintain USDA/APHIS accreditation (Level 2).