On-Call Associate Veterinarian - Dallas Zoo Management

JOB SUMMARY
The Dallas Zoo is committed to creating a better world for animals with a mission of engaging people and saving wildlife. Teams work to accomplish that mission by maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry. This is a variable-hour. non-benefitted position in Animal Health and Welfare.

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.

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 Part time Associate Veterinarian will join a team of four other veterinarians, including the Associate Vice President of Animal Health and Welfare, and three additional full time Associates. 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 City of Dallas 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.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· Maintain a regular preventive medicine program for the animal collection of the Zoo, including pre-shipment exams & testing, quarantine, routine exams, diagnostic imaging, dentistry’s, vaccinations, fecal parasite exams, zoonotic disease control, contraception, nutrition, and post-mortem exams.

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

· Perform diagnostic testing and provide medical and surgical treatment for sick or injured animals, including tranquilization or sedation of animals for medical treatments or shipments, appropriate blood, tissue, and other laboratory testing, and management of hospitalization as indicated.

· Maintain accurate and thorough computerized medical records using ZIMS.

· 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.

· Participate in behavioral training program for medical procedures.

· In conjunction with animal care staff, make decisions for animals to be removed from exhibits for medical reasons.

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

· 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, and shipments, including USDA and AZA.

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

· Minimum of two 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).