Position: Assistant Director of Animal Health (Full-Time)
Organization: Saint Louis Zoo located in Saint Louis, Missouri
Directly Reports to: Director of Animal Health
Position Summary:
The Saint Louis Zoo is looking for a positive team member to join as Assistant Director of Animal Health. This new position will join a team of 17, comprised of Director of Animal Health, four full-time Staff Veterinarians, a Zoological Medicine Veterinary Resident, a Staff Pathologist, two Zoological Managers, five Veterinary Technicians, an Animal Health Keeper, and an Administrative Assistant.
The Assistant Director of Animal Health supports the mission and vision of Saint Louis Zoo by providing routine and urgent medical and surgical care, and supports institutional and regional collection plans by ensuring animals are healthy for shipment. The Assistant Director of Animal Health provides expertise in collection health issues, organization operational needs and in support of Saint Louis Zoo conservation initiatives. The focus of this position is to establish and reinforce world-class animal health practices, effective communication, and a positive culture. This position reports directly to the Director of Animal Health.
The current position will split time between the Saint Louis Zoo’s three campuses: our Forest Park campus (including a 17,000 square foot Endangered Species Research Center and Veterinary Hospital building), our WildCare Park (including a new 3,500 square foot hospital) and , and our Sear’s Lehmann Jr. Wildlife Reserve. Safety and animal welfare are integral to all work performed. The ability to work in various types of weather, and environments is necessary.
This position requires a dynamic, kind, and compassionate individual. Candidates should demonstrate a teamwork style that fosters an atmosphere of inclusion, teamwork, collaboration and safety, and promotes the Zoo’s core values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance).
Responsibilities:
- Maintains and facilitates a focus on service within the Animal Health department in relation to the veterinary care of the Saint Louis Zoo, WildCare Park, and Sear’s Lehmann Jr. Wildlife Reserve animals through innovation, teamwork and collaboration.
- Conduct veterinary clinical management focusing on routine clinical procedures, medical case management, critical care case management, and regulatory functions in all species. Includes use of diagnostic imaging, including radiographs and ultrasound.
- Collaborates with Director of Animal Health and Zoological Managers to orient new Animal Health Team Members to clinical operations.
- Ensure clinical approaches and processes achieve optimal efficiency and patient care, as well as compliance with federal and state regulations and AZA accreditation and safety standards.
- Work collaboratively with the Zoo’s Animal Care staff (VP, curators, zoological managers and keepers), the Zoo’s Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences Department (scientists in behavior, animal welfare, reproduction and endocrinology), and the Animal Nutrition Services staff (Director, nutritionist, and keepers), to maximize the quality of care provided to the zoo’s animals.
- Serve as Liaison for community partners to provide some veterinary support and consultation to local partners, including the Endangered Wolf Center, Lone Elk County Park, Saint Louis Aquarium, the Saint Louis Science Center and other community partners as needed.
- Actively participate in initiatives that promote and advance animal welfare and health in animals under the Saint Louis Zoo’s care.
- Responsible for oversight of controlled substances program in partnership with Zoological Managers.
- Assist Director of Animal Health in departmental budgeting process.
- Serve as mentor to ACZM-compliant Zoological Medicine Residency Program, visiting house officer, veterinary and undergraduate students.
- Share Animal Health information with Zoo guests, donors, at conferences, etc.
- This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by management
Qualifications:
- Must have a DVM (or its equivalent), and have a minimum of 5 years of full-time experience in a zoological park or wildlife setting.Prior management experience desirable.
- Board certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine (DACZM) is strongly desired, as is a solid record of scientific publication.
- Applicants must be eligible to obtain a Missouri Veterinary License.
- Applicants must possess a high degree of emotional intelligence and be aligned with the values of the Zoo and support its three foundational keys.
- Deal courteously and effectively with our guests and have strong collaboration skills
- Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team
- All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.
- COVID vaccination is required for this position.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform some of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Ability to work in all types of weather is required.
Work Schedule: This position will need to be able to work a flexible schedule, to cover weekends, holidays, and evenings for animal procedures and events. Need to have the ability to come into work on inclement weather days to care for animals if the need arises.
Application:
Please include CV, Cover letter and list of three professional references.
Please submit all application materials by March 15th.
About the Saint Louis Zoo: The world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo is dedicated to saving species and bringing people and wildlife together. The Saint Louis Zoo cares for approximately 12,000 animals, many of which are endangered, and is dedicated to local and global conservation to save wildlife. Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/
About St. Louis, Mo: From Explore St. Louis: “Urban explorer, outdoor adventurer, aficionado of family fun – no matter your travel persona, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Louis. The city is brimming with free, world-class attractions and boasts an arts-and-culture scene that’s second to none. Plus, fans of fresh air will be surprised and delighted by our flourishing public parks, miles of trails and exhilarating waterways. Sprinkle in a bit of our secret sauce – the warmth and hospitality of the residents – and you’ll discover that St. Louis dishes up undeniably epic travel experiences. Don’t take our word for it, though. Come and see for yourself.” Learn more at https://explorestlouis.com/
