Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.
DZCA honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.
The Clinical Veterinarian advances DZCA's mission by providing all aspects of clinical veterinary care for the animals at Denver Zoo and in collaboration with the Zoo’s wildlife care, animal wellbeing, and conservation programs. Duties include clinical case management and communication, including diagnostic evaluation, treatment, surgery, and anesthesia, administering the Zoo’s preventative medicine program, mentoring veterinary students, interns, and residents, collaborating with the Zoo’s veterinary pathology and nutrition programs, and leading or supporting research endeavors. This position is part of a highly cohesive and progressive Veterinary Medicine team that includes a Senior Director of Wildlife Health & Conservation, Director of Clinical Medicine, three Clinical Veterinarians, a Veterinary Pathologist, a Veterinary Resident, a Director of Veterinary Operations/Registered Veterinary Technician, and five clinical Registered Veterinary Technicians. In 2021, The Denver Zoo opened the 22,000 square foot state-of-the-art Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital that features an extensive suite of advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, including in-house computed tomography (CT).
All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. DZCA is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical Veterinary Care
- Align veterinary program and individual leadership with Denver Zoo core values to be welcoming, curious, united, courageous, and transformative.
- Provide collaborative high quality and innovative veterinary care for the animals at DZCA, ensuring consistency among the clinical veterinarian team, including species-appropriate advanced diagnostic evaluation, treatment, anesthesia, surgery, emergency and critical care, pathology assistance and collaboration, and administration of the Zoo’s preventative medicine program.
- Schedule and coordinate appointments and procedures, including developing and fostering relationships with outside clinical consultants.
- Share caseload management and clinical coverage, including rotating emergency on-call availability.
- Maintain timely and complete medical records and controlled drug inventory documentation, including ultra-potent narcotics in compliance with DEA regulations.
- Assist with animal shipments, quarantine, biosecurity measures, and complete certificates of veterinary inspection (CVIs) as part of pre-shipment evaluation.
- Effectively communicate relevant clinical case findings and management plans with the Animal Care and Animal Wellbeing teams, fostering strong partnerships for patient care.
- Assist with oversight of hospital operations, including proper equipment operation, appropriate medical sanitation, and compliance with federal regulations and AZA accreditation and safety standards.
Teaching, Mentorship, Research
- Mentor and supervise residents in the ACZM-compliant Zoological Medicine Residency Program, as well as visiting interns, and students, collaborating with the veterinarian team to ensure consistent high-quality mentorship.
- Lead and/or collaborate on veterinary research and present findings at relevant professional meetings or in scientific publications.
Internal and External Engagement
- Facilitate strong communication and collaboration between the veterinary team and all other departments in the zoo.
- Provide positive professional interactions and accurate information regarding Zoo animals and program activities to zoo staff, visitors, vendors and volunteers, including through guest tours, public-facing programs, and the media.
- Provide veterinary perspectives to the Animal Wellbeing program, including animal welfare assessments and medical aspects of behavioral husbandry.
- Collaborate with the Zoo’s PhD Nutritionist and Animal Nutrition team regarding nutritional aspects of clinical case management.
- Provide veterinary expertise to the Zoo’s Field Conservation programs, collaborating on program development pertaining to One Health and Conservation Medicine.
- Share and engage with the public at the Zoo hospital or elsewhere through regular collaboration with the Guest Engagement team who operates the hospital’s public viewing gallery.
- Participate as needed in administrative roles at the Zoo or externally, such as various committees, task forces, or other professional roles.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
- Other assistance, as designated by the Director of Clinical Medicine, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. Denver Zoo retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
- Supervisory Responsibilities: The Clinical Veterinarian does not directly supervise other staff but will be expected to lead teams during medical procedures and for clinical case management. The Clinical Veterinarian will also be expected to provide training and mentorship to veterinary house officers and students participating in clinical rotations at the Denver Zoo, as well as didactic training for outside groups or universities.
- Budgetary/Fiscal Responsibilities: Acts as a good steward of Denver Zoo’s resources.
- Responsibility for Confidentiality: The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo.
- Contact with Others: This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.
Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications:
Education/Experience:
- DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary college.
- Completion of an ACZM-compliant zoological medicine residency program (preferred).
- Requires four years of post-graduate veterinary experience including three years of experience with zoological species, demonstrated research and publication experience in the field of zoological medicine (preferred), or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
Licenses/Certifications:
- Licensed Veterinarian in the State of Colorado or able to become licensed within 3 months of hire.
- ACZM board certification or ability to become board certified within 3 years of hire.
- Eligibility to obtain a DEA controlled substance registration certificate.
- Eligibility to obtain USDA category II accreditation within 3 months of hire.
- Possession of a valid Colorado Class ‘R’ driver’s license within 3 months of hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Strong expertise and clinical skills in zoological medicine, including advanced diagnostic, anesthetic, and treatment/surgical techniques, clinical case management, and understanding of epidemiological principles and zoonotic diseases.
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Background in scientific research methods and study design with record of scientific publication.
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Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, internet and literature search applications, and experience with Tracks software is a plus.
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Requires exemplary collaboration, organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks. Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must have superior negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy. Must be a recognized communicator and considered to be a developer, coach, and mentor who is comfortable working with a broad cross section of people in direct and matrixed relationships. Experience developing and executing strategic goals preferred. Must have proficient skills in managing large and complex teams and/or programs.
Position Conditions:
- To support our operations, candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
- Ability to pass a background check and a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
- Ability to lift up to 50lbs
- Mobility is essential for accessing diverse work environments and performing physically varied tasks across different terrains and settings.
- Schedule Availability: Ability to work weekdays, weekends, holidays, and evenings including on-call availability.
Compensation:
Range for this position is $105,947 - $135,082 annually
A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits:
Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
- Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
- A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
- Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
- And so much more!
Application Process and Timelines:
Application Deadline: October 5, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.
