Staff Veterinarian

Are you ready for your next career move as an experienced veterinarian?  We are looking for an experienced veterinarian to join our team.

• Our team is seeking an individual who is fun-loving, dedicated, and team-oriented, with at least five years of clinical experience as a zoo veterinarian in zoo or aquarium, specifically with a focus on manatee clinical care.
• In addition to providing top-notch veterinary care, you will actively participate in one of our major local conservation projects. We are one of six distinguished facilities in Florida contributing to rehabilitating injured and sick manatees through the FWC's Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership as one of six distinguished facilities in Florida, contributing to rehabilitating injured and sick manatees. 
• We are also excited about our new Manatee River with Rezoovenation.
• Although experience with manatee health is preferred, we are open to candidates with a solid background encompassing a diverse range of exotic animal species, such as primates, avians, mega vertebrates, and reptiles, who are eager to learn and adapt.
• As a vital member of our dynamic team, you will collaborate with two full-time veterinarians, a post-graduate veterinary intern, certified veterinary technicians, hospital keepers, and members of the Animal Nutrition Department to provide comprehensive veterinary care to over 2,000 individual animals representing more than 200 species.
• If you are interested in becoming a part of our mission of "Connecting communities with wildlife and wild places," apply today!

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

CLINICAL AND VETERINARIAN MANAGEMENT

• Prioritize human and animal safety, act immediately on issues of safety or security as it relates to staff, guests, and animals. 
• Provide high quality comprehensive veterinary care for the animal collection including preventive medicine, routine medical care, surgical care, and emergency medicine.
• Administer medical care to the animals in the Manatee Critical Care Center and Manatee Rehabilitation Program.
• Conduct necessary testing, vaccinations, and medical procedures for the acquisition and disposition of zoo animals, ensuring their health and welfare.
• Perform necropsy procedures on deceased animals to determine cause of death and contribute to veterinary research and understanding.

PEOPLE AND LEADERSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Communicate with colleagues and local veterinary and medical specialists on clinical cases as needed.
• Collaborate with animal care specialists, dieticians, and animal nutrition team in establishing and maintaining animal diets.
• Assist with hospital management and supervision of team members.
• Teach and mentor veterinary students, post-graduate veterinary interns, and visiting veterinarians, offering guidance and support to facilitate their learning and professional growth.
• Promotes communication between the veterinarians, animal health, animal departments and curatorial teams.

ADMINISTRATION AND COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT

• Prepare and maintain accurate and professional medical records using ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System), ensuring meticulous documentation.
• Adhere to local, state, and federal regulations governing animal care and veterinary medicine (USDA, AZA, AAZV, DEA, FWC, etc.).
• Participate actively in meetings and discussions regarding animal cases and medical management, facilitating effective communication and collaboration within the veterinary team.
• Maintain professional contact with state veterinarians and follow up to date guidelines regarding biosecurity for infectious disease and public health concerns.
• Consistently represent JZG in a professional manner, fostering a positive image and upholding the organization's reputation in interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, and the public.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Availability to accommodate a flexible schedule, encompassing extended hours, holidays, weekends, and a willingness to share on-call duties.
• Availability to fulfill disaster-response duties and responsibilities as required.
• Maintain a license to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Florida, which requires compliance with annual continuing education requirements as set by the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine.
• Maintain adherence to organization policies and protocols regarding maintaining Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for the designated area, always prioritizing both human and animal safety.
• Maintain a valid driver's license with a clear driving record to operate the organization vehicle(s) occasionally.
• Completion of pre-exposure rabies vaccination series with proof of vaccination or adequate titer within six (6) months of hire.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
• Ability to transport and move items, exerting at least 50 pounds occasionally without difficulty.
• Ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
• Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium while performing various jobs.
• Ability to access and navigate property at the organization on foot, including any construction sites.
• Ability to consistently speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and communications.
• Ability to consistently remain on your feet for prolonged periods of time.
• Manual dexterity for standing, reaching, flexibility, and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, stoop, bend, lift, kneel, crawl, climb, jump, dig and prolonged standing.
• Auditory ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, two-way radio, and face-to-face interactions.
• Visual and auditory acuity appropriate for safety and discern differences in documents.
• Please note this is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities and the requirements of the job are subject to change as required.

Experience Required

• Do you have... Five (5) years of clinical experience as a zoo veterinarian which can include internship or residency in zoo, exotic, or aquatic animal medicine?
• a DVM or equivalent degree from an AVMA accredited institution or ECFVG certification?
• the ability to obtain a Florida State Veterinary license within six months of hire, or do you currently hold a valid license?
• the ability to obtain a USDA category II Accreditation within six months of hire, or do you currently hold valid accreditation? Five (5) years of experience in zoological management, encompassing a diverse range of exotic animal species such as primates, avians, mega vertebrates, and reptiles, with a preference for experience in manatee health?
• Five (5) years of experience in zoological management, including animal exhibition, and a thorough understanding of federal and state laws governing animal exhibition?
• Five (5) years of experience with animal welfare issues, including knowledge of the theory and practice of animal management, familiarity with professional guidelines, and adherence to industry standards of animal management?
• Proven three (3) years of leadership in veterinary medicine, evidenced by effective team management, mentorship of colleagues, and implementation of innovative strategies to enhance patient care, professional development, and organizational success?
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a hospital environment as a veterinarian, showcasing adeptness in managing high-pressure situations, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and delivering exceptional care to patients amidst dynamic clinical settings?

Salary

• Compensation depends on experience,
• knowledge,
• skills,
• and abilities with a pay range from $86k-104k