Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, the Brevard Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. It is also home to multiple wildlife conservation and rehabilitation programs focused on the preservation of native Florida wildlife, including those specific to marine turtles, black bears, manatees, and Perdido Key Beach Mice, and Florida grasshopper sparrows. Brevard Zoo is well-known for its strong conservation ethic and unique attractions, such as kayaking through the Africa area, giraffe feeding, and rhinoceros and various other animal encounters.
- The Zoo is seeking applicants for the position of Staff Veterinarian in the Department of Veterinary Programs.
- The Staff Veterinarian reports directly to the department Director, an ACZM-boarded veterinarian, and will work collaboratively with the Director and Veterinary Intern to manage clinical responsibility for the collection and rehabilitation patients.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED:
- Minimum 3 years of clinical experience in a zoological setting
- DVM degree from an AVMA-accredited program
- Florida veterinary license, DEA license, USDA accreditation category II (within 90 days of hire)
- Florida driver’s license (within 90 days of hire)
- A working knowledge of ZIMS computer medical records system
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills
PREFERRED/DESIRED:
- ACZM board certification/eligibility
- Clinical experience in wildlife rehabilitation preferred, especially sea turtles and manatees
- Experience in supervision/management of veterinary support staff
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Maintaining and continually improving a regular preventive medicine program for the animal collection
- Overseeing medical aspects of incoming animal transactions
- Performing diagnostic testing and medical and surgical treatment for sick or injured animals
- Performing postmortem exams and preparing sample submissions for histopathology and other testing
- Participating in the planning and modification of the nutrition program for the animal collection
- Maintaining accurate and thorough medical and other records
- Coordinating with curatorial and keeper staff as required for animal health maintenance
- Communicating effectively with the clinical team, other Zoo staff, and outside individuals/groups
- Providing positive leadership to the clinical team
- Providing consultation and clinical help to the Florida Wildlife Hospital
- Assisting with management of department staff, as requested by Director
- Providing technical training to improve the skill level of other staff members
- Sharing on-call duties with other Veterinarians on a rotational basis
- Providing mentorship for the Eastern Florida Zoological Internship Program
- Helping to teach veterinary and veterinary technician students
- Helping to ensure compliance with all state, federal, and other regulations/guidelines, including Florida FWCC, USDA, AZA, DEA, AAZV, etc.
- Participating in research and special projects, conferences, educational and training programs, tours, and other duties, as requested
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Detail-oriented and self-motivated personality type
- Comfortable working in situations which require physical exertion in potentially extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions
- Ability to react calmly and objectively in emergency situations and under adverse conditions
- Ability to always maintain a professional and respectful demeanor
- Possesses strong written and verbal communication skills
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- (M) Medium Work
- Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects as needed to move objects.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS/HAZARDS:
- Indoor office environment most often with frequent movement outdoors. Exposure to extreme heat and weather conditions. Requires Sitting, Standing, Walking, Bending, Stooping, Kneeling, Finger Dexterity, Talking, Hearing, and Visual Acuity frequently.
- May be exposed to sounds or noise levels which are distracting or uncomfortable.
- Must be willing to work around contaminants and chemicals.
WORK SCHEDULE:
- May be required to work weekends and nights as necessary.
TRAVEL:
- Occasional travel in and out of Brevard County, as necessary.
- The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Zoo’s policies on evaluation of personnel.
- Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement
- East Coast Zoological Society of Florida, Inc., dba Brevard Zoo, is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
- We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any aspect of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, transfer, termination, or any other terms and conditions of employment.
- Employees and applicants are encouraged to report any concerns regarding discrimination or harassment, and retaliation for reporting such concerns is strictly prohibited.
- Brevard Zoo is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves.
- We value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals.
- Join us in sharing the joy of nature to help people and wildlife thrive.
