Veterinarian (Full-Time, Exempt)

Are you passionate about animals and conservation? Are you the kind of person who is passionate about rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for animals? Do you have 3-5 years' experience in non-domestic animal medicine in a zoo, aquarium or related facility? Do you care about creating exceptional, personal experiences with co-workers and guest? Do you want to work in a fun and immersive environment where your contribution impacts the mission of the organization? If so, apply today, we are looking for a veterinarian to join the ZooTampa Veterinarian Team to support our continued growth.

Veterinarian Summary

• Under the direction of the Director of Animal Health, the Staff Veterinarian is responsible for implementing and maintaining the standards of veterinary care as required by the Animal Welfare Act (APHIS-USDA) and AZA by providing professional medical care and oversight of the husbandry care and well-being of the animals at ZooTampa, as well as rescued wild animals.

Who We Are

• ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 million visitors annually.
• We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities.
• The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
• Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
• Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
• Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
• Your day to day 

Essential Functions (Including, but not limited to):

• Conduct all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Implement the preventative medicine program to include parasite surveillance procedures and control, immunization, infectious diseases screening such as using serology and tuberculosis testing, and dental prophylaxis, birth control, humane euthanasia standards and regular physical examinations.
• Assist in overseeing the quarantine program to include clinical and laboratory tests for health.
• Regularly maintain and update the medical records (ZIMS) including diagnosis, prescribed treatment and medications, and other relevant data, and manage the animal identification system in coordination with the Registrar.
• Assist in monitoring disease prevalence within the collection.
• Implement and monitor approved collection diets to assure that nutritional requirements are being met.
• Implement animal husbandry and sanitation protocols.
• Conduct and assist in necropsies on animals as to cause of death, disease surveillance, and clinical research requirements.
• Represent the zoo and promote staff, professional and public education through speaking engagements and conferences.
• Conduct and publish clinical research projects in peer-reviewed scientific journals to further scientific knowledge and the mission of the organization.
• Maintain State of Florida Veterinary License, USDA Accredited Veterinarian License, Drug Enforcement Agency License, and continuing education hours.
• Teach and mentor staff and veterinary externs, interns, residents and visiting veterinary professionals.
• Provide clinical veterinary support for conservation and research initiatives, including the David A. Straz Manatee Critical Care Center.
• Participate in daily rounds to review the health of the animals at ZooTampa and communicate with animal care and animal health staff.
• Examine sick or injured animals and perform necessary diagnostics and treatment, including responding to emergencies.
• Assist with coordination of pre-shipment examinations for animal transports.

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• Knowledge of disease pathology, veterinary procedures and practices with domestic and non-domestic animals and the technical expertise to apply those practices in a zoological setting.
• Knowledge of guidelines established by AZA, AAZV, AAHA, and APHIS-USDA, and other organizations.
• Experience in applied biology, unique anatomy, special physiology, social structure and reproduction of a wide variety of wild animals.
• Experience and expertise in drugs used in wild animals, their use and safe handling including the very dangerous ultra-potent narcotics; also the various dart systems used to administer the drugs.

Required Ability To:

• Communicate both orally and in writing in an effective manner; and to establish and maintain good working relationships with Zoo employees and the public.
• Reconcile and facilitate matters in a positive and productive manner that supports a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.
• Be comfortable being filmed and interviewed by media.
• Be flexible, cooperative, and able to adapt easily to shifting priorities. 
• Maintain the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Manage emergency animal medical cases in a measured and professional manner to a successful outcome.
• Balance animal health and welfare with institutional goals and routines. 
• Direct the work of others.
• Work in a team environment to problem solve in a positive manner.
• Manage complex and varied tasks successfully.
• Work long hours and an unpredictable work schedule and be on call for emergencies.
• Work in an environment that includes exposure to dust, machinery, infectious diseases and sprays, and inclement weather. Protective devices such as masks, goggles and gloves may be required.

Education/Experience:

• Minimum requirement includes graduation from an accredited Doctoral Program in Veterinary Medicine as well as USDA Accreditation, Florida License to practice veterinary medicine (or ability to obtain Florida license within 6-8 months).
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in non-domestic animal medicine in a zoo, aquarium or related facility.
• Experience working with endangered Florida native species preferred.
• Post-doctoral internship/residency in a zoological park and/or specialization with exotic animals is preferred.
• Experience with ZIMs and Microsoft Office preferred.
• Experience with critical care of manatees preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to withstand typical Florida climate. 
• Position involves sitting, standing, walking, and heaving lifting.
• Involves strenuous animal catch-ups associated with normal zoo management.
• Ability to see and hear personnel and animals and respond immediately in an urgent or emergency situation.
• Our Perks at ZooTampa
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and supplemental Insurance options
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 4% company match
• Generous PTO (Vacation and sick time)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Forgiveness
• Free gym membership
• Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• And so much more!
• Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace

Experience Required

• Minimum requirement includes graduation from an accredited Doctoral Program in Veterinary Medicine as well as USDA Accreditation, Florida License to practice veterinary medicine (or ability to obtain Florida license within 6-8 months).
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in non-domestic animal medicine in a zoo, aquarium or related facility.
• Experience working with endangered Florida native species preferred.
• Post-doctoral internship/residency in a zoological park and/or specialization with exotic animals is preferred.
• Experience with ZIMs and Microsoft Office preferred.
• Experience with critical care of manatees preferred.

Perks

• Medical,
• Dental,
• Vision,
• Life and supplemental Insurance options 403(b) Retirement Plan with 4% company match Generous PTO (Vacation and sick time) Employee Assistance Program Tuition Forgiveness Free gym membership Free admission to the Zoo,
• MOSI,
• and the Florida Aquarium Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida And so much more!