Veterinarian

The Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, WI has a current vacancy for a full-time (1.0 FTE) Veterinarian. 

The eligible list from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies for the next six (6) months.  

Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties

COMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

• As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal.
• All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways.
• Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION 

• Under direction of the Zoo Director and the Deputy Zoo Director, the Veterinarian oversees all aspects of medical care for the Henry Vilas Zoo’s (HVZ’s) animal collection as required by the Animal Welfare Act (APHIS-USDA), the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV), USDA, the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), and other regulatory agencies and associations applicable to zoological institutions and veterinary programs/facilities.
• Oversees and manages the veterinary care staff to ensure the Veterinary Technician team is effectively trained and equipped to meet the needs of the animals’ and organization.
• Coordinates all animal medical care specialists to assist with care of zoo animals.
• Provides veterinary care, nutritional oversight, and medical and surgical treatment for a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES 

• Provides medical and surgical treatment to the zoo animal collection to the highest industry standards as needed including procedures involving: immobilization/anesthesia, physical restraint, physical examination, surgery, radiology, ultrasonography, endoscopy, phlebotomy, fluid administration, intubation, anesthetic monitoring, bandaging, wound care, dentistry, medication and administration.
• Maintains and implements Zoo’s current preventative health care programs including routine examinations, quarantine, parasite control, vaccination programs, tuberculin testing, and infectious disease screening.
• Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Implements animal husbandry and sanitation protocols. Directs zoo personnel in the proper care of sick and injured animals. Provides supervision to the Veterinarian Technician and Lead Veterinarian Technician.
• Provides daily communication with zoo Leadership and Keeper staff on active medical cases, and visualizes patient progress routinely.
• Oversees and coordinates all visiting animal care specialists, veterinary students, technicians and trainees as needed.
• Effectively prepares and maintains medical records including all animals treated or examined. Inputs medical records, testing results, and necropsy/histology reports into ZIMs record-keeping program with the assistance of the Veterinary Technician team.
• Ensures that medical records are updated and maintained at a high level of accuracy and professionalism. Conducts or arranges necropsy examinations on all deceased animals and provides the interpretation of findings to animal care staff.
• Establishes animal diets and proper feeding routines in consultation with the General Curator and Zoo Manager(s), industry resources, SSP Husbandry manuals, and other appropriate personnel.
• Works with the appropriate Zoo personnel to maintain necessary supplies and equipment for the zoo’s veterinary facilities. Actively participates in the zoo’s emergency response team.
• Is a key member of the zoo’s Leadership team by participating in regularly scheduled meetings and selected committees.
• Reports to meetings/activities fully present, prepared and punctual.
• Thoughtfully prioritizes needs in order to be respectful of each other’s time.
• Responds to emails and other communications in a timely manner.
• Ensures all written communication contains professional and proper language.
• Demonstrates follow through and is accountable for the responsibilities of the Zoo’s Veterinary team.
• Remains accessible to the appropriate Zoo staff by cell phone in the event of an emergency.
• Participates in the review of research requests submitted to Henry Vilas Zoo and actively completes requests for approved research programs as indicated as well as conducts own appropriate research to advance the care of exotic species.
• Occasionally interacts with guests, donors and the media. Remains current on CE requirements.
• Assumes other responsibilities as necessary to ensure the achievement of established objectives.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Requires a Veterinary Degree (DVM, VMD, or overseas equivalent) from an accredited university.
• Minimum five (5) years applicable experience in an AZA facility required.
• Completion of an internship or residency in zoo animal medicine or equivalent experience is required.
• Preference will be given to candidates that are board certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM).

Certifications/Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a veterinary degree and all national and state licenses to practice veterinary medicine in Wisconsin. 
• Maintain State of Wisconsin Veterinary License, USDA Accredited Veterinarian Category II License, Drug Enforcement Agency License, and continuing education hours.

Special Requirements: 

• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. 
• A Wisconsin Veterinary License and DEA Controlled Substance License is required.
• Must be available for work on nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies.
• Scheduled to work generally weekdays. Occasional travel including animal transport is required.
• Must be able to work in extreme temperatures (cold, wind, heat, humidity) indoors and outdoors to perform tasks.
• Must not be involved with any felony violation of the Lacey Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, or the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
• Annual Tuberculosis (TB) testing required.
• Refer to additional requirements in the “Physical and Environmental Work Requirements” section below.

Background Check Statement:

• Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities.
• Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record.
• However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.)
• Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. 

For Bilingual Positions: 

• Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, etc.).
• Applicants being considered for Bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process.
• This may consist of either being able to respond to questions in that language (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, etc.) during the interview; or passing an oral translation (English to foreign language / foreign language to English) exam prior to employment.

Physical and Environmental Work Environments:

• This position involves sitting, standing and walking.
• The employee may be required to bend, stoop, or kneel to examine and treat animals.
• The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Hand/finger dexterity to properly handle medical tools and equipment.
• Close visual acuity for medical/surgical procedures and to view a computer monitor and read printed materials; distance vision sufficient to monitor animal activities and general surroundings.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• The employee must convey detailed or important spoken information to others in small and large group settings.
• The position functions indoors and outdoors with regular exposure to Wisconsin’s four seasons, and inclement weather conditions.
• The employee is regularly exposed to a variety of animals with risk of animal bites (including venomous), zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong planning, analytical and decision making skills are required, with the ability to work in a dynamic, evolving organization.
• Ability to quickly make appropriate decisions and demonstrate leadership in emergency situations.
• Demonstrates motivational and problem solving acumen with a high degree of integrity and ethics.
• Excellent written and verbal English communications skills required, including the ability to present information to small and large groups. 

Salary

• $45.01-$59.86