Veterinarian

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.Owned and operated by Metro Regional Government, the Oregon Zoo has an annual attendance of over 1.6 million visitors. The zoo is highly regarded nationally, regionally and locally. The Oregon Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals representing 225 species of amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates and mammals.

• Oregon Zoo's state-of-the-art Veterinary Medical Center opened in 2012. This 15,000-square-foot building is LEED Gold Certified and includes exam room, surgical suite, radiology room and in- house laboratory and necropsy room.
• It has all necessary equipment for basic and advanced anesthetic monitoring and diagnostic techniques, including rigid and flexible endoscopy, digital radiography and ultrasound.
• In addition, the Oregon Zoo Hospital is one of the few in the country that has an on-site CT scan.
• The zoo's endocrinology lab also offers expertise and experience with animal welfare research and welfare-based care.
• The Oregon Zoo is seeking a permanent full-time clinical Veterinarian.
• This position is responsible for the updating, execution and oversight of the preventative health program and the care of sick and injured animals, the pathology program and support and interface with other Zoo departments.
• The selected candidate will assist with the supervision of animal health staff during clinical procedures, and participate in conservation, research and teaching aspects of the Animal Health Program as needed.

As the Veterinarian you will:

• Work in collaboration with the rest of the Animal Health team to achieve the following:
• Proactive animal health care program which uses current preventative medicine, diagnostic and treatment practices.
• Maximum reproductive potential of endangered species through development of specialized veterinary medical practices.
• Human and animal safety through development of programs to limit zoonotic disease transmission and transmission of disease between animals.
• Animal safety by consulting on zoo pest control program.
• Maximum individual animal welfare. The veterinarian will act as an expert consultant for animal programs and committees and serve as a resource for all zoo staff on issues related to animal health.
• Supervise and direct technical staff as they assist during medical procedures.
• Participates, in consultation with nutritionist, in the development and modification of balanced diets for zoo animals. Works with other zoo staff to encourage natural behaviors in zoo animals, participates in behavioral training of animals for medical procedures, and provides training of animal keepers and other zoo staff about zoonotic diseases and veterinary considerations of zookeeping and animal handling when required.
• Maintains comprehensive animal health records in compliance with Animal Welfare Act and other applicable groups and reports communicable diseases to state and local health departments.
• Comply with all Drug Enforcement Agency regulations regarding the ordering, inventory maintenance, and use ofcontrolled drugs
• In consultation with curatorial staff, determine when animals require euthanasia due to their medical condition, age, or quality of life and perform this procedure when appropriate.
• Performs gross postmortem examinations and interprets laboratory analysis for the purpose of preventing similar deaths; cooperates with academic and scientific community by providing biomaterials.
• Assists with management of the veterinary student externship programs, including the mentoring and teaching of veterinary students and veterinary technician students.
• Be familiar with and participate fully in emergency response preparedness and execution, including dangerous animal escapes, fire, weather emergencies, and employee injury including potent narcotic exposure and other zoo emergencies.
• Helps to ensure zoo compliance with all state and federal regulations and AZA accreditation guidelines relating toanimal care, husbandry, and shipments.
• Provide veterinary support to the Zoo’s ongoing research and conservation programs as needed.

Attributes for success:

• Proven ability to perform sedation and anesthesia successfully and safely in a large variety of zoo animals ranging from fish to megavertebrates and apes.
• Demonstrated ample technical skillset working with exotic zoo animals in a clinical environment.
• Shows outstanding knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology and treatment of disease in non- domestic species.
• Experience with infectious diseases and control procedures related to zoo animals.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions while working with zoo animals including knowledge of risk while working with ultra-potent opioids.
• Knowledge of animal nursing concepts pertaining to zoo animals.
• Demonstrated skill in the proper use and interpretation of laboratory and veterinary medicine equipment such blood gas analyzers, radiology equipment, ultrasound, CT scan and endoscopy equipment.
• Proven ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality.
• Skill in the efficient and proper use of laboratory and veterinary medical equipment including remote injection equipment.
• Knowledge of zoo animal reproductive biology and current contraception techniques.
• Knowledge of safety precautions and hazards related to providing treatment to zoo animals.
• Ability to operate motor vehicles including large transport vans and small trucks.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret laws, rules and regulations and follow all safety policies and protocols.
• Ability to assign, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate staff.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, diagnostic and medical treatment plans, medical research reports and medical records.
• Ability to physically perform assigned duties, including the ability to lift at least 50 lbs.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships with other staff and veterinary medical staff and other colleagues.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex veterinary issues verbally and in writing to lay staff, other veterinary department staff and public.
• Ability to use a computer-based medical records system (ZIMS).

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION       

• At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work.
• This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities.
• Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region.
• Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
• Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan

TO QUALIFY

• We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required.
• Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in veterinary medicine; Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree from an accredited college of veterinary medicine AND
• Completion of an ACZM approved post-graduate zoo medicine residency program OR
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Additional requirements:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain within the first six months of employment: Valid license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Oregon
• Ability to acquire Drug Enforcement Agency registration to prescribe and purchase controlled substances Ability to become federally accredited to write valid interstate and international health certificates
• Valid driver's license
• Medical testing and/or immunizations may be required as the duties of this position may require close contact with animal areas and enclosures where animals may be present.

Like to have qualifications:

• You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify.
• However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates.
• Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.
• Board certification or eligibility to be certified in zoological medicine by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM).
• Completion of an internship at an accredited institution or zoo.
• If interested in applying, here is a direct link to the posting on our website. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oregonmetro/jobs/4631907/veterinarian?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Perks

• https://www.oregonmetro.gov/how-metro-works/jobs/benefits

Salary

• $115,696.00 - $147,661.15 Annually