Veterinary Residency in Zoological Medicine
Position Type: Full-time
Location: Multiple campuses
Department: Animal Health
Classification: Exempt
Position Summary:
The Saint Louis Zoo’s Department of Animal Health offers an intensive three-year clinical residency in zoological medicine, compliant with requirements set forth by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM). The objective of the program is to provide the facilities, case material, training opportunities, and mentorship necessary for the resident to become a Board Certified Specialist in Zoological MedicineTM through the following:
- Development of the comprehensive knowledge, skills, experience, and expertise necessary to function as an independent clinician in the field of zoological medicine.
- Preparation of candidates for ACZM board certification (Zoo Animal Medicine certifying exam).
- Refinement of skills in applied research and presentation/manuscript preparation to contribute to the knowledge and understanding of medical care and conservation of zoological species.
- Exposure to operations of a large zoological institution, including communication among veterinary and animal care managers and zoo staff, animal husbandry and management, nutrition, animal shipments, conservation, and laws/regulations concerning management of zoo animals and wildlife.
- Exposure to teaching and clinical training of veterinary students through didactic lectures at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and mentorship of students on clinical rotations at the Saint Louis Zoo.
The resident’s clinical experience will be primarily through veterinary care of the Saint Louis Zoo’s extensive and diverse animal collection on three campuses including our Forest Park campus (including a 17,000 square foot Endangered Species Research Center and Veterinary Hospital building), our WildCare Park campus (a 425-acre safari park and conservation center), and our Sear’s Lehmann Jr. Wildlife Reserve (a 20-acre conservation habitat for American red wolves). Experiences include but are not limited to, clinical medicine and diagnostic services, anesthesia, preventive medicine, surgical care, pathology, quarantine and pre-shipment evaluation, training of veterinary students, and professional development.
The position is a member of the Department of Animal Health, comprised of the Director of Animal Health, an Assistant Director, four full-time Staff Veterinarians, a Staff Pathologist, six Veterinary Technicians, two Animal Health Keepers, and an Administrative Assistant. This position requires a dynamic, kind, and compassionate individual. Candidates should demonstrate a teamwork style that fosters an atmosphere of inclusion, teamwork, collaboration and safety, and promotes the Zoo’s core values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance).
Program start date is August 2027.
Responsibilities:
The veterinary resident will assist in the care and preventive medicine programs for the Zoo’s taxonomically diverse collection, with oversight from four supervising ACZM Diplomates. In addition to clinical service, the individual is expected to share responsibility and take initiative for professional growth and advancing zoological medicine through participation in scholarly activity, peer-reviewed manuscript publication, and meeting credentialing guidelines set forth by the ACZM. The resident is expected to maintain professional conduct and ethic, and abide by the mission, keys, and policies of the Saint Louis Zoo. Must have a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (or equivalent)
Qualifications:
- Candidates must have a DVM (or equivalent) and be able to practice veterinary medicine in the United States.
- Must be able to obtain a Missouri Veterinary License and USDA accreditation within six months of employment.
- Must be eligible to obtain a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) practitioner license, and be registered under the Missouri Board of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD).
- Candidates must have completed at least one year of structured post-graduate training, or two years of experience as a veterinarian.
- Individual must demonstrate excellence in clinical decision-making, knowledge and experience in zoological medicine and strong communication skills.
- Candidates must be able to work both independently and under supervision.
- Must demonstrate a service mentality, a positive attitude, thrive in a collaborative team dynamic, and align with the Saint Louis Zoo’s values and mission.
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All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.
- COVID vaccination is required.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform some of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Ability to work in all types of weather is required.
Work Schedule:
This position will need to be able to work a flexible schedule, to cover weekends, holidays, and evenings for animal procedures and events. Need to have the ability to come into work on inclement weather days to care for animals if the need arises.
Application:
Applicant must complete an online application for employment at the Saint Louis Zoo by going to https://stlzoo.org/employment. This application will require that candidates upload a CV, letter of intent, and official transcript, as well as have three letters of recommendation submitted to Lauren Mumm (lmumm@stlzoo.org) – Staff Veterinarian, Residency Program Coordinator.
Position Closes On:
Applications must be received by November 8th, 2026.
About the Saint Louis Zoo: The world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo is dedicated to saving species and bringing people and wildlife together. The Saint Louis Zoo cares for approximately 12,000 animals, many of which are endangered, and is dedicated to local and global conservation to save wildlife. Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/
The Zoo is committed to the Three Keys (Animals Always, People Matter, and Operational Excellence) and Core Values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance. Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/
About St. Louis, Mo: From Explore St. Louis: “Urban explorer, outdoor adventurer, aficionado of family fun – no matter your travel persona, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Louis. The city is brimming with free, world-class attractions and boasts an arts-and-culture scene that’s second to none. Plus, fans of fresh air will be surprised and delighted by our flourishing public parks, miles of trails and exhilarating waterways. Sprinkle in a bit of our secret sauce – the warmth and hospitality of the residents – and you’ll discover that St. Louis dishes up undeniably epic travel experiences. Don’t take our word for it, though. Come and see for yourself.” Learn more at https://explorestlouis.com/
