Zoo Veterinarian

Under general supervision, reporting to the Deputy Director, maintains the health and welfare of all animals in the Baton Rouge Zoo; manages a diverse collection of exotics, domestic and native species of animals by providing professional veterinary care.

Education Required:

• Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an institution accredited or recognized by the American Veterinary Medicine Association
• Area of Study (Major) Required: Veterinary Medicine
• Area of Study (Major) Preferred: Zoo or Exotic Animal Medicine

Certification(s) Required: Veterinarian’s license

• License(s) Required: Ability to obtain a valid Louisiana State Veterinary License and the ability to obtain controlled substance certificate within six months of hire. Valid driver’s license. Must be able to obtain a LA driver’s license within six months of hire.
• Years Relevant Work Experience Required: Two years of relevant experience or training in zoo animal veterinary medicine
• Years Relevant Work Experience Preferred: 5 years’ veterinary work experience or 5 years relevant animal work experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• State and Federal codes and regulations governing public Zoo facilities operations, including United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) rules and Animal Welfare Act standards.
• Theory, principles, practices, methods and techniques of Veterinary services.
• Professional protocols and practices in animal husbandry, veterinary treatment and case management.
• Veterinary medicine terminology, anatomy, physiology and concepts of zoonotic and anthroponotic diseases.
• Principles and practices of medical file and records management and patient file documentation procedures.
• Regional public health protocols, communicable disease issues and reporting standards.
• Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards and practices.
• Knowledge of capture equipment and chemical immobilization.

Skills in:

• Managing and coordinating the Baton Rouge Zoo veterinary programs and projects.
• Examining animals, evaluating health problems and developing action plans based on observations and tests.
• Providing effective Veterinarian services, assessing Zoo issues and taking effective courses of action.
• Interpreting and applying Zoo standards and procedures, applicable federal rules and regulations and BREC/Zoo policies and procedures.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software.
• Preparing and presenting management reports.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with BREC/Zoo employees, officials and representatives from other local, state and federal agencies.

Abilities to:

• Quickly learn BREC policies and procedures
• Motivate staff and train on technical information
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Operate a BREC Vehicle to perform essential functions of the job.
• Adjust to changing work demands, procedures, technology and or priorities
• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with Department Heads, Management, coworkers, employees and general public
• Hire, fire, train, discipline and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel
• Must have a positive attitude with the willingness and desire to learn new skills

Hours Worked: Full-time position; Generally, 8 hours per day, 5 days per week; lunch break daily; compensatory time as required. Some evening and weekend work may be required for medical emergencies.

Essential Functions and Duties:

• Plans and manages health care program of veterinary medicine in the Baton Rouge Zoo: establishes and conducts effective assessment and testing procedures for all animals to assure health of Zoo collection, prevent spread of disease and comply with government regulations.
• Performs daily rounds and evaluates the health and welfare of the animals in the Zoo.
• Meets with animal care staff to discuss animal health issues and preventive health measures.
• Examines, diagnoses and treats animals; monitors animal health issues, behavior and eating habits.
• Manages preventive health program for the Zoo animals, staff and visitors.
• Develops, coordinates and implements preventive health surveillance, analysis and nutrition programs.
• Develops innovative treatments for exotic animals.
• Manages the veterinary clinic; manages inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; interprets concerns, defines desired results and determines scope and priorities of veterinary programs and special projects.
• Manages Zoo health treatment and prevention programs; assures that Zoo operations meet state and federal compliance regulations, as well as USDA and AZA standards and protocols.
• Directs operations, evaluates and analyzes issues and recommends and implements solutions; develops Zoo plans, goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Manages staff; prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects; trains and evaluates staff; develops staff skills and conducts performance evaluations; meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve workload and technical issues.
• Coordinates operations with external partners and other public and private agencies.
• Monitors and reviews trends in Zoo operations and health management issues; recommends operational, procedural and policy improvements.
• Supports the relationship between BREC, the Zoo and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors and BREC staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and Zoo information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
• May be required to respond afterhours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental emergency.
• Driving is essential.
• Establishes and maintains a positive professional veterinary management program
• Promotes the benefits and activities of the Zoo in its efforts of recreation, education and conservation
• Hires, trains, supervises, schedules, develops and disciplines assigned staff
• Recommends changes to procedures when need
• Maintain a positive relationship with LSU School of Veterinary Medicine while hosting exotic/zoological medical instruction with veterinary students.
• Maintain a positive relationship with Southern University and Baton Rouge Community College in programs related to veterinary medicine and animal science.
• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. He or she will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties as requested by his or her supervisor.

Necessary Equipment, Instruments, and Materials:

The Zoo Veterinarian must be prepared to operate any Zoo equipment, particularly animal capture equipment, tranquilizer equipment, firearms and electronic motor cart. Also, required to operate basic office equipment which includes but is not limited to computer, fax machine, photocopier and telephone. Must have access to and be able to operate a motor vehicle.

Environment:

The individual spends most of his/her time in a typical office environment; regularly required to check exhibits, but only occasionally required to work outdoors for extended periods. Exposure to severe conditions such as storms can generally be avoided, with some exceptional circumstances; heat, cold and humidity cannot be avoided.

Mental Involvement:

As this position carries responsibility for the health and welfare of animals and staff, and for budget administration, there is a moderate to high degree of stress involved. Coordination and organization as well as staff relations and a high degree of public exposure place moderate to high mental demands on the individual.

Language Skills:

The Zoo Veterinarian must have a strong command of English – both written and spoken – and be able to give clear information, understand, give and follow complex instructions – either written or verbal. An ability to assimilate large volumes of information for doing research and completing publications is required.

Physical Demands:

This position requires the individual to be mobile enough to navigate the entire Zoo.

• Sitting: Position requires extended periods of sitting, working at a desk and attending meetings.
• Standing: Position requires frequent standing to work onsite at the Zoo.
• Walking: Position requires walking moderate distances on location at the Zoo.
• Climbing: Position requires a moderate degree of climbing on site sometimes over rough or uneven terrain. Must be able to climb stairs and maintain a sense of balance.
• Turning/Twisting/Bending/Stooping: Position requires high upper and lower body mobility.
• Pushing/Pulling: Position requires minimum to moderate pushing/pulling (up to 50 lbs).
• Lifting: Position requires only light to moderate lifting on occasion.
• Reaching: Position requires frequent reaching.
• Squatting/Crawling: Position light to moderate squatting/crawling on occasion.
• Manual Dexterity: Position requires sufficient manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and to grasp small objects. Working with animals may require more complex dexterity.
• Visual Acuity: Position requires near visual acuity to read and understand large volumes of information; far acuity is needed to operate a motor vehicle.
• Testing Required: N/A
• Training Required: New Hire Orientation including but not limited to: Benefits, Safety and Workman’s Comp, Compliance Training, Software Training, Personnel Policies and Procedures and Departmental Training. Exceptional Qualifications: (See Preferred)

Disclaimer: Performs other duties as needed upon request of immediate supervisor.