Description
The Gladys Porter Zoo is seeking a full time Staff Veterinarian. The perfect candidate will provide animal health, research and related project services to 330 species and approximately 1,600 animals, including: Western lowland gorillas; chimpanzees; orangutans; white rhinos; giraffe; pangolins; Galapagos tortoises; five species of crocodilians; a moderate-sized bird and aquatics collection and a varied array of native wildlife cases.
Duties and responsibilities at Gladys Porter Zoo:
1. Supervision of various technicians, assistants and hospital keepers
2. Medical and surgical care of the zoos’ animals
a. Physical exams: animals restrained for any purpose, preshipment, and quarantine
b. Systematic investigation, evaluation and treatment of/surgical intervention for health-related issues of collection animals
c. Anesthesia of many species and use of immobilization equipment
d. Disease surveillance and containment
e. Necropsy of deceased zoo animals
f. Routine observations of animals and facilities
g. Respond to emergency situations
h. Euthanasia, as needed, for medical or management reasons
i. Maintain standards of zoo animal health in compliance with the AZA and AAZV
j. Maintain medical information on MEDARKS/ ZIMS
3. Triage, medical/surgery care, rehabilitation and disposition of injured or orphaned wildlife
4. Maintain and advance a preventive medicine program; provide nutrition program oversight
5. Maintain and advance zoo protocols for healthcare, procedures and emergencies
6. Comply with welfare standards set by the AZA and regulations mandated by the DEA, TxDPS, USDA, USFWS, TPWD, Animal Welfare Act and other regulatory bodies
7. Assist with investigational studies
a. SSP/TAG research requests
b. Surveys or requests for information
c. Approved research requests
d. Self or zoo-generated research
e. Contribute to zoological and veterinary knowledge via publications and presentations
8. Provide professional support to area organizations, law enforcement and municipal animal control
9. Assist veterinary technicians and hospital keepers with laboratory procedures, animal
husbandry, clinic maintenance, etc., as needed
10. Interface with various school contacts to sustain established veterinary mentorship/internship programs
11. Other projects as assigned by zoo management staff
Requirements
Position Requirements:
DVM or VMD degree from an accredited college or university
USDA accreditation (category II) to certify health for interstate and international transport of animals
License or ability to be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Texas
Qualify for Texas DPS and DEA registration for use of controlled substances
Possess a valid driver’s license
Good organizational and communication skills
Considerable interpersonal skills due to daily interaction with keepers and curators, and periodic interaction with the public, donors, and the press
Comprehensive computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets and medical records
Preference will be given to candidates that are ACZM Board Certified or Board eligible
A candidate with a background of handling clinical veterinary cases for a diverse group of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatics is preferred
A candidate with aquatic animal medicine experience, formal training, or, willingness to learn, is preferred
Ability to speak Spanish helpful
Physical and Environmental Demands:
Ability to work long hours on a flexible schedule
Ability to work under stressful, emergency and occasionally life threatening situations
Ability to read, speak and write English to fulfill job functions in an understandable way
Ability to lift and carry 20 pounds
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and in a physically demanding environment
