Description

General Summary: 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.

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.     

 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. 

Requirements

Requirements:

• Education:  Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an institution 
  accredited or recognized by the American Veterinary Medicine 
  Association
• Area of Study:  Veterinary Medicine  Preferred:  Zoo or Exotic Animal Medicine
• Certifications:  Veterinarian’s license
• License(s):  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.
• Work Experience:  Two years of relevant experience or training in zoo animal veterinary medicine  Preferred:  5 years’ veterinary work experience or 5 
  years relevant animal work experience 

For more information please refer to our website at www.brec.org/careers