Facility
Birmingham Zoo, Inc.
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Job Summary:
This position contributes to the success of Birmingham Zoo, Inc. by providing the highest standard of animal care for the living collection and developing interdisciplinary partnerships to benefit animal welfare. Performs as a clinical veterinarian providing medical and surgical treatment to the animal collection as well as conducting clinical and health-related investigations. The associate veterinarian is a member of the veterinary team which also consists of the director of animal health, a veterinary intern (joint with Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, spending 3 months per year at the zoo), two licensed veterinary technicians, and two hospital keepers. The veterinarian would also be expected to participate in education of veterinary student and veterinary technician externs.
Collectively with other zoo employees these activities will assist in presenting to the public an environment that is educational, entertaining, and serves to further the mission of the Birmingham Zoo.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Responsible for providing comprehensive medical care from a preventative medical approach including, but not limited to: physical examinations, disease and parasite prophylaxis, treatment, and quarantine procedures.
Respond to information requests from animal managers and keepers concerning potential or emergency medical care for animals in the collection.
Administer and monitor anesthesia when appropriate.
Prescribe, administer, and evaluate results of diagnostic examinations, radiographs, and clinical pathology specimens including microbiology, blood samples, and fecal tests.
Recognize various symptoms, diagnose, and isolate causes of acute or chronic illnesses, infectious and noninfectious diseases, or injuries affecting animals in the collection.
Perform minor or major surgical procedures and/or administer medications using currently accepted veterinary standards to properly treat, cure and/or control the affliction or injury.
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.
Participate in behavioral training of animals for medical procedures.
Provide training of animal keepers and other zoo staff about zoonotic diseases and veterinary considerations of zookeeping and animal handling when required.
Perform gross necropsies, and interpret histopathological results with any ancillary diagnostics to prevent similar deaths if possible. Educates curatorial staff about mortalities.
Remain current on general, zoo, and wildlife veterinary knowledge as well as pertinent regulations and veterinary standards.
Properly and timely document and prepare written records(s) of any procedure or exam conducted on any animal in the collection and ensure the record is incorporated into the animal’s permanent medical record.
Provide medical screening, quarantine examination, certification of health and/or crating of animals for new acquisitions and/or shipments of animals from the zoo.
Engage in topic rounds and journal rounds.
Must be familiar with the protocols for handling Class II narcotics and all controlled substances.
Communicate problems or concerns as it relates to the collection, staff, or public to the director of animal health or other member of senior staff.
Develop and maintain professional contacts with veterinarians of other zoos and professional organizations, nationally and internationally.
Interact with Zoo visitors concerning Zoo operations, education and conservation.
Must be able to work any day of the week as needed to provide adequate veterinary coverage.
Must be within 20min of the zoo when on call.
And other duties as assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from an institution accredited or recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association required. ACZM certification or eligibility preferred.
Must be able to obtain a valid state veterinary license and controlled substance certificate within 2 months of hire date, DEA controlled substance registration certificate, and national USDA/APHIS accreditation within 6 months of hire date.
Minimum of two years relevant experience or training in zoo animal veterinary medicine required.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and eye for detail and accuracy.
Understanding and appreciation for BZI’s mission.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
Please apply online: www.birminghamzoo.com, About Us, Employment