Director of Veterinary Health & Conservation Research
DIRECT REPORTS
N/A
This position must be vaccinated or agree to become vaccinated for COVID-19, to work safely with staff and the animals under the Zoo’s care.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Under direct supervision, the Associate Veterinarian is responsible for administering the daily and preventive medicine programs for the Zoo’s animal collection and Veterinary Health Center. This position provides veterinary care and treatment for the Zoo's collection, in accordance with the standards set forth in Guidelines for Zoo Veterinary Medical Programs and Veterinary Hospitals of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, USDA/APHIS, and the Kansas City Zoo Program of Veterinary Care, in support of the Kansas City Zoo's mission.
The Kansas City Zoo will be opening a world-class aquarium in 2023. The 600,000-gallon aquarium will feature six zones with thirty-four exhibits that will tell the story of how ocean currents connect animals across the globe. This position will be directly involved in introduction of new species, examinations and veterinary care for animals being introduced to the Zoo through this project. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience with aquatic species.
POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Duties
Percentage
Supports and maintains the Zoo’s program of veterinary care and preventive medical programs, including:
Supervising daily clinical evaluation and treatment of collection animals.
Diagnosing and instituting therapeutic plans for collection animals.
Monitoring the health and welfare of hospitalized and quarantined animals.
Coordinating laboratory examinations and analyses.
Collaborating with the Associate Veterinarian, Director of Animal Care, animal curators, supervisors and care specialists concerning animal treatment, while maintaining effective working relationships.
Conducting animal necropsies and coordinating the disposal of deceased specimens.
Maintaining appropriate medical records and documents necessary for the health of animal collection.
Supporting animal quarantine procedures.
Assisting the Director of Animal Health and Associate Veterinarian to prioritize, assign and coordinate projects/programs related to the veterinary health program.
Communicating with other Zoo professionals for the purpose of enhancing animal health and preventive medicine programs as directed
70%
Assists with overseeing and mentoring of veterinary health staff in aspects of animal health care.
20%
Participates and assists in conservation and conservation research.
5%
Assists with promoting public education relative to animal medicine through lectures, tours and other forms of communication.
5%
*This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
Doctoral degree in veterinary medicine from an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary medicine.
ACZM board certification preferred.
Possess/be able to obtain veterinary licensure for the state of Missouri.
Possess valid DEA license and federal accreditation.
Possess/be able to obtain Missouri pharmaceuticals license.
EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of 2 years’ full time (or equivalent) employment as an accredited and licensed veterinarian in a zoological institution (or equivalent) with a diversified taxonomic collection.
Comprehensive knowledge of established principles/practices of exotic animal medicine, including safety, restraint, dangerous drug administration, recordkeeping and observation skills.
Thorough knowledge of, as well as ability to perform and use veterinary medical procedures, terminology, pharmacology and related equipment.
Thorough knowledge of the natural history, environmental and psychological needs of exotic animals.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines relating to the application of veterinary medicine in zoological parks and related programs.
Experience with coordinating and implementing daily and preventive medical programs.
Knowledge and experience with aquatic animal medicine and surgery is preferred.
Previous supervisory experience preferred.
Experience with publishing and/or presenting research findings.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and ZIMS preferred.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Must have valid driver’s license.
Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test.
Must be able to lift 75 pounds.
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
Must be able to be on call/available for consultation on a permanent basis.
Must pass a background and drug screening.
Must be vaccinated or agree to become vaccinated for COVID-19, to work safely with staff and the animals under the care of Veterinary Health.
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