Zoo Veterinarian

Salary : $72,280.00 - $ Annually
Location : LA 70807, LA
Job Type: Full Time Exempt
Job Number: ZV2025
Department: Zoo
Opening Date: 10/16/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt

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.
Requirements and Job Specifications

Education: Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an institution accredited or recognized by the American Veterinary Medicine Association required; with the area of study in zoo or exotic animal medicine preferred.

Certification: Veterinarian's license

License: 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 are all required.

Work Experience: Two years of relevant experience or training in zoo animal veterinary medicine required; 5 years' veterinary work experience or 5 years relevant animal work experience preferred.

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.

Skill 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

Functions and Duties

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…