Staff Veterinarian Job Brownsville area,Texas USA,Outdoor/Nature/Animal Care

The Gladys Porter Zoo is seeking a full‑time Staff Veterinarian. The ideal 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, giraffes, 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

Supervision of various technicians, assistants, and hospital keepers

Medical and surgical care of the zoo’s animals

Physical exams: animals restrained for any purpose, preshipment, and quarantine
Systematic investigation, evaluation, and treatment/surgical intervention for health‑related issues of collection animals
Anesthesia of many species and use of immobilization equipment
Disease surveillance and containment
Necropsy of deceased zoo animals
Routine observations of animals and facilities
Respond to emergency situations
Euthanasia, as needed, for medical or management reasons
Maintain standards of zoo animal health in compliance with the AZA and AAZV
Maintain medical information on MEDARKS/ZIMS

Triage, medical/surgery care, rehabilitation and disposition of injured or orphaned wildlife

Maintain and advance a preventive medicine program; provide nutrition program oversight

Maintain and advance zoo protocols for healthcare, procedures, and emergencies

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

Assist with investigational studies

SSP/TAG research requests
Surveys or requests for information
Approved research requests
Self or zoo‑generated research
Contribute to zoological and veterinary knowledge via publications and presentations

Provide professional support to area organizations, law enforcement, and municipal animal control

Assist veterinary technicians and hospital keepers with laboratory procedures, animal husbandry, clinic maintenance, etc., as needed

Interface with various school contacts to sustain established veterinary mentorship/internship programs

Other projects as assigned by zoo management staff

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

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