Zoo - Senior Director of Veterinary Services

Veterinarian with strong leadership skills is sought to serve as a Senior Director of Veterinarian Services with a Zoo in Central California!

The Senior Director of Veterinary Services (SDVS) directs and oversees all aspects of medical care for the Zoo’s animal collections, and ensures the Hospital team is effectively trained and equipped to meet animals’ needs. The SDVS also provides veterinary care, and medical and surgical treatment for a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians.

Daily Medical Care

• Provides medical and surgical treatment to the zoo animal collection to the highest industry standards as needed, including procedures involving: immobilization/anesthesia, physical restraint, physical examination, surgery, radiology, ultrasonography, endoscopy, phlebotomy, cystocentesis, fluid administration, intubation, anesthetic monitoring, bandaging, wound care, dentistry, medication administration, and treatment of the zoo’s animal collection.
• Develops, annually updates, and implements preventative health care programs, including routine examinations, quarantine, parasite control, vaccination programs, tuberculin testing, and infectious disease screening.
• Directs zoo personnel in the proper care of sick and injured animals.
• Provides daily communication with keeper staff on active medical cases and visualizes patient progress routinely.
• Effectively prepares and maintains medical records, including all animals treated or examined, and inputs medical records, testing results, and necropsy/histology reports into the ZIMs record-keeping program.

Management Accountabilities

• Customarily and regularly exercises discretion and independent judgment during the course of the workday, actively demonstrating leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor.
• Reports to meetings/activities fully present, prepared, and punctual, thoughtfully prioritizing needs to be respectful of each other’s time, and responds to emails and other communications in a timely manner.
• Willingly engages the team/Zoo staff and proves to be an inspirational leader, actively creating connections that encourage open and honest communication with all.
• Remains accessible to the Zoo staff by cell phone, using professional courtesy and only calling/texting on day off in the event of an emergency.
• Provides regular performance feedback to reporting staff and completes timely and appropriate written evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for improvement.

• Veterinary Degree (DVM, VMD, or overseas equivalent) from an accredited university required.
• Minimum five years’ applicable experience in an AZA facility required.
• Completion of an internship or residency in zoo animal medicine or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum two years’ supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong planning, analytical, and decision-making skills are required, with the ability to work in a dynamic, evolving organization.
• Ability to quickly make appropriate decisions and demonstrate leadership in emergency situations.
• Demonstrates motivational and problem-solving acumen with a high degree of integrity and ethics.
• Excellent written and verbal English communications skills required, including the ability to present information to small and large groups. Bilingual communication skills a plus.
• Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• Valid California driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Our comprehensive compensation package includes 100% employer-paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis. Competitive salary commensurate with the successful candidate's experience.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.