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Director of Veterinary Medicine

Zelle HR Solutions

Director of Veterinary Medicine

Lincoln, NE
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Essential Functions

    The responsibilities of the Director of Veterinary Medicine will be approximately 50% clinical and 50% administrative, working with the General Curator and Animal Care Staff to provide the highest quality health care to our animals and reporting directly to the CEO.

    Preferred candidates will have substantial experience in the veterinary care of animals from a variety of taxonomic groups as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills, good problem-solving skills, and the ability and desire to support the growth and development of the Zoo as an organization.

    Clinical 

    • Diagnose illness and injury and provide appropriate medical and/or surgical treatment and therapies. 
    • Perform safe and appropriate anesthesia on animals of all taxonomic classes. 
    • Collaborate with colleagues and local veterinary and medical specialists on clinical cases as needed.
    • Monitors diseases trends in the collections and work collaboratively with husbandry managers to address emergent issues.
    • Monitors and analyzes current husbandry practices as they relate to disease and injury prevention. 
    • Provide convalescent care for animals recovering from illness or injury.
    • Ability to operate a full-service clinic and laboratory.
    • Perform gross necropsies (when applicable) and collect samples for histopathology, prepare necropsy reports, and formulate recommendations for preventative measures. 
    • Support the Zoos conservation programs and other research efforts by collecting samples and by gathering and submitting data as appropriate.

    Administrative

    • Ensures appropriate and timely pre-shipment testing for animal acquisitions and dispositions.
    • Updates protocols and implements appropriate animal quarantine.
    • Write and implements Standard Operating Procedures.
    • Oversight of nutrition program, including working collaboratively with curator and husbandry staff.
    • Provides in-house lectures on zoonotic disease and other relevant topics to staff.
    • Participate in dialogue with curator, supervisors, and keepers about animal care and welfare, disease treatment and prevention, zoonotic diseases, breeding/contraception, nutrition, and husbandry.
    • Prepare and maintain medical records in ZIMS, ensuring accuracy and professionalism.
    • Participate in AAZV and other professional organizations and forums; remain current on CE requirements. 

    Candidate Talents and Abilities 

    We are seeking a veterinarian to continue to lead the department as the Zoo continues to grow. This position is part of the Zoo's leadership team and reports directly to the CEO. 

    • Minimum of two years of exotic animal medicine experience is required, preferably in zoological facility.
    • Preference for applicants to have completed a residency is Zoo Veterinary Medicine.
    • DVM or VMD from an accredited School of Veterinary Medicine. 
    • Ability to obtain DEA licensure for use of Class 2 narcotics.
    • Ability to obtain USDA category II accreditation.
    • Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative kin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid driver's license with a good history.
    • Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays, and some night programs. 
    • Must be able to be on call for after-hours emergencies.
    • Must be able to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances across the zoo.
    • Potential exposure to inclement weather conditions.
    • Some exposure to anesthetic gases and potential for exposure to potent anesthetic drugs.
    • Exposure to dangerous animals.
    • Must be able to sit, kneel, bend, twist, reach above head and climb.
    • Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.
    • The information presented indicated the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. 
    • It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

    Zelle is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled