Head Veterinarian
: Job Details :

Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens (JZG) is looking for an experienced veterinarian, leader in a zoo or aquarium. As the Director of Animal Health, you will ensure top-tier care of our +1400 resident animals representing more than 200 species. Animal wellbeing is your passion You are committed to conservation. You want to train the next generation of veterinary specialists. You can adapt and engage your team. You cant wait to start helping the Florida manatees. You are an effective communicator and know how to listen. Alongside our Chief Life Science Officer, you will lead innovative programs with animal health and nutrition, like routine wellbeing and disease prevention, emergency care, health initiatives that address zoonotic diseases, biosecurity, and research. JZG is one of the seven proud partners of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Program with Floridas Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). As we expand our care facilities, you will play a vital role in rehabilitating injured and sick manatees. Youll also be a strategic partner to our leadership, operations and animal husbandry teams. As a team leader, you will play a key role in educating and training the next generation of veterinary professionals, including staff, students, interns, and residents. And of course, youll liaise with state and federal regulators, along with internal and external stakeholders. Step into a leadership role and make a lasting impact. Join our mission Connecting communities with wildlife and wild places. Youll need: DVM from an accredited a DVM or equivalent degree. Ability to obtain a Florida State Veterinary license within six months of placement. USDA Category II accreditation and/or ability to obtain within six months of placement Five (5) years of experience as a zoo veterinarian. A plus Board Certified Specialist in Zoological Medicine Experience working with manatees. Experience with varied species of exotic animals including primates, avians, mega vertebrates, and reptiles. Experience with animal wellbeing issues, theory and practice of animal management. Experience supervising staff. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to consistently remain on your feet for prolonged periods of time. Manual dexterity for standing, reaching, flexibility, and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, stoop, bend, lift, kneel, crawl, climb, jump, dig and prolonged standing/sitting. Grasp, turn, and manipulate objects of varying size and weight, requiring fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Ability to operate motorized cart, trucks, hand and/or power tools. Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures. Ability to transport and move items occasionally up to 50 pounds without difficulty for short distance. Auditory ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, two-way radio, and face-to-face interactions. Visual and auditory acuity appropriate for safety and discern differences in document WORK CONDITIONS Weather Exposure: Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, and wind. Pathogens: possible exposure to animal or human bloodborne pathogens. Infectious Diseases: Risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases. Hazards: Potential for injuries from wildlife, equipment, chemicals, and heights. On-Call Responsibilities: Will be required to be on call for emergencies. Disaster support: Must be available to fulfill disaster-response duties and responsibilities as required. TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS Must maintain a valid drivers license and clear driving record. May require local or international travel for short time frames. Inclusion, diversity, and equity as a value Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens embraces diversity in a meaningful way and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of a person's actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, weight, or height. EOE / DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE