The purpose of this classification is to provide and oversee the preventative health care and individual health care for the City’s Zoo animals.
Organizes, prioritizes and oversees the health care of Zoo animals: conducts daily inspections of the Zoo animal collection; conducts a preventative health care program for Zoo animals; oversees the work of the Health Curator at the Zoo; diagnoses and treats sick or injured animals; performs surgical treatment as needed; responsible for Pre-Op and Post-Op care of animals; assists in the capture and restraint of animals, including sedation; educates, coordinates, and assists zoo keepers and staff in the care of animals; develops and conducts research projects in conjunction with other zoo projects locally and worldwide.
Involved in master planning for the zoo: consults on exhibit designs, animal acquisitions, and construction projects for the Zoo in regards to the overall health and well-being of the Animal Collection; attends senior or administrative staff meetings at the Zoo.
Assists Zoo Director and other administrative staff in promoting the mission of the Zoo: communicates with media, donors, customers, members of the public, etc.; prepares and presents programs to civic organizations at the request of the Zoo Director.
Conducts preventative health care program for the Zoo: oversees/conducts vaccinations, parasite detection, quarantine protocol, proper nutrition, etc.; diagnoses and treats sick or injured animals; performs surgeries; establishes and manages a program for pest control as needed.
Conducts necropsies on all deceased Zoo animals to determine the cause of death.
Prepares various records and reports: prepares health certificates and other paperwork associated with shipping animals; prepares and maintains records and reports to ensure compliance with all regulatory agencies; compiles, reviews, and/or maintains Animal Health records, diagnostic reports, invoices, inventory reports, necropsy reports, instructions to subordinates, charts of medications, etc.
Operates or uses various equipment, tools, and supplies in order to complete assignments, such as dental machines, x-ray machines, and anesthesia machines; operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other specialized software.
Desired Qualifications
Significant experience in Veterinary Medicine, preferably experience in a zoo or exotic animal system.
Necessary Special Requirements
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from an accredited university. Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine certified. Must possess a current Louisiana DEA license or licenses must be applied for and/or obtained within three (3) months of hire. Must possess a valid Louisiana driver’s license and maintain throughout employment for this classification.
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