As the Senior Veterinarian at Lion Country Safari, located in Loxahatchee, FL, you will lead our veterinary team in providing exceptional care to a diverse range of exotic and domestic animals residing within the zoo. Your role involves overseeing the health and well-being of our animal population, collaborating with other zoo departments, and contributing to conservation efforts.
The Senior Veterinarian designs and maintains preventative medicine programs and responds to day-to-day clinical care of sick or injured collection animals and native wildlife.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct routine health checks and medical assessments for animals.
- Diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and diseases in various species.
- Perform surgeries and medical procedures as necessary.
- Develop and implement preventive health care programs.
- Lead the quarantine and biosecurity protocols for incoming animals.
- Manage the animal nutrition program.
- Collaborate with curators and keepers to ensure appropriate animal enrichment.
- Oversee anesthesia and sedation procedures for animal examinations.
- Manage veterinary staff, veterinary technicians and assistants in daily tasks, professional competency, culture, and engagement.
- Maintain accurate medical records and documentation.
- Participate in and support conservation initiatives and research projects.
- Undertake, assign and manage clinical cases as required.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Education and Experience
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree.
- Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state/province/country of employment.
- Minimum of 15 years of clinical experience, preferably with exotic animals.
- Strong surgical and medical skills applicable to diverse species.
- Experience in zoo medicine or wildlife rehabilitation is highly desirable.
- Ability to lead and mentor a team of veterinary professionals.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with diverse zoo departments.
- Commitment to animal welfare and conservation principles.
- Willingness to work flexible hours and participate in on-call duties.
- 18 years or older.
- Valid FL Driver’s License.
- Pre-employment TB screening, Rabies and Tetanus vaccinations are a requirement of this role.
- Willingness to work overtime and be available for emergency work.
- Must be able to work weekends and holidays.
- Must possess a good work ethic and make every effort to be at work, on time, and be a team player.
- Must possess the ability to work alone and unsupervised for extended periods of time.
- Must have the ability to interact and communicate with the public in a courteous and professional manner.
- Safety is our highest priority and safety procedures/guidelines must always be adhered to.
- Punctuality and attendance are extremely important to the success of the operations in general as well as contributing to an overall positive team atmosphere.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Board certification or eligibility in Zoological Medicine (ABVP or ECZM) is a plus.
- Experience in research related to zoo animal health and conservation.
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements related to zoo animal health and welfare.
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