Veterinarian

BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo

General

Summary:

Zoo Veterinarian reports to the Director of the Zoo. Under general supervision, reporting to the Deputy Director, maintains the health and welfare of all animals in the Baton Rouge Zoo; manages a diverse collection of exotics, domestic and native species of animals by providing professional veterinary care. Supervises the veterinary technician and the veterinary intern.

Education Required: Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an institution accredited or recognized by the American Veterinary Medicine Association.

Area of Study (Major)

Required:

Veterinary Medicine Preferred: Zoo or Exotic Animal Medicine

License(s)

Required:

Ability to obtain a valid Louisiana State Veterinary License and the ability to obtain controlled substance certificate within six months of hire. Valid driver’s license. Must be able to obtain a LA driver’s license within six months of hire.

Years Relevant

Work Experience:

Two years of relevant experience or training in zoo animal veterinary medicine.
Preferred: 5 years’ veterinary work experience or 5 years relevant animal work experience.

• State and Federal codes and regulations governing public Zoo facilities operations, including United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) rules and Animal Welfare Act standards.
• Theory, principles, practices, methods and techniques of Veterinary services.
• Professional protocols and practices in animal husbandry, veterinary treatment and case management.
• Veterinary medicine terminology, anatomy, physiology and concepts of zoonotic and anthroponotic diseases.
• Principles and practices of medical file and records management and patient file documentation procedures.
• Regional public health protocols, communicable disease issues and reporting standards.
• Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards and practices.
• Knowledge of capture equipment and chemical immobilization.

• Managing and coordinating the Baton Rouge Zoo veterinary programs and projects.
• Examining animals, evaluating health problems and developing action plans based on observations and tests.
• Providing effective Veterinarian services, assessing Zoo issues and taking effective courses of action.
• Interpreting and applying Zoo standards and procedures, applicable federal rules and regulations and BREC/Zoo policies and procedures.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software.
• Preparing and presenting management reports.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with BREC/Zoo employees, officials and representatives from other local, state and federal agencies.

• Quickly learn BREC policies and procedures.
• Motivate staff and train on technical information.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Operate a BREC Vehicle to perform essential functions of the job.
• Adjust to changing work demands, procedures, technology and/or priorities.
• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with Department Heads, Management, coworkers, employees and general public.
• Hire, fire, train, discipline and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.
• Must have a positive attitude with the willingness and desire to learn new skills.

Hours Worked: Full-time position;
Generally, 8 hours per day, 5 days per week; lunch break daily; compensatory time as required. Some evening and weekend work may be required for medical emergencies.

• Plans and manages health care program of veterinary medicine in the Baton Rouge Zoo: establishes and conducts effective assessment and testing procedures for all animals to assure health of Zoo collection, prevent spread of disease and comply with government regulations.
• Performs daily rounds and evaluates the health and welfare of the animals in the Zoo.
• Meets with animal care staff to discuss animal health issues and preventive health measures.
• Examines, diagnoses and treats animals; monitors animal health issues, behavior and eating habits.
• Manages preventive health program for the Zoo animals, staff and visitors.
• De…