Zoo Veterinarian

General Summary
:
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.

Essential Functions and Duties:

• 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.
• Develops, coordinates and implements preventive health surveillance, analysis and nutrition programs.
• Develops innovative treatments for exotic animals.
• Manages the veterinary clinic; manages inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; interprets concerns, defines desired results and determines scope and priorities of veterinary programs and special projects.
• Manages Zoo health treatment and prevention programs; assures that Zoo operations meet state and federal compliance regulations, as well as USDA and AZA standards and protocols.
• Directs operations, evaluates and analyzes issues and recommends and implements solutions; develops Zoo plans, goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Manages staff; prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects; trains and evaluates staff; develops staff skills and conducts performance evaluations; meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve workload and technical issues.
• Coordinates operations with external partners and other public and private agencies. Monitors and reviews trends in Zoo operations and health management issues; recommends operational, procedural and policy improvements.
• Supports the relationship between BREC, the Zoo and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors and BREC staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and Zoo information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
• May be required to respond after hours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental emergency.
• Driving is essential.
• Establishes and maintains a positive professional veterinary management program.
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Promotes the benefits and activities of the Zoo in its efforts of recreation, education and conservation.
• Hires, trains, supervises, schedules, develops and disciplines assigned staff.
• Recommends changes to procedures when needed.
• Maintain a positive relationship with LSU School of Veterinary Medicine while hosting exotic/zoological medical instruction with veterinary students.
• Maintain a positive relationship with Southern University and Baton Rouge Community College in programs related to veterinary medicine and animal science.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of
:

• 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.

Skills in:

• Managing and coordinating the Baton Rouge Zoo veterinary programs and projects.
• Examining animals, evaluating health problems and developing action plans based…