Zoo Veterinarian

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

The zoological veterinarian:

• Leads and manages the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s Animal Health subdivision and associated programs, facilities, staff and budget.
• Manages the clinical residency and post graduate training programs.
• Participates in the development and implementation of clinical and preventive veterinary programs.
• As a member of the Animal Management Team, develops and implements Animal Division programs, policies, and procedures.
• Participates in conservation and research programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Clinical Duties – develops and implements preventive health and clinical medicine program; performs medical procedures including surgery, diagnostic and regulatory tests, treatments, and necropsy analysis; ensures compliance with laws; maintains medical records; approves enrichment and browse.
• Personnel Management - provides leadership and management of the zoo veterinary team; develops duties and schedules for the veterinary staff; ensures compliance with zoo policies and safety procedures; assists with development of zoo staff training programs and staff development.
• General Zoo Management – as a member of the Animal Management Team, participates in establishing animal department procedures, policies and protocols; communicates related activities to zoo staff; participates in research review, facilities design, and animal population planning and management.
• Budget Management - develops Animal Health Center budget requests; prioritizes equipment needs, monitors expenditures, and prepares reports; verifies and approves staff credit card expenditures.
• Manage Post-graduate Training Programs - oversees clinical post‑graduate training programs including selection of candidates, program budget coordination, mentoring and training residents and fellows, weekly topic rounds, and manuscript review.
• Hospital Facility and Equipment Management - provides direction to the Veterinary Technicians for the management of the Animal Health Center facilities equipment and supplies; authorizes identified and prioritized requests for facility repair, renovation or replacement; approves equipment care, cleaning procedures, and quality control schedules.
• Manages controlled drug inventory.
• Conservation and Research - as time allows, manages or participates in zoological conservation, research or breeding programs; prepares reports and articles for presentations or publication; participates in zoological‑related conferences, workshops, seminars and professional development activities.
• Other Duties as Assigned - examples may include, but are not limited to: participation in public tours, zoo special events, and education programs.
• Doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or a VMD degree from an AVMA accredited approved college or university required.
• Completion of an approved residency in Zoo Veterinary Medicine required.
• Five (5) years or more of work experience as a veterinarian in a zoo or wildlife park required.
• One (1) year or more supervisory/management work experience required.
• Valid driver’s license required and must be maintained throughout incumbency.
• USDA certification for cervid and elephant TB testing required or must be obtained within one year of hire.
• State of New York Veterinary License required or must be obtained within three (3) months of hire.
• USDA category II accreditation required or must be obtained within three (3) months of hire.
• DEA registration for class II‑V drugs required or must be obtained within three (3) months of hire.
• ACZM Board certification required.
• This position reports to both the Zoo Director and General Curator.

Qualified candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and a minimum of three (3) references to Daniel Meates, Interim Director at

Rosamond Gifford Zoo
1 Conservation Place
Syracuse, NY 13204
Phone:
Fax: