ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Director of Animal Health (Full-Time)
ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Tampa, Florida, us, 33646
Under the direction of the Senior Vice President of Animal Health, Chief Conservation and Animal Health Officer, the Director of Animal Health is responsible for implementing and upholding the standards of veterinary care in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act (APHIS-USDA), AZA and AAHA. This position leads the Animal Health Team to provide exceptional, comprehensive medical care and wellbeing to the animals at Zoo Tampa, as well as rescued wildlife. The Director of Animal Health is expected to monitor, evaluate, and provide recommendations to the Senior Vice President of Animal Health and Conservation and Sr. VP of Zoological Operations regarding animal health issues within the collection. This position directly supervises the veterinary technicians and veterinarians and is responsible for overseeing the daily functions at the Catherine Lowry Straz Veterinary Hospital. The Director of Animal Health fills in for the Senior Vice President of Animal Health, Chief Conservation and Animal Health Officer in their absence.
Your day to day
Essential Functions (including but not limited to):
Manages the daily operations of the veterinary hospital to ensure the delivery of high-quality, comprehensive medical care for the animal collection. The ratio of primary clinical case management to administrative duties will be approximately 70:30. Provides leadership and direction to support staff. Serves an active role in manatee rehabilitation and critical care at the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center. Alongside the Sr VP of Animal Health, serves as a liaison to the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership. Alongside the Sr VP of Animal Health, reviews and implements a thorough preventative medicine program to include parasite surveillance procedures and control, immunization, infectious diseases screening such as using serology and tuberculosis testing, and dental prophylaxis, birth control, humane euthanasia standards, and regular physical examinations. Routinely communicates with the animal health department, animal care leadership, and animal care professionals regarding case management and relevant topics. Prepares, maintains, and reviews department budget. Creates, reviews, and updates policies and standard operating procedures within the animal health department. Directs the quarantine program for incoming animals. Assists with the coordination of outgoing animal examinations and shipments. Regularly maintains and updates medical records (ZIMS) including diagnostics, prescribed treatment and medications, and other relevant data in a timely manner. In concert with the Senior Vice President of Animal Health, implements and monitors approved collection diets to assure that nutritional requirements are being met. In concert with the Senior Vice President of Animal Health, implements animal and husbandry sanitation protocols including review of products. Assists with guidance on the integrative pest management program. Conducts and assists in necropsies on animals in the collection as to cause of death, disease surveillance, risk assessments, and SSP/TAG requirements. Reviews animal enrichment items. Assists in writing grant applications. Maintains State of Florida Veterinary License, USDA Accredited Veterinarian License, Drug Enforcement Agency License, and continuing education hours. Ensures that all hospital permits and licensing are in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Mentors hospital team members and provides opportunities for professional development. Assists the Senior Vice President of Animal Health in developing collaborative relationships with other specialists in veterinary and human medicine, as well as Colleges and Universities for the purpose of participating in veterinary graduate and post-graduate education programs. Develops the senior veterinary student externship program and organizes and mentors these students. Researches and publishes articles in both scientific and popular publications and promotes public education through lectures. Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare. Assists with establishing and reviewing animal welfare assessments and quality of life monitoring. Reviews research requests. Provides humane euthanasia when needed, ensuring compliance with the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals. Assists with setting up a structured post-graduate fellowship program and serving as an active mentor to the veterinary fellow. Review and maintain a documented infection control program. Conduct staff training on zoonotic diseases and other topics as requested or needed. Communicates reportable diseases to public health officials and Veterinary Program Coordinator or State Veterinarian, when needed. Direct Reports:
Veterinarians Veterinary Technicians What are we looking for?
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
Minimum of 10 years as a veterinarian, with at least 5 years in a zoo or aquarium setting. Minimum of 2 years of experience in a leadership or managerial role. ACZM board eligibility or certification preferred. Experience in applied biology, unique anatomy, special physiology, social structure, and reproduction of a wide variety of wild animals. Experience and expertise in safely using ultra-potent narcotics and concentrated drugs. Proficiency in using remote drug delivery systems. Minimum requirement includes graduation from an AVMA accredited Doctoral Program in Veterinary Medicine as well as Federal Accreditation Certification, Florida License to practice veterinary medicine. Post-doctoral experience/internship/residency in a zoological park and/or specialization with exotic animals is preferred. National USDA accreditation category II and ability to complete animal health certificates. Experience with or capacity for critical care of manatees strongly preferred. Working knowledge of:
Veterinary medical management in a zoological setting and best practices in zoo medicine. Disease pathology in a wide variety of wild animals. Animal health and husbandry protocols and the implementation of those protocols. Medical record keeping and the preparation of reports both routine and specialized in nature on all treatments and research. Guidelines established by standard veterinary medicine organizations including AZA, AAZV, AAHA, and APHIS-USDA.
Required Ability To:
Communicate both orally and in writing in an effective manner. Establish and maintain good working relationships with Zoo employees and the public. Reconcile and facilitate matters in a positive and productive manner. Be flexible, cooperative, and able to adapt easily to shifting priorities. Maintain the confidentiality of privileged information. Manage emergency animal medical cases in a measured and professional manner. Balance animal health and welfare with institutional goals and routines. Supervise and direct the work of others. Manage complex and varied tasks successfully. Work long hours and an unpredictable work schedule and must be on call for emergencies. Work in an environment that includes exposure to dust, machinery, infectious diseases and sprays, and inclement weather. PPE including masks, goggles and gloves may be required. Must be able to withstand typical Florida climate. Position involves sitting, standing, walking, and heavy lifting. Ability to see and hear personnel and animals and respond immediately in an urgent or emergency situation. Our Perks at ZooTampa:
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Options 403(b) Retirement Plan Competitive PTO plan (Vacation and Wellness time) Employee Assistance Program Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Free gym membership Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida And so much more! Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace #J-18808-Ljbffr
Essential Functions (including but not limited to):
Manages the daily operations of the veterinary hospital to ensure the delivery of high-quality, comprehensive medical care for the animal collection. The ratio of primary clinical case management to administrative duties will be approximately 70:30. Provides leadership and direction to support staff. Serves an active role in manatee rehabilitation and critical care at the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center. Alongside the Sr VP of Animal Health, serves as a liaison to the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership. Alongside the Sr VP of Animal Health, reviews and implements a thorough preventative medicine program to include parasite surveillance procedures and control, immunization, infectious diseases screening such as using serology and tuberculosis testing, and dental prophylaxis, birth control, humane euthanasia standards, and regular physical examinations. Routinely communicates with the animal health department, animal care leadership, and animal care professionals regarding case management and relevant topics. Prepares, maintains, and reviews department budget. Creates, reviews, and updates policies and standard operating procedures within the animal health department. Directs the quarantine program for incoming animals. Assists with the coordination of outgoing animal examinations and shipments. Regularly maintains and updates medical records (ZIMS) including diagnostics, prescribed treatment and medications, and other relevant data in a timely manner. In concert with the Senior Vice President of Animal Health, implements and monitors approved collection diets to assure that nutritional requirements are being met. In concert with the Senior Vice President of Animal Health, implements animal and husbandry sanitation protocols including review of products. Assists with guidance on the integrative pest management program. Conducts and assists in necropsies on animals in the collection as to cause of death, disease surveillance, risk assessments, and SSP/TAG requirements. Reviews animal enrichment items. Assists in writing grant applications. Maintains State of Florida Veterinary License, USDA Accredited Veterinarian License, Drug Enforcement Agency License, and continuing education hours. Ensures that all hospital permits and licensing are in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Mentors hospital team members and provides opportunities for professional development. Assists the Senior Vice President of Animal Health in developing collaborative relationships with other specialists in veterinary and human medicine, as well as Colleges and Universities for the purpose of participating in veterinary graduate and post-graduate education programs. Develops the senior veterinary student externship program and organizes and mentors these students. Researches and publishes articles in both scientific and popular publications and promotes public education through lectures. Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare. Assists with establishing and reviewing animal welfare assessments and quality of life monitoring. Reviews research requests. Provides humane euthanasia when needed, ensuring compliance with the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals. Assists with setting up a structured post-graduate fellowship program and serving as an active mentor to the veterinary fellow. Review and maintain a documented infection control program. Conduct staff training on zoonotic diseases and other topics as requested or needed. Communicates reportable diseases to public health officials and Veterinary Program Coordinator or State Veterinarian, when needed. Direct Reports:
Veterinarians Veterinary Technicians What are we looking for?
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
Minimum of 10 years as a veterinarian, with at least 5 years in a zoo or aquarium setting. Minimum of 2 years of experience in a leadership or managerial role. ACZM board eligibility or certification preferred. Experience in applied biology, unique anatomy, special physiology, social structure, and reproduction of a wide variety of wild animals. Experience and expertise in safely using ultra-potent narcotics and concentrated drugs. Proficiency in using remote drug delivery systems. Minimum requirement includes graduation from an AVMA accredited Doctoral Program in Veterinary Medicine as well as Federal Accreditation Certification, Florida License to practice veterinary medicine. Post-doctoral experience/internship/residency in a zoological park and/or specialization with exotic animals is preferred. National USDA accreditation category II and ability to complete animal health certificates. Experience with or capacity for critical care of manatees strongly preferred. Working knowledge of:
Veterinary medical management in a zoological setting and best practices in zoo medicine. Disease pathology in a wide variety of wild animals. Animal health and husbandry protocols and the implementation of those protocols. Medical record keeping and the preparation of reports both routine and specialized in nature on all treatments and research. Guidelines established by standard veterinary medicine organizations including AZA, AAZV, AAHA, and APHIS-USDA.
Required Ability To:
Communicate both orally and in writing in an effective manner. Establish and maintain good working relationships with Zoo employees and the public. Reconcile and facilitate matters in a positive and productive manner. Be flexible, cooperative, and able to adapt easily to shifting priorities. Maintain the confidentiality of privileged information. Manage emergency animal medical cases in a measured and professional manner. Balance animal health and welfare with institutional goals and routines. Supervise and direct the work of others. Manage complex and varied tasks successfully. Work long hours and an unpredictable work schedule and must be on call for emergencies. Work in an environment that includes exposure to dust, machinery, infectious diseases and sprays, and inclement weather. PPE including masks, goggles and gloves may be required. Must be able to withstand typical Florida climate. Position involves sitting, standing, walking, and heavy lifting. Ability to see and hear personnel and animals and respond immediately in an urgent or emergency situation. Our Perks at ZooTampa:
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Options 403(b) Retirement Plan Competitive PTO plan (Vacation and Wellness time) Employee Assistance Program Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Free gym membership Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida And so much more! Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace #J-18808-Ljbffr