Veterinarian

GENERAL PURPOSE: This position is part of the Zoo Management Team and under the supervision of the Zoo Director.

Description

• The Roosevelt Park Zoo is seeking a full- or part-time veterinarian to join our team. Roosevelt Park Zoo is a rapidly evolving zoological institution located in Minot, ND. The Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife species. RPZ has in its collection, nearly 200 animals from over 65 species, including giraffe and okapi. The veterinarian will be responsible for the collection’s proactive, case-based and emergent care on a 24/7 basis. Responsibilities include but are not limited to preventative medicine, management of clinical caseload, diet/nutrition analysis, procurement of animal medications, diagnostic testing whether onsite or through local laboratories, and onsite necropsies. The veterinarian can network with local and global specialist colleagues outside the Zoo for case-related consultation, discussion as well as for conservation activities. Comprehensive records are kept ensuring a continuum of quality care.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Provision of veterinary services 24/7 on site at the Roosevelt Park Zoo including on-call services in the evenings, holidays and weekends. These services to include but not limited to:

• Lead the animal healthcare program, including preventative and emergency medical treatment.
• Provide leadership, direction and collaboration among staff related to the overall health, welfare and enrichment of animal collection. Assist in collection planning and implementation of reproductive management plans.
• Medical care responsibilities include, but not limited to, routine exams, vaccinations, nutrition/diet reviews, diagnosis of illness, injury, developing and implementing appropriate treatment plans, performing surgical procedures and necropsies.
• Appropriate samples from animals, living and deceased, should be properly maintained, packaged, and packed for shipment to laboratory testing facilities.
• The veterinarian shall identify and arrange for specialty services were indicated and to ensure veterinary coverage by a certified veterinarian in the event they plan to be out of town for a duration of two or more days.
• They will be responsible for notifying the Curator of any medical concerns in the collection that may require diet modifications and shall collaborate with the General Curator and Animal Management Committee on husbandry modifications and animal health issues that require research and working directly with investigators on any husbandry and animal health research project.
• The Zoo Veterinarian has the authority and responsibility to act immediately on issues of safety or security as it relates to animals, visitors, and staff and is expected to respond to animal security issues immediately in accordance with RPZ Animal Escape policy as necessary.
• Direct responsibility and accountability for keeping detailed accurate and timely medical records including clinical pathology, pathology, in ZIMS / Species 360 Medical records in conjunction with the Curator.
• Veterinary reports must be issued and entered in ZIMS Medical Records within no more than 7 days following receipt of information.
• Direct responsibility for maintaining all licenses and permits required to perform the duties assigned, i.e., State Veterinarian License, DEA license, etc., and registering for and passing CE credits required.
• The veterinarian should forecast any capital/medical equipment needs as well as providing information regarding areas of expected increase for budgetary consideration to the Zoo Director to include in the annual budget process.
• This position has the authority to purchase medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment within budgetary guidelines. All major purchases must have prior approval from Zoo Director.
• The Zoo Veterinarian is encouraged to attend conferences, workshops, seminars, and participate in AAZV and AZA committees, as approved by the Director.
• When appropriate, submit clinical case reports and/or research finding for publication.
• There is direct responsibility for processing the paperwork necessary for proposed Animal Transactions (e.g., review medical records, contact attending veterinarian at institution of origin or receiving institution to discuss transaction, contact regulatory agencies to determine shipping requirements, determine pre-shipment tests, schedule exam, review results, and responsibility to share any specific concerns regarding a transfer with the Zoo Director to prevent transfer from taking place.).

• Must be able to work in a cooperative relationship with Zoo Management Team

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Must be a graduate of an accredited veterinary college with a degree of DVM, VMD or equivalent from an AVMA accredited institution.
• One (1) year or more experience working as an exotic veterinarian in a zoo or wildlife park, and/or with multiple externship experience in a zoo or wildlife park preferred.
• Collaborative and positive approach to veterinary medicine.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to reliable personal transportation
• Responsible for acquiring and maintaining a license from the State of North Dakota to practice veterinary medicine within a reasonable amount of time after starting the position.
• Responsible for acquiring and maintaining a DEA controlled substances license.
• Responsible for acquiring and maintaining federal and state accreditation and insurability for medical liability.
• Must be accredited under the USDA’s National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) as a Category II Veterinarian for accreditation to issue health certificates.
• A current rabies titter and a negative Tb test are required for this position.
• Pre-Employment drug screening and background check required

Required Knowledge of:

• Must be an intermediate user of ZIMS Medical, ZIMS, Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point and Microsoft Access, and Google.
• Principles and practices of zoo operations is preferred.
• Purchasing supplies and maintain supply inventories within designated budget.
• Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed on the Zoo campus.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions including extreme temperatures (cold, wind, heat, humidity) indoors and outdoors to perform tasks
• Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
• Must follow Universal Protection Precautions and Blood borne Pathogens Guidelines. Possible occupational exposure blood borne pathogens.
• Job requires working with harsh or hazardous chemicals (e.g., Oxivir, chlorine, sanitizers or cleaning compounds).
• A current rabies titer and a negative Tb test are required for this position.
• Some travel required for professional development opportunities.
• Must be available for work on nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies