What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinarian Associate - PDZA position at Parks Tacoma?
JOB
Based on our internal equity review process, the starting salary for this position will be $105,674.19 yearlyTo allow for growth and salary progression the full salary range is $105,674.19 - $144,667.25 annually. Employees will have the opportunity to move through the posted range based on annual performance reviews and merit increases. Are you a passionate zoo veterinarian looking for a unique opportunity to work with a diverse range of animals in a stunning natural setting? Join our team as an Associate Veterinarian at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where you'll enjoy easy access to both the mountains and the water. Our park is located within Point Defiance Park, an old-growth forest overlooking the Puget Sound, providing an exceptional backdrop for your daily work. In this role, you’ll provide care for traditional zoo animals as well as an exciting variety of aquatic species, including fish, elasmobranchs, and marine invertebrates. Our well-equipped veterinary hospital, coupled with strong partnerships with regional veterinary specialists, ensures you have the resources and support you need to provide exceptional animal care. If you’re eager to make an impact in a fun and collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you!Work where you play!Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live. Who We AreParks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks’ mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70 parks, 80 miles of trails, 1,000 acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun. Why You’ll Love it HereCome work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You’ll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you’ll wake each day knowing that you’re helping make Tacoma a great place to call home. Position Information Under the direction of the Head Veterinarian at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA), the Associate Veterinarian will have shared responsibility for providing comprehensive medical care for all animals at PDZA, including fish, elasmobranchs, and invertebrates. General responsibilities include providing routine preventive medical care, surgery, emergency medical care, diagnostics, and post-mortem examinations to ensure the health and welfare of the animals at PDZA.In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to: Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Assist in coordinating and advancing the preventive medicine programs for zoo and aquarium animals including routine wellness exams, quarantine exams, disease surveillance, parasite control, vaccination programs, contraception, and zoo nutrition.Diagnose and treat sick or injured animals and provide emergency and pathology services.Responsible for accurate, prompt, medical record keeping using Zoo Information Management System (ZIMS).Responsible for communicating results of exams, diagnostics, and post-mortem evaluations to relevant zoological teams.Assist in directing and coordinating the work of professional consultants, medical specialists, relief veterinarians, and nursing staff involved in our comprehensive health care services.Participate in developing, interpreting, and implementing institutional Animal Health Care policies, procedures, and standards that ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the animals in our care; and which meet the standards and regulations established by the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-APHIS), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Assist in evaluating institutional Animal Health Care Program and recommend adjustments as needed in keeping with current scientific literature, research, and recommendations put forth by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Animal Programs, such as Species Survival Plans (SSPs) and/or Taxonomic Advisory Groups (TAGs).Ensure compliance with all State and Federal regulations relating to animal care and shipments.Evaluate animal food products for nutritional adequacy; evaluate animal diets and prescribe alterations as necessary.Collaborate with other specialists in human and veterinary medicine on clinical cases as needed; participate in existing collaborative relationships with our Federal and State Wildlife Agencies.Participate in scientific research and conservation projects that will improve the care, welfare, and conservation of wildlife.Plan and conduct training programs for staff on relevant topics in zoological medicine and animal care.Participate in AAZV or other relevant professional organizations.Assist in mentoring and training the Intern Veterinarian and veterinary preceptors.Assist in providing emergency duty 24/7 on a rotational basis with other veterinarians.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
ENVIRONMENT: Work occurs in both indoor and outdoor environments during all seasons; will experience adverse weather conditions including cold water while interacting with animals. PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Lift and carry heavy objects or animals weighing up to 50 pounds. Climbing, kneeling, pushing and crouching to work with and around animals and their enclosures is common. Dexterity of hands and fingers is required to operate specialized medical equipment and tools. Touch is important for physical examinations and performing surgical and medical procedures. Hearing is important for communication in the clinical setting and for monitoring patients. HAZARDS: Exposure to potentially dangerous animals and contagious disease. Exposure to chemicals, fumes, odors, and noise.PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERAll qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply. Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at hr@tacomaparks.com. Employment is subject to a national background check. This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.
Based on our internal equity review process, the starting salary for this position will be $105,674.19 yearlyTo allow for growth and salary progression the full salary range is $105,674.19 - $144,667.25 annually. Employees will have the opportunity to move through the posted range based on annual performance reviews and merit increases. Are you a passionate zoo veterinarian looking for a unique opportunity to work with a diverse range of animals in a stunning natural setting? Join our team as an Associate Veterinarian at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where you'll enjoy easy access to both the mountains and the water. Our park is located within Point Defiance Park, an old-growth forest overlooking the Puget Sound, providing an exceptional backdrop for your daily work. In this role, you’ll provide care for traditional zoo animals as well as an exciting variety of aquatic species, including fish, elasmobranchs, and marine invertebrates. Our well-equipped veterinary hospital, coupled with strong partnerships with regional veterinary specialists, ensures you have the resources and support you need to provide exceptional animal care. If you’re eager to make an impact in a fun and collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you!Work where you play!Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live. Who We AreParks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks’ mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70 parks, 80 miles of trails, 1,000 acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun. Why You’ll Love it HereCome work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You’ll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you’ll wake each day knowing that you’re helping make Tacoma a great place to call home. Position Information Under the direction of the Head Veterinarian at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA), the Associate Veterinarian will have shared responsibility for providing comprehensive medical care for all animals at PDZA, including fish, elasmobranchs, and invertebrates. General responsibilities include providing routine preventive medical care, surgery, emergency medical care, diagnostics, and post-mortem examinations to ensure the health and welfare of the animals at PDZA.In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to: Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Assist in coordinating and advancing the preventive medicine programs for zoo and aquarium animals including routine wellness exams, quarantine exams, disease surveillance, parasite control, vaccination programs, contraception, and zoo nutrition.Diagnose and treat sick or injured animals and provide emergency and pathology services.Responsible for accurate, prompt, medical record keeping using Zoo Information Management System (ZIMS).Responsible for communicating results of exams, diagnostics, and post-mortem evaluations to relevant zoological teams.Assist in directing and coordinating the work of professional consultants, medical specialists, relief veterinarians, and nursing staff involved in our comprehensive health care services.Participate in developing, interpreting, and implementing institutional Animal Health Care policies, procedures, and standards that ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the animals in our care; and which meet the standards and regulations established by the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-APHIS), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Assist in evaluating institutional Animal Health Care Program and recommend adjustments as needed in keeping with current scientific literature, research, and recommendations put forth by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Animal Programs, such as Species Survival Plans (SSPs) and/or Taxonomic Advisory Groups (TAGs).Ensure compliance with all State and Federal regulations relating to animal care and shipments.Evaluate animal food products for nutritional adequacy; evaluate animal diets and prescribe alterations as necessary.Collaborate with other specialists in human and veterinary medicine on clinical cases as needed; participate in existing collaborative relationships with our Federal and State Wildlife Agencies.Participate in scientific research and conservation projects that will improve the care, welfare, and conservation of wildlife.Plan and conduct training programs for staff on relevant topics in zoological medicine and animal care.Participate in AAZV or other relevant professional organizations.Assist in mentoring and training the Intern Veterinarian and veterinary preceptors.Assist in providing emergency duty 24/7 on a rotational basis with other veterinarians.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
ENVIRONMENT: Work occurs in both indoor and outdoor environments during all seasons; will experience adverse weather conditions including cold water while interacting with animals. PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Lift and carry heavy objects or animals weighing up to 50 pounds. Climbing, kneeling, pushing and crouching to work with and around animals and their enclosures is common. Dexterity of hands and fingers is required to operate specialized medical equipment and tools. Touch is important for physical examinations and performing surgical and medical procedures. Hearing is important for communication in the clinical setting and for monitoring patients. HAZARDS: Exposure to potentially dangerous animals and contagious disease. Exposure to chemicals, fumes, odors, and noise.PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERAll qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply. Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at hr@tacomaparks.com. Employment is subject to a national background check. This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.
Salary : $105,674 - $144,667
