What are the responsibilities and job description for the Relief Veterinarian position at Zoo New England?
Zoo New England is seeking a Relief Veterinarian for the period of February 17 – August 31, 2025.
This position reports to the Director of Animal Health and will work collaboratively to manage the clinical case load and preventative health program. Zoo New England operates two separate AZA-accredited zoos, the Franklin Park Zoo, in Boston MA, and the Stone Zoo, in Stoneham, MA (15 miles apart). ZNE also provides veterinary care to a small native wildlife collection at a nearby natural history museum. Base of operations for the veterinary team is at the Franklin Park Zoo.
In addition to clinical responsibilities for a diverse collection of approximately 1,800 animals representing 270 different species, the Relief Veterinarian will have an opportunity to participate in a number of programs dealing with conservation medicine, biodiversity, and zoological medicine research investigating issues pertinent to both animal and human health. The department of Animal Health and the department of Field Conservation are closely aligned, with conservation medicine a particular focus. Additionally, in a unique relationship with the Harvard Medical School, fourth year medical students work with Zoo New England veterinarians during one-month formal rotations as part of a One Health clinical elective.
Zoo New England is at an exciting time of growth, with several capital improvements underway and more being planned.
The successful candidate will have good communication skills, work well in a group, and provide positive leadership to the clinical team.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
- Clinical veterinarian providing medical and surgical care of all animals at ZNE
- Coordinates with other zoo staff in activities required for maintaining excellent animal health
- Contributes to maintenance of a preventive health program up to AZA and AAZV standards
- Able to coordinate and participate in all aspects of veterinary care for the animal collection
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least 3 years of clinical experience with zoo animals, such as in an ACZM compliant residency program or equivalent experience
Minimum Qualifications:
- License to practice veterinary medicine in US and the Commonwealth of MA
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime when needed
- Must be able to work outside in inclement weather conditions to provide veterinary care
- Able to perform at a competent level under high stress conditions
- Willingness to work in direct contact with dangerous animals and potentially zoonotic diseases, as well as toxic and hazardous conditions
- Understand zoonotic disease risks and practice safe handling / procedures when working with ZNE’s animal collection
- Knowledge of applicable AZA and USDA guidelines and regulations
- Must have rabies immunization and allow for rabies titers and TB testing according to ZNE policy
- Must abide by all written ZNE policies and procedures
- Class III driver’s license
Zoo New England is an Equal Opportunity Employer by Choice
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