Associate Veterinarian

Who We Are:

As America’s First Zoo, we offer a rich history and unique opportunities and challenges to navigate while providing exceptional care to the animals in our collection. We strive to become a zoo of the future while honoring our past, and are currently undergoing a lot of change and development.

We offer a generous benefits package, including a 401k match, disability insurance, Health Savings account options, and free 24-hour access to an Employee Assistance Program.

The veterinary team consists of a Senior Director of Animal Health, two associate veterinarians, and three certified veterinary technicians. The zoo has a large stand-alone animal hospital with a radiology room, portable radiology unit, portable ultrasound unit, dental scaler and polisher, various endoscopes, a large treatment area, and a separate surgical suite. All routine blood work, urinalysis, and fecal testing is performed in-house.

The zoo employs a Senior Director of Nutrition, who manages the diets for all animals on grounds and a team that prepares food for distribution and further preparation throughout the zoo. The Nutrition Director works closely with the vet team.

As an Associate Veterinarian, you will have the support to attend continuing education annually.

Starting salary is $85-100,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

The zoo is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution and is currently an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Who We Are Looking For:

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Animal Health, the Associate Veterinarian position is primarily clinical, providing medical and surgical treatment to animals in the Zoo’s collection, executing and continuously updating a comprehensive preventative medical program for the Zoo’s animal collection, and working collaboratively with department staff, other zoo departments, and service providers, including other veterinarians, veterinary technicians, pathology services and the pest control technician. In addition, the Associate supports the Zoo’s veterinary student externship program, and may have the opportunity to obtain adjunct professorship with the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The Associate is also encouraged to participate in academic and organizational programs that contribute to the advancement of the field of zoo medicine and enhance personal job satisfaction.

What You Will Do: 

Veterinary:

1. Provides routine and emergency medical and surgical treatment to animals in the Zoo’s collection, including megavertebrates, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and some fish.

2. Provides emergency care or euthanasia, as necessary, for ill or injured wildlife found on or near Zoo grounds.

3. Participates in welfare assessments of the collection animals as their health needs change.

4. Assists in the implementation of USDA and AZA requirements and standards as well as other federal and state agency requirements as they relate to animal health, exhibition, captive management, transportation, etc.

5. Assists in the implementation of the preventive medical program for the entire collection and regularly reviews and updates such program to meet the needs of the collection.

6. Maintains USDA Class 2 accreditation such that health certificates may be completed as needed.

7. Performs necropsies on all deceased collection animals, and wildlife as needed.

8. Maintains thorough animal health records in a timely manner.

Research and Education:

1. Serves on the Zoo’s Animal Management Team and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

2. May be asked to give lectures or other trainings requested by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and other institutions of higher learning.

3. May represent the Zoo to the media, including print, radio, television, and social media interviews, including live broadcasts.

4. Conduct seminars and hospital tours.

5. The interest and ability to conduct animal health research projects and prepare the results for presentation and peer-reviewed publication is preferred.

Training and Safety:

1. Provides training as needed to zoo staff on a variety of subjects including but not limited to zoonotic disease prevention, recognizing illness in animals, proper use of cleaners and disinfectants, and medication administration.

2. Trains in and responds to animal-related emergencies as a member of the animal escape team and envenomation response team.

3. Supports the professional development of animal health center staff.

What This Role Requires:

1. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers within the Zoo and with outside stakeholders and organizations.

2. Strong oral and written skills with the ability to educate and advise diverse teams.

3. Graduation from a college of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association with the degree or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent.

4. Board certification (or eligibility) in Zoological Medicine by the American College of Zoological Medicine preferred, or at least 3 years of full-time experience practicing zoological medicine in AZA (or equivalent) accredited zoological institutions.

5. Licensed to practice veterinary medicine within the State of Pennsylvania (or obtain such license within the first six months of appointment).

6. Category II accreditation by the USDA (or obtain such accreditation within the first 6 months of employment) to write required interstate and international animal health certificates, perform tuberculosis testing, and submit diagnostic samples to state and federal animal disease laboratories.

7. Experience with anesthesia, medicine, and surgery of a broad range of taxonomic species, including non-human primates, nondomestic carnivores, diverse avian and reptilian species, and various domestic species including small ruminants and poultry.

8. Experienced in the use of a variety of types of remote injection equipment (pole syringes, blowpipes, CO2 pistols and rifles).

9. Experienced in the use of dangerous drugs such as ultra-potent narcotics, and registered (or able to obtain registration) by the US DOJ Drug Enforcement Administration to order, possess, administer and dispense controlled substances, including but not limited to schedule 2 and 2N medications including thiafentanil and etorphine.

10. Able and willing to work a flexible schedule which will include weekends and holidays, and to work overtime when required. May be required to stay overnight at Zoo in the event of animal illness, weather emergency, or any other situation that may impede normal transit to the Zoo.

11. Ability to respond to the Zoo within 40 minutes (assuming normal traffic) in the event of an emergency.

12. Valid driver’s license.

13. High EQ.

14. Effective Listener.

15. Respectful, fair and tactful.

16. Curious and continuous learner.

17. Collective under pressure.

Physical and Medical Standards:

This position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and hazardous chemicals and/or medications. Use of protective equipment or clothing (e.g., masks, gloves, gowns, face shields, etc.) is required to work with some taxa.

1. Successful completion of post-offer tuberculosis testing and drug testing prior to beginning work.

2. Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.

3. Ability to ascend, descend and work atop stairs, ladders, move under low objects and navigate complex topography such as animal exhibits.

4. Must be able to work around a large variety of plant and animal species.

5. Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

6. Ability to move and position animals and/or equipment of up to 50 pounds.

7. Ability to respond appropriately in a potential emergency.

8. Ability to use and handle hooks, tongs, catch poles, nets, and other animal handling equipment.

9. Ability to drive Zoo vehicles including electric and gas-powered carts, cars, and cargo vans.

10. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person as well as through radios, phones, and computers.

Other Requirements:

Prior to starting work, successful completion of a background check to include: criminal records, Pennsylvania child abuse history clearance and driving history.