Associate Veterinarian, Animal Programs
Requisition ID# 769WL

The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature.

Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Society has had an international reputation for cutting-edge animal care and innovative wildlife conservation.

The Chicago Zoological Society is looking for an Associate Veterinarian as a member of a strong Veterinary Services team committed to providing high quality veterinary care. Our veterinary staff works with a world class animal collection that is undergoing a robust development phase. The Associate Veterinarian would be a member of our Center for the Science of Animal Well-Being contributing to our knowledge of animal welfare science. Our team includes Clinical Veterinarians active in AAZV, ACZM and AZA programs, Veterinary Technician staff, and full clinical laboratory support in house. The Zoo Animal Hospital is a well-equipped 20,000 square foot facility which includes digital radiology and a CT scanner is being added to the diagnostic modalities. Strong academic partnerships include veterinary residency, veterinary student externships and full on-site diagnostic pathology service through the University Of Illinois College Of Veterinary Medicine. Research programs undertaken by veterinary staff include field studies as well as applied clinical research.

This position performs as a clinical veterinarian providing medical and surgical treatment to the animal collection as well as conducting clinical and health related investigations, thereby meeting operational goals of Veterinary Services.

Responsibilities:
Assumes responsibility for providing comprehensive medical care from a preventative medical approach including, but not limited to, physical examinations, disease and parasite prophylaxis, treatment and quarantine procedures. Observes and examines animals at exhibit site locations. Responds to information and requests from animal managers and keepers concerning potential or emergency medical care for domestic and exotic species in the animal collection. Administers and monitors anesthesia to examine, treat, transport or capture collection animals, when appropriate. Prescribes, administers and evaluates results of: diagnostic examinations, radiographs and clinical pathology specimens including microbiology, blood samples and fecal tests. Recognizes various symptoms, diagnoses and isolates causes of acute or chronic illnesses, infectious and noninfectious diseases, or injuries affecting animals in the collection. Performs minor or major surgical procedures and/or administers medications using currently accepted veterinary standards to properly treat, cure and/or control the affliction. In consultation with Senior Taxon Specialists, determines when animals require euthanasia due to their medical condition, age, or quality of life. Performs this procedure when appropriate. Remains current on pertinent regulations and standards (federal, state, industry, etc.) which may affect zoo programs and provide recommendations for complying with relevant regulations. Documents and prepares written record(s) of any procedure conducted on any animal in the collection and ensures the record is incorporated into the animal’s permanent medical record. Assists in the management of the permanent medical records of the Department. Provides medical screening, quarantine examination, certification of health and/or crating of animals for new acquisitions and/or shipments of animals from the zoo. Coordinates with Zoo Pathology Program staff concerning histopathology and post-mortem examinations to ensure recording, dissemination and application of results. Directs investigative clinical research on conditions affecting the health of the animal collection. Directs and assists in health related research on captive and free-ranging wildlife. Provides veterinary assistance as needed to other research efforts. Develops and maintains professional contacts with veterinarians of other zoos and professional organizations, nationally and internationally. Supervises the maintenance, internal and external use, and distribution of departmental records. In collaboration with the Data Manager, accesses information for the purpose of investigating health or medical related problems. Participate in regular department meetings with Animal Program Managers. Participates in the mentorship and teaching of veterinary students and post-graduate trainees. This includes oversight and direction of the students in the areas of veterinary care, zoo animal biology, clinical investigation and zoo operations. Represents the Society and the Animal Programs Unit before other zoos, conservation societies, professional and educational organizations, the media, governmental agencies, and the public in a well-informed, positive, and responsive manner. Takes a leadership role in professional organizations, as appropriate. Writes articles and makes presentations to these bodies. Provides oversight for professional staff in the areas of veterinary technician and medical technology skills. Assists in efficient hospital operations including animal care and treatment, laboratory testing, and oversight of equipment, supplies and facilities. Implements and follows departmental policies and procedures. Disseminates departmental and Society information to appropriate staff. Under supervision of Vice President, Veterinary Services, plans and participates in assigned operations to achieve institutional, divisional, and program goals. Serves on committees and task forces as requested. Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from an institution accredited or recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association required. Must hold and maintain valid veterinary license (if non-Illinois licensed, must become Illinois licensed within 6 months), DEA license, and USDA/APHIS accreditation. Minimum of four years experience or training in exotic animal veterinary medicine required. Marine mammal experience, particularly cetaceans, preferred. Board certification in the American College of Zoological Medicine strongly preferred. Must possess strong communication skills, a high level of energy, be self-motivated, and have a commitment to excellence. Must have a demonstrated ability to represent the institution and the Animal Programs Unit before other zoos, conservation societies, professional and educational organizations, the media, governmental agencies and the public in a well-informed, positive and responsive manner. Ability to work effectively with others throughout the institution. Must have the ability to guide, nurture, and develop staff. Valid driver’s license required for Illinois residents within 90 days of hire; valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. Must represent the Society in a professional manner at all times.