Description

As part of our commitment to health and safety, Denver Zoo employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All persons offered a position will be required to provide valid proof of vaccination prior to starting employment.

Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

Denver Zoo honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Transformative, Curious Courageous in all that we do. Visit www.denverzoo.org to learn more.

This senior leader position advances Denver Zoo’s mission and goals by overseeing all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the zoo’s Animal Health Team, including all veterinary, hospital, and nutrition teams.  Provides strategic leadership of the zoo’s animal health program for Denver Zoo’s animal collection.  Requires strong leadership, excellent communication, and administrative functions. Requires strong partnership and collaboration skills and serves as an active member of the zoo’s senior leadership team who is responsible for zoo-wide leadership and strategy implementation to fulfill Denver Zoo’s mission.

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests.  If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provide strong, strategic leadership to all veterinary staff and nutrition staff.  Motivates, teaches, encourages and creates a collaborative learning environment.  Develops and champions programs that encourage employee growth and development.
• Partner with all members of the zoo’s leadership and executive team to ensure that Denver Zoo’s mission is achieved; actively contributes to and supports the zoo’s strategic plans and initiatives.
• Actively represent Denver Zoo and the Animal Health Team in all aspects of the zoo, from day-to-day operation to interaction with the Denver Zoological Foundation Board of Trustees, potential donors, and zoo/aquarium/conservation partners.
• Work closely and collaboratively with the General Curator to ensure the animal care and animal health programs are aligned and provide the best overall wellness for the animals.
• Directly supervise the associate veterinarians and veterinarian operations manager.
• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of all of the zoo’s policies regarding the health of the animal collection.
• Direct, supervise, and coordinate all daily operations that involve the veterinary care and nutrition program for the zoo’s animal collection.
• Provide direct clinical care to the animals in the collection, when needed in the absence of the associate veterinarians, while serving as a mentor to the clinical veterinary staff.
• Responsible for ensuring the welfare of the entire animal collection through leadership and application of practical knowledge of taxon-specific veterinary & nutrition principles, practices, and techniques.
• Regularly inspect hospital and nutrition facilities to ensure they are maintained, repaired and in compliance with federal regulations, AZA accreditation and optimal safety standards.
• Actively contribute in the planning, design and implementation of new exhibits and facilities, as it relates to the health program, serving as a champion for innovative veterinary and nutrition care.
• Actively contribute to veterinary organizations, species survival plans, taxon advisory groups, and other conservation and science programs related to Denver Zoo.
• Assist in conservation and research activities within the animal collection.
• Prepare and administrate the annual budget for the Animal Health Team with an associated action plan and time line.
• Direct the development of performance evaluation standards for functions managed within the guidelines set by zoo administration.  Formally evaluates the work of direct reports.
• Work in cooperation with all other departments in the zoo.  Facilitates clear communication and information between departments.  Helps when needed, with other departments.
• Represent DZF at appropriate veterinary conferences as well as AZA national and regional conferences, as appropriate.
• Participate in strategic short- and long-range planning.
• Set priorities in alignment with Inspire Awe:
  • Safety first, always
  • Care demonstrated through exceptional guest servic
  • Connect with each guest utilizing ROADMAP’s guest engagement strategies and program development process
• Demonstrate a commitment to Denver Zoo’s Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.
• Act in accordance with Denver Zoo’s Core Values: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, Transformative all interactions with staff, guest, volunteers, and vendors.

Other Responsibilities and Duties

• Exceptional leadership skills and demonstrated ability to foster teamwork within and across teams and across multiple disciplines.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal and team facilitation skills.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with a diversity of groups including board members, zoo staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Strong oral and written presentation skills.
• Competency in computer skills; Office 365, spread sheets, Internet and networks.
• Strong oral and written presentation skills.
• Perform various duties as assigned.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• DVM or VMD from an AVMA accredited institution.
• Five years practical experience in a leadership position.
• Five years of professional experience as a veterinarian providing care to a variety of taxa in a zoo/wildlife park setting.
• Experienced administrator able to effectively and efficiently manage the day-to-day operation of a fast-paced veterinary hospital.
• Proven expertise in veterinary techniques, research methods, and interaction with the public.
• Diplomate status in the American College of Zoological Medicine is desirable.
• Experience in field conservation is desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership involvement in industry organizations (AZA, AAZV, ACZM, WDA, etc.)

Position Conditions

• Able to obtain a Colorado veterinary license and USDA accreditation within 3 months.
• Able to obtain a DEA controlled substance registration certificate.
• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Clear driving record
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Possession of a valid Colorado Class “R” Driver’s License within three months of hiring.

Compensation

Range for this position is $8,727-$11,126 monthly.

Application Process and Timelines

Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by November 18, 2021. Review of applications will begin immediately.  Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.

As part of our commitment to health and safety, Denver Zoo employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All persons offered a position will be required to provide valid proof of vaccination prior to starting employment. Exemptions based on approved medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs will be considered. We do ask for employees to upload their vaccination card into our HRIS for documentation.  This information is kept confidential.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role.

Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org