Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my!

Zoo Boise is committed to the preservation and conservation of wildlife and their habitats worldwide. Providing the patrons of our local community a front-row seat to the beauty of our natural world,  we are invested in imparting the responsibilities of conservatism to the next generation. Our staff is comprised of passionate and knowledgeable individuals. We are currently seeking a fellow champion to join our team as the Zoo Veterinarian. This prestigious position is highly coveted and respected. If you are dedicated to conservation, zealous about the welfare of animals, and committed to leaving the world a better place, we invite you to apply.

This position:

• Oversees and implements all aspects of animal health
• Develops and implements policies within Zoo to ensure the ethical treatment of animals, the safety of customers and employees as well as healthy living environments for animals
• Ensure compliance with all American Zoological Association (AZA), USDA, Federal, State, and City regulations regarding animals in captivity
• Serves on animal and Zoo management teams
• Responds to emergencies within Zoo on an ongoing 24/7/365 basis. Utilizes independent discretion in decision making and execution of responsibilities under the general direction of the Director

To provide a safe and healthy workplace for all City of Boise employees, residents, and community members, new employment offers are contingent upon the applicant providing proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination process according to current CDC guidance to the City, on a confidential basis, or receiving an exemption from the vaccination requirement as a legally required medical or religious accommodation two weeks prior to the applicant’s scheduled start date.

 

Essential Functions

Oversees all aspects related to the zoo's veterinary hospital and assigned staff. Oversees the safe transport of animals to and from the Zoo. Responsible for new animal quarantine protocols and procedures, general health screening, and treatment as required. Responsible for all aspects of animal health from disease prevention and treatment, nutrition, behavior, reproduction, husbandry training and enrichment, quarantine, disease surveillance, social needs, and necropsy. Performs minor surgeries and operations. Oversees work of any contracted veterinarians. Provides clinical, dietary, and preventative care to all animals. Researches and develops preventative care plans that include proper nutrition, and proper pest management techniques. Performs risk assessments of diseases that are communicable to humans through direct contact and implements appropriate policies and procedures. Researches and approves all medications, pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, and chemical compounds administered to animals, or utilized in animal holdings. Ensures all tools and instruments are properly disinfected per AZA and federal requirements. (40%)

Develops and implements animal health and husbandry programs in coordination with the Zoo Operations Manager, General Curator, and Animal Care staff within AZA standards. Establishes safety protocols and procedures concerning the manipulation of dangerous animals. Creates and maintains detailed and accurate animal records. Works with the Zoo Operations Manager, and Animal Care staff to develop and implement enrichment, training, and breeding plans for the zoo. Maintains the inventory of medical and diagnostic equipment and supplies, prescription drugs, and various tools required for the effective operation of the hospital. (20%)

Assists with oversight and direction of Zoo operations and acts as a backup in times of Zoo Director and Assistant Director absence. Provides training to staff on animal safety; animal handling, capture, restraint, and medication administration; proper dart gun usage; and related AZA, USDA, Federal, and State regulations. Provides direction and guidance to Zookeepers on transporting, building cages, exhibit care, and general well-being of animals. In the absence of Curator or Assistant Curator, assists with oversight of zookeepers and Animal Care Program Assistants (15%)

Serves on Zoo management team which creates and implements plans for the overall management of Zoo. Coordinates with members to carry out marketing, public relations, and related projects. Discusses and provides input regarding staffing needs, personnel issues, and all aspects of Zoo operations. Plans, prepares, and conducts public presentations on the care and handling of animals. Communicates special activities, attractions, and educational programs to local news media personnel. (15%)

Supervisory Responsibilities: Employees in this position are authorized to recommend and/or effect the full range of duties (with appropriate managerial review), including hiring, performance evaluations, transferring, promoting, assigning of significant duties, rewarding, disciplining, and terminating employment; exercise independent judgment to direct others work and have the authority to take corrective action; and, utilize people skills to communicate, motivate and direct or oversee a person, group, department, or organization. (10%)

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. Total Percentage = 100%

 

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Graduation from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited Veterinary school
• Three years of experience working as a licensed Veterinarian in a Zoological environment, with extensive experience diagnosing and treating illnesses and diseases in a wide variety of exotic animals

 

Knowledge

• Biology, dietary, and shelter requirements of a wide variety of exotic animals
• Health problems, diseases, pests, and parasites that affect exotic animals
• Practices of Zoo sanitation, safety hazards, and precautions related to the public display of wildlife
• State and Federal animal welfare regulations

 

Ability

• Work with and coordinate activities with the Zoo Operations Manager on Animal Car
• identify illnesses and diseases in animals, and provide treatments
• Research and implement new and changing veterinary practices
• Administer medicines and vaccinations to Zoo animals
• Interpret and apply rules and regulations, administer successful animal husbandry programs
• Speak in public, plan and supervise the work of others
• Safely handle dangerous and deadly animals
• Operate a computer with demonstrated proficiency using a related database, word processing, and spreadsheet software applications at an appropriate level for efficient job performance
• Display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of City of Boise employees and the public
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• Complete assignments in a timely fashion
• Understand and comply with all rules, policies, and regulations
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance
• Perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor, and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation
• Capable of operating vehicles safely and having an acceptable driving record

 

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Five years of experience working as a licensed Veterinarian in a Zoological environment
• Completion of a zoological based residency or internship

 

Licensing And Other Requirements

• USDA accreditation including the ability to administer tests for Tuberculosis and Brucellosis
• Ability to obtain the following licenses and certification within six months of employment
• Valid state-issued driver's license
• Idaho Veterinarian license; Valid Idaho Pharmacy license
• Valid DEA license to use/purchase controlled substances

 

Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Driving Record Check
• Education Verification
• Drug-Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug-Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety-sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hiring. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
• This position is required to exercise custodial responsibility for illegal drugs or precursors

 

Working Conditions

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally lifting/carrying up to 75 pounds. Also, the employee is occasionally pushing/pulling up to 100 pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate and rarely very loud. Work includes the sensory ability to talk, hear, smell, and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, run, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity. Additional physical efforts include: pushing, pulling, lifting, and otherwise maneuvering animals of all sizes.

Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist, and gases or other airborne matter. Employees are exposed to mechanical hazards, work in/at heights and confined spaces. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids, and chemicals. Employees commonly work with exotic animals including snakes, lions; tigers; zebras, and other Zoo animals.
This position works: nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays for events, and responds to the Zoo in cases of animal or Zoo emergencies.

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