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Veterinarian with strong leadership skills is sought to serve a Senior Director of Veterinarian Services with Zoo in Central California!

The Senior Director of Veterinary Services ("SDVS") directs and oversees all aspects of medical care for the Zoo’s animal collections, and ensures the Hospital team is effectively trained and equipped to meet animals’ needs. The SDVS also provides veterinary care, and medical and surgical treatment for a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians.

Essential Functions

Daily Medical Care

• Provides medical and surgical treatment to the zoo animal collection to the highest industry standards as needed including procedures involving: immobilization/anesthesia, physical restraint, physical examination, surgery, radiology, ultrasonography, endoscopy, phlebotomy, cystocentesis, fluid administration, intubation, anesthetic monitoring, bandaging, wound care, dentistry, medication administration and treatment of the zoo’s animal collection.
• Develop, annually update, and implement preventative health care programs including routine examinations, quarantine, parasite control, vaccination programs, tuberculin testing, and infectious disease screening.
• Directs zoo personnel in the proper care of sick and injured animals.
• Provides daily communication with keeper staff on active medical cases, and visualizes patient progress routinely.
• Effectively prepares and maintains medical records including all animals treated or examined. Inputs medical records, testing results, and necropsy/histology reports into ZIMs record-keeping program. Ensure that medical records are updated and maintained at a high level of accuracy and professionalism.

Management Accountabilities

• Customarily and regularly exercises discretion and independent judgement during the course of the work day. Actively demonstrates leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor. Practices solution based problem solving and learns from mistakes. Works with the team to find solutions and asks for help when you need it.
• Reports to meetings/activities fully present, prepared and punctual. Thoughtfully prioritizes needs in order to be respectful of each other’s time. Respond to emails and other communications in a timely manner. All written communication contains professional and proper language. Demonstrates follow through and is accountable for the management of the team.
• Willingly engages the team/ Zoo staff and proves to be an inspirational leader. Actively create connections that encourage open and honest communication with all.
• Remains accessible to the Zoo staff by cell phone. Uses professional courtesy and only call/texts on day off in the event of an emergency.
• Provides regular performance feedback to reporting staff. Completes timely and appropriate written evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for improvement.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• Veterinary Degree (DVM, VMD, or overseas equivalent) from an accredited university required.
• Minimum five years’ applicable experience in an AZA facility required.
• Completion of an internship or residency in zoo animal medicine or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum two years’ supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong planning, analytical and decision making skills are required, with the ability to work in a dynamic, evolving organization.
• Ability to quickly make appropriate decisions and demonstrate leadership in emergency situations.
• Demonstrates motivational and problem solving acumen with a high degree of integrity and ethics.
• Excellent written and verbal English communications skills required, including the ability to present information to small and large groups. Bilingual communication skills a plus.
• Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• Valid California driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Our comprehensive compensation package includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis.   Competitive salary commensurate with the successful candidate's experience.

For more information, send resume/CV to Pam at vetnet7@aol.com or phone 1-804-733-9900.

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