Director Of Veterinary Services And Conservation Medicine

Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is committed to saving wildlife in wild places. Determined to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife, we've eliminated single-use plastic water bottles, straws, and bags from our retail areas. We work with local conservation partners to participate in local field work in Florida and assist with international conservation programs in Africa and Central America. At Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, we embed diversity, inclusion, equity, and equality in everything we do. All our team members play a crucial role in saving wildlife.

How you will impact our wildlife-saving mission

The Director ofVeterinary Services and Conservation Medicine is a critical member of Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society's leadership team. While strengthening the Zoo's role in wildlife conservation, this role will work closely with the General Curator to maintain a model for the highest animal care and wellbeing standard.

This position reports to the Chief Animal Conservation Officer, leading the Veterinary Services Department overseeing and developing Conservation Medicine, animal nutrition and wellbeing programs. The veterinary department consists of a second full-time clinical veterinarian, two veterinary technicians and a Nutrition and Hospital Operations Manager. The veterinary hospital and commissary are newer facilities in the Zoos' Center for Conservation Medicine building. The Director will take a leading role in building and shaping the veterinary support for Zoo's conservation projects with a focus on the newly formed Jaguar conservation initiative, providing veterinary health assistance for conservation partners in Belize and enhancing clinical research for sustainable jaguar reproduction.

Essential Position Functions

• Provides comprehensive medical and surgical care to all animals in our care, including disease prevention and investigation (nutrition, pathology, aspects of management, etc.)
• Oversees veterinary and nutrition team. Duties include mentorship, training and development, and performance management.
• Collaborates with local and global conservation programs and other professional organizations.
• Participates in habitat design, collection planning, acquisition, and transfer of zoo animals, establishing and communicating care parameters for newly acquired species.
• Manages a comprehensive veterinary care program that meets or exceeds AZA, AAZV and USDA standards and guidelines while also maintaining medical records and other record management.

• Creates and participates in scientific research and Conservation projects to improve scientific understanding, human care, and Conservation of wildlife.

• Fosters and inspires open communication and a positive, supportive working environment.
• Supports and participates in PBZ's Animal Behavior and Wellness programs.
• Participates in the education and management of invasive species on zoo grounds along with other conservation programs.
• Oversees all regulatory, management, facility, budgetary, and other aspects of Veterinary care.