Director Animal Health (Creative Design)

 

Job Title:  Director Animal Health

Date Position Opens: 06/14/2019

Date Position Closes: Open Until Filled

FLSA Status: Exempt

Hours: 40+ hours per week

Number of Positions: 1
 

Summary: 

The Director of Animal Health is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Animal Health Department of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Lee G Simmons Conservation and Wildlife Park.  This position works with the animal health staff to administer the daily veterinary needs and preventative medicine for the zoo's animal collection.  This position reports directly to the Vice President of Conservation. 

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Establishes, maintains, and evaluates all preventive medical and animal care programs, while supervising daily clinical evaluation and treatment of collection animals
• Directs and on occasion performs preventative, routine and emergency veterinary procedures for a diverse and large animal collection
• Ensures proper diagnostic, medical, surgical and post-procedural treatment of animals
• Directs, prescribes and administers pharmaceuticals, ensuring safe and secure storage and dispensation of drugs
• Works to develop and carry out department strategic plans, in accordance with zoo's mission and goals
• Diagnoses and institutes therapeutic plans for collection animals
• Consults with and advises animal care staff regarding care, breeding, veterinary treatment and euthanasia decisions
• Directs and performs quarantine procedures
• Serves on internal Conservation and Research Committees and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees
• Collaborates with the Vice President of Animal Care, animal curators, supervisors and keepers concerning animal treatment while maintaining effective working relationships
• Prioritizes, assigns and coordinates all department related programs/projects
• Evaluates and manages all relevant hospital budgets
• Participates in meetings with architects as part of the design team for new or renovated animal exhibits, night quarters, or off exhibit breeding areas
• Collaborates with internal and external partners related to research and conservation activities that promote sustainable animal populations as directed by the organization's research, conservation and IACUC policies and TAG/SSP priorities
• Attends monthly CCR meetings, weekly Animal Management meetings and weekly Senior Staff meetings
• Communicate and collaborate with other zoo professionals for the purpose of enhancing animal health and preventative medicine programs
• This position is the primary administrator of all clinical and administrative functions of the department
• Oversees the management of all animal health staff including but not limited to:
  • Direct supervision and evaluation of all animal health staff
  • Mentoring of animal health staff in all aspects of animal care
  • Ensuring licensing and continuing education requirements for all animal health staff are met
  • Assisting with evaluation and discipline of animal health staff

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• College Degree - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary medicine
• Possess/be able to obtain veterinary licensure for the state of Nebraska
• Possess valid DEA license
• Possess/be able to obtain Nebraska pharmaceuticals license
• Minimum of 7 years' full-time employment as an accredited and licensed veterinarian in a zoological institution with a diversified taxonomic collection
• Comprehensive knowledge of established principles and practices of exotic animal medicine, including safety, animal restraint, dangerous drug administration, record keeping and observation skills
• Thorough knowledge of, as well as ability to perform and use veterinary medical procedures, terminology and related equipment
• Thorough knowledge of the natural history, environmental and psychological needs of exotic animals
• Previous supervisory experience required
• Able to work in a team environment with animal care staff and other departments
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines relating to the application of veterinary medicine in zoological parks and related programs
• Experience with coordinating and implementing daily and preventive medical programs
• Successful peer-reviewed record is expected with a minimum of 10 primary or co-authored documents or abstracts preferred.
• Experience managing large budgets
• Experience with designing and evaluating research proposals and grant funding, as well as publishing and presenting findings
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, preferred
• Must possess valid state driver's license
• Proof of negative TB Screening
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required  

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Willing to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays and evening hours an in all weather conditions
• Must be able to be on call as necessary

**To be considered for this position, please upload a resume, cover letter and CV

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.