Application Priority Date: April 29, 2024

Pay Rate: $95,000 - $105,000 per year; depending on qualifications and experience

Note: Oakland Zoo is posting both Associate and Senior Veterinarian openings, as we welcome candidates with varying experience. We will only be filling one of the two roles -- you only need to apply to one of openings to be considered. 

Position Summary

The Associate Veterinarian will hold an essential role in the Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital – a 17,000 sq ft, state of the art facility set in the beautiful Oakland Hills. Our hospital is equipped for both mobile and hospitalized case management, with tools such as a BodyTom 32 slice CT unit, digital radiography, endoscopy both rigid and flexible, ultrasonography, advanced surgical equipment, in house lab capabilities and much more. The Oakland Zoo is a leader in animal care and welfare with numerous conservation partners with whom the senior veterinarian may be actively involved.The Associate Veterinarian works collaboratively with our veterinary team and will oversee the work of veterinary staff, hospital keepers and volunteers in the absence of the VP of Veterinary Services.

Application Process: 

• Complete the online job application.
• Upload your cover letter, resume, and three professional references.

Essential Job Duties 

• Provide daily clinical medical care of zoo cases.
• Quarantine duties.
• Pre-shipment organization and communication regarding requests for incoming and outgoing animals.
• Emergency care, shared on call duty.
• Shared management of the Emergency Immobilization Team (EIT).
• Preventative Medicine Program implementation includes the above plus routine exams, dentistry, nutritional assessment, parasite control, vaccinations, routine testing, and collection disease surveillance.
• Collaborate with colleagues and local veterinary and medical specialists on clinical cases as needed.
• Communicate and problem solve with supervisors and keepers about medical cases, animal care and welfare, nutrition, breeding, husbandry and housing.
• Perform gross necropsies and collect samples for histopathology, prepare necropsy reports and communicate and analyze findings, formulate recommendations for preventative measures.
• Maintain professional and up-to-date medical records using our TRACKS system.
• Support AZA conservation programs and other research efforts by collecting samples and by gathering and submitting data as appropriate.
• Participate in maintaining standards and regulations of AZA, AAZV, USDA, OSHA and other regulatory agencies and associations as they apply to zoological institutions and veterinary programs/facilities.
• Review and compose protocols as requested/needed, including Preventative Medicine Protocol, Quarantine Protocol, Emergency Protocol, Biosecurity and Zoonotic disease protocols, Bite/toxin exposure protocols, and others.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to animal care, transport, treatment, and the handling of controlled substances.
• Participate in AAZV and other professional organizations and forums; remain current on continuing education requirements.
• Prepare reports and presentations for publication or delivery at both professional and public forums.
• Teach and mentor visiting veterinary students, technicians, and volunteers as needed.
• Work with the entire team to maintain clean, organized, and excellent condition of hospital and hospital equipment.
• Assist in or lead unique hospital programs as requested.
• Participate in and support Marketing and Media requests and be receptive to media training as benefits the Department and institution.

Who You Are 

• DVM degree or equivalent from an accredited School of Veterinary Medicine

• Current California veterinary license, or obtained within 3 months of hiring
• Three years of exotic animal medicine
• Possess DEA license
• USDA category II accreditation to certify health for interstate and international transport of animals
• Able to work weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hours assignments

Bonus if you have... 

• Are ACZM Board Certified or Board Eligible

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities– May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.
• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
• Enjoyment – finds joy in one’s work, approaches tasks with thoughtfulness & intentionality, and fosters collective well-being by embracing the unique skills and qualities of colleagues.
• Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
• Solution-oriented – utilizes an open-minded and strengths-based approach to finding solutions for complex challenges.
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, life insurance, PTO (Paid Time Off) and 403B retirement benefits.

Who We Are

Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Oakland Zoo deepens connection with animals, saves wildlife, and inspires champions for the natural world. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), The Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do.

Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access

We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. The Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race, and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ identifying folks, and women to apply.

The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.