Head Veterinarian and Director of Animal Wellbeing

Head Veterinarian & Director of Animal Wellbeing As the Head Veterinarian, you will lead our veterinary department and oversee a team that includes an ACZM diplomate, full‑time veterinary technicians, and interns. You will be the primary driver of the zoo’s animal management strategy, ensuring that our wellness programs are proactive, integrated, and world‑class. Key Responsibilities Administrative & Leadership Facility Management: Direct the operations of the Animal Wellness Center (AWC), managing budgets, medical supplies, equipment maintenance (including CT, surgical suites, and ICU). Leadership Team: Serve as a core member of the Zoo Leadership Team, contributing to long‑term institutional planning and animal management, conservation and guest experience strategies and assisting the Curatorial team as needed. Personnel Management: Supervise and mentor associate veterinarian, veterinary technicians, interns, and students; oversee scheduling and professional development within the AWC. Nutrition Oversight: Collaborate directly with the contracted nutritionist, food vendors and nutrition team to design, audit, and manage nutritionally balanced diets for the entire collection. Clinical Veterinary Care Provide comprehensive routine and emergency medical and surgical treatment for a diverse collection, including megavertebrates, carnivores, primates, birds, herps, aquatics and inverts. Lead the preventative medicine program and oversee all quarantine and pre‑shipment protocols. Ensure strict compliance with USDA and AZA standards, as well as federal and state regulations. Maintain thorough, timely animal health records and oversee necropsy procedures. Research, Safety & Education Serve on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Represent the Zoo as a subject‑matter expert for media inquiries and guest engagement initiatives. Lead staff training on zoonotic disease prevention, medication administration, and emergency response (escape and envenomation teams). Direct clinical research projects and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications. Qualifications & Experience Required Education & Licensure Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent from an AVMA‑accredited college. Licensed to practice in the State of New Jersey (or ability to obtain within 3 months). USDA Category II accreditation for New Jersey (or ability to obtain within 6 months). DEA registration for controlled substances, including schedule 2 and 2N medications. Professional Experience Minimum of 5 years of full‑time experience practicing zoological medicine in an AZA‑accredited institution (leadership/managerial experience preferred). Board Certification (ACZM or ECZM) is highly preferred; DVM with board eligibility is required. Advanced proficiency in anesthesia and surgery across a wide range of taxonomic species. Experience with remote injection equipment and the use of ultra‑potent narcotics. Skills & Attributes Proven ability to lead and manage a diverse team with high emotional intelligence (EQ). Strong organizational skills and ability to manage complex facility budgets and operations. Excellent communication skills for public speaking and inter‑departmental collaboration. Availability: Must be able to respond to the Zoo within 40 minutes for emergencies and be willing to work weekends/holidays and overnights as needed. Benefits Annual Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience. Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical benefits and 24‑hour access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Retirement: Participation in NJ State Pension and retirement savings plans Professional Growth: Support for annual continuing education credits and other professional development opportunities. Time Off: Paid Time Off commensurate with years of service. #J-18808-Ljbffr Turtle Back Zoo