Zoo - Associate Veterinarian

Associate Veterinarian

Milwaukee County Zoo

Salary Range: $89,107.20 - $100,000

Job Posting will close on 08/17/2026

Job Summary:

Assists in the management of the Zoo Animal Health subdivision and associated programs. Participates in the development and implementation of clinical and preventative veterinary programs. As a member of the Animal Management Team, develops and implements Animal Division programs, and procedures. Provides mentorship and oversight for the Zoological Medicine and Surgery resident as well as veterinary students. Manages the Commissary and Commissary Animal Nutrition Coordinator. Participates in zoo conservation and research programs. Oversees hospital operations in the absence of the Senior Staff Veterinarian.

Job Responsibilities:

• Clinical Duties - Assists in developing and implementing the preventive and clinical medicine programs. Provides direct clinical care including, but not limited to, examinations, surgery, diagnostic and regulatory tests, treatments, and lab work interpretation. Coordinates the veterinary medical aspects of animal shipments to and from the zoo. Maintains medical records.
• Commissary Management - Manage the Commissary and Commissary Animal Nutrition Coordinator. Assist in diet development and evaluate diets within the park for diet drift and modify them as needed. Monitor Commissary inventory and budget. Identify and prioritize requests for facility maintenance and write purchase specifications for high volume and diverse dietary items in collaboration with the Commissary Animal Nutrition Coordinator. Assess food quality.
• General Animal Division Management - As a member of Animal Management Team, participate in establishing animal department procedures, work rules, and protocols, communicate related activities to zoo staff, research review, facility design and collection planning and management.
• Conservation and Research - Manage or participate in zoological conservation, research or breeding programs. Prepare reports and articles for presentation or publication; participate in zoological-related conferences, workshops, seminars and professional development activities.
• Staff Leadership - Supervise the work and performance of the hospital staff in the absence of the Senior Staff Veterinarian, providing leadership through motivation, engagement, feedback, support and development. Maximize employee and team effectiveness. Coordinate the recruitment, hiring, orientation, training, and evaluation of the team in conjunction with the Senior Staff Veterinarian. Maintain a positive culture of collaboration, accountability, and respectful behavior.

Minimum Requirements:

• Doctor Veterinary Medicine (DVM) - or a VMD degree from an AVMA accredited college or university
• At least two (2) years or more experience working as a veterinarian in a zoo or wildlife park required
• WI veterinary license or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
• USDA category II accreditation or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
• DEA and WI driver's license or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Cervid and Elephant TB testing certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire

Preferred Qualifications

• ACZM board certification or eligibility
• Completion of an approved residency in Zoo Veterinary Medicine

NOTE: This position is unclassified and not subject to Civil Service Rules and Regulations. This original application is open to qualified candidates authorized to work in the United States. Appointee must establish Wisconsin State residency within six (6) months of appointment and maintain such residency during incumbency. During the application process please upload your updated resume and cover letter outlining experience.

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Milwaukee County Department of Human Resources