Director of Veterinary Services - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Director of Veterinary Services of the San Diego Zoo is a leadership position with the responsibility of ensuring a positive work environment, and that the hospital runs efficiently while serving the needs of the organization. The Director of Veterinary Services works collaboratively with other San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) departments to identify and address wildlife health issues, disease threats, zoonosis as well as supports SDZWA conservation work both in situ and ex situ. The Director of Veterinary Services contributes to the strategic and operational planning for the organization. This position has both supervisory and budgetary responsibilities. The Director of Veterinary Services reports to the Vice President of Wildlife Health.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Responsible for supervision of assigned staff including, but not limited to, scheduling, staffing, hiring, performance evaluation, training, coaching, engagement, succession planning, counseling and termination.
• Lead departmental budgeting process, maintain five-year budgeting plan, and lead departmental efforts to meet budgetary expectations.
• Provide veterinary expertise in support of SDZWA conservation initiatives
• Conduct veterinary clinical management focusing on routine clinical procedures, medical case management, critical care case management, and regulatory functions in a variety of non-domestic and domestic species. Includes use of diagnostic imaging, including radiographs, ultrasound and computed tomography.
• Lead the development and revision of policies, procedures, and standards, including preventive medicine programs, to optimize safety, efficiency, quality, and timeliness.
• Lead SDZWA stakeholders to identify and address disease trends and emergent health and welfare concerns, prepare organization for external disease threats in a proactive manner.
• Collaborate closely with SDZWA directors and additional SDZWA leaders to support organizational activities and needs.
• Represent department and SDZWA in professional and community activities, conferences, and external communications.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR

The Director of Veterinary Services at the San Diego Zoo is an experienced zoo and wildlife veterinarian with excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, decision-making and delegation skills.  The Director has experience leading a zoological hospital with a large group of clinical and support staff.  The Director has a demonstrated track record of contributing to conservation initiatives.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• 7 years of Zoological medicine experience required. 

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• DVM or equivalent degree from an AVMA accredited institution required
• ECFVG Certification
• American College of Zoological Medicine - Diplomat Status 
• Valid California Driver License within 30 Days
• Valid California Veterinary License within 180 Days
• USDA category II accreditation within 180 Days
• DEA License within 1 Year

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of current standards of veterinary care. 
• Familiarity with general husbandry and veterinary management of common zoological species. 
• Knowledge of resources pertaining to zoological species. 
• Working knowledge of regulations pertaining to veterinary medicine and zoological institutions. 
• Strong working knowledge and independent ability to use diagnostic equipment, including ultrasound, endoscopy and computed tomography.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and written. 
• Ability to build and develop effective teams. 
• Ability to demonstrate strategic and organizational agility.
• Ability to listen with compassion. 
• Ability to prioritize vision and purpose. 
• Ability to develop peer relationships and manage conflict.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and make quality decisions. 

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position
• Salary Range: $152,700 to $168,900

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. 

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.