Akron Zoological Park - Director of Animal Health at Akron Zoological Park

Under the direction of the Vice President of Life Sciences, the Director of Animal Health is responsible for the oversight of the veterinary department. Directly manages all staff within the veterinary department and oversees department budget, facilities, equipment, records, and supplies. Provides hands-on diagnostics, treatments, and care for the animal collection, ensuring the highest standards of veterinary practice. Leads a highly cross-departmental, collaborative approach to animal health, working closely with animal care, nutrition, conservation, and other teams to integrate care across the institution. Directs preventative medicine, nutrition, and all other medically related protocols. Works to ensure open communication, positive interdepartmental relationships, and excellent veterinary care that meets or exceeds regulatory requirements. Fosters strong relationships with the executive team and local partnerships. Participates in conservation, welfare, and other associated committees and working groups, as well as conservation efforts, research, and field work both locally and internationally as available. Serves as a member of exhibit design teams.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES

• Oversees department budget, facilities, equipment, records, and supplies.
• Provides individual medical care to Zoo animals as needed
• Implements and follows Vet policies and Zoonosis Program. Trains staff in the awareness of zoonotic diseases, the spread of infectious diseases and their prevention and detection.
• Operates and utilizes various types of equipment, machinery and tools such as an anesthesia machine, radiograph machine, ultrasonic doppler, radiograph processor, electro-cardiograph, laparoscope, endoscope, computer, surgical instruments, diagnostic instruments, necropsy instruments, anesthesia equipment, medical and diagnostic supplies, prescription drugs, etc. )
• Investigates and manages treatment for animal diseases which are communicable to humans through direct contact; takes precautions in handling and administering anesthesia and other drugs which are dangerous to humans.
• Exercises analytical judgments in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
• Shares on-call duty (weekend, holiday, etc) with Director of Animal Health.

• Possess a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited veterinary college.
• Capable of securing the necessary licensing to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Ohio.
• Capable of securing a USDA Category II license.
• Capable of securing a DEA license.
• Minimum of 5 years clinical experience with zoological animals at an AZA-accredited zoological institution.
• Experience with staff management preferred.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DVM check, TB test, and confirm vaccination history.

 The Akron Zoo is a Drug-Free Workplace and an EOE.