Organization: Saint Louis Zoo located in Saint Louis, Missouri
Directly Reports to: Vice-President of Animal Care
About the Saint Louis Zoo:
The world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo is dedicated to saving species and bringing people and wildlife together. Home to over 16,000 animals, many of which are endangered. Entry is free every day for everyone, an important part of our commitment to people and animals – always.
Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/
About St. Louis, Mo:
From Explore St. Louis: “Urban explorer, outdoor adventurer, aficionado of family fun – no matter your travel persona, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Louis. The city is brimming with free, world-class attractions and boasts an arts-and-culture scene that’s second to none. Plus, fans of fresh air will be surprised and delighted by our flourishing public parks, miles of trails and exhilarating waterways. Sprinkle in a bit of our secret sauce – the warmth and hospitality of the residents – and you’ll discover that St. Louis dishes up undeniably epic travel experiences. Don’t take our word for it, though. Come and see for yourself.” Learn more at https://explorestlouis.com/
Position Summary:
The Saint Louis Zoo is looking for a positive team member to join as Director of Animal Health and lead a team of 15, comprised of four Staff Veterinarians, a Zoological Medicine Veterinary Resident, a staff Pathologist, a Zoological Manager of Animal Health, six Technicians, a Quarantine Manager, and an Administrative Assistant.
This position would be responsible for providing the overall vision of how to ensure the Saint Louis Zoo’s Animal Health Department is innovative and providing the best care to our Zoo’s animals. In addition to the strategic planning for Animal Health, this position manages the day-to-day operations of the Saint Louis Zoo’s Animal Health Department. This includes: personnel management, budget and financial management, facilities management, compliance with local regulatory agencies and providing technical direction and vision to the health management of animals at our three campuses: the campus in Forest Park, WildCare Park and Sears Lehmann Jr Wildlife Reserve (a red wolf breeding center).
The current position will be based at our campus in Forest Park and will oversee Animal Health operations of the 17,000 square foot Endangered Species Research Center and Veterinary Hospital building. This includes advances and upkeep to maintain updated standards of care, technology improvements and diagnostic capabilities (laboratory diagnostics, imaging, etc.) as well as be involved in the building and opening of the 3,500 square foot hospital at WildCare Park. Safety and animal welfare are integral to all work performed. The ability to work in various types of weather, and environments is necessary.
This position requires a dynamic, kind, and compassionate individual. Candidates should demonstrate a teamwork style that fosters an atmosphere of inclusion, teamwork, collaboration and safety, and promotes the Zoo’s core values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance).
Qualifications:
- Must have a DVM (or its equivalent), and have a minimum of 5 years of full-time experience in a zoological park or wildlife setting.
- Board certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) is strongly desired, as is a solid record of scientific publication.
- Applicants must be eligible to obtain a Missouri Veterinary License.
- Prior experience in a managerial role is preferred and the candidate’s managerial skills will be a significant factor in the Zoo’s evaluation of the candidates.
- Applicants must possess a high degree of emotional intelligence and be aligned with the values of the Zoo and support its three foundational keys.
- All successful candidates for this position will be required to submit to a criminal background check and drug test.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs., work safely and effectively with dangerous or exotic animals, and work effectively with Zoo employees
- Deal courteously and effectively with our guests and have strong collaboration skills
- Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team
Responsibilities:
- Foster and promote operational excellence and leadership in advancing the veterinary care of the Saint Louis Zoo, WildCare Park, and Sear’s Lehmann Jr. Wildlife Reserve animals through innovation, teamwork and collaboration.
- Perform all related animal health tasks to ensure the health and well-being of the collection.
- Work collaboratively with the Zoo’s Animal Care staff (VP, curators, zoological managers and keepers), the Zoo’s Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences Department (scientists in behavior, animal welfare, reproduction and endocrinology), and the Animal Nutrition Services staff (Director, nutritionist, and keepers), to maximize the quality of care provided to the zoo’s animals.
- Manage the provision of some veterinary support and consultation to local partners, including the Endangered Wolf Center, Lone Elk County Park, Saint Louis Aquarium, the Saint Louis Science Center and other community partners as needed.
- Actively participate in initiatives that promote and advance animal welfare and health in animals under the Saint Louis Zoo’s care.
- Engage in and provide technical support of zoo wide strategic and master planning processes.
- Participate as an engaged contributor in animal management, health and welfare initiatives.
- Attend meetings and provide reports/presentations as requested to the Boards, Conservation Council, Animal Advocacy Committee and others.
- Serve as a technical resource for zoos and aquariums across the country.
- As a member of the Zoo’s Leadership Team, serve as a representative, advocate and spokesperson for the Saint Louis Zoo to staff, guests and media.
- This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by management
Additional Expectations:
- Maintains good work habits and adheres to the employee handbook and all policies and procedures
- Demonstrates a commitment to the Zoo’s mission statement, to the Zoo’s Three Keys (Animals Always, People Matter, and Operational Excellence) and Core Values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance)
- Performs duties in a service-oriented manner
- Demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety
- Recognizes the needs of others and treats others with respect, empathy and dignity
- Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment and supports a commitment to equal employment opportunities.
- Must strive to decrease our environmental footprint to serve as models to our community to do the same through education and example
- All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.
- COVID vaccinations are required for this position.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform some of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.⯠The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Ability to work in all types of weather is required.
Work Schedule:
Regular days off will be Saturday-Sunday but ability to work a flexible schedule, on holidays, and evenings for animal procedures and events will be necessary at times. May need to come into work on inclement weather days to care for animals.
