Director of Animal Health (Senior Leadership, Head Veterinarian)

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens • Jacksonville, Florida • 1m ago

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (JZG) is seeking a visionary Director of Animal Health to lead our veterinary team, drive excellence in animal care, and contribute to strategic growth. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of animal health at JZG, playing a pivotal role in our conservation and rehabilitation efforts, including our state-of-the-art Critical Manatee Center, which will house up to 18 animals.

JZG is a world-class, award-winning institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. With a budget of $31 million and more than 850,000 visitors annually, JZG has inspired curiosity about Earth’s creatures and ecosystems for over 100 years. Home to over 1500 + rare and exotic animals and 1,000 plant species, it is as much a botanical garden as it is a haven for wildlife.

One of the first institutions in the nation with a dedicated Animal Well-being team, JZG ensures animals thrive through holistic care. Our Manatee Critical Care Center is one of seven facilities in Florida authorized to rescue and rehabilitate manatees. Following a major expansion, the center will soon house up to 18 injured manatees, positioning the program as one of the largest in the state.

Are you:

A proven leader in veterinary medicine with strong clinical expertise, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of animal care and welfare across a diverse collection?
A collaborative partner, skilled at bringing together animal health, animal care, life support, and conservation efforts to achieve shared goals?
An effective communicator, able to engage with stakeholders at all levels while fostering an inclusive and cohesive workplace culture?
A strategic thinker, with the ability to translate the zoo’s mission into actionable plans that elevate animal care, conservation, and guest experiences
Committed to continuous learning, always staying ahead of industry standards while empowering your team to grow and develop?
A mentor at heart, passionate about nurturing the next generation of veterinary professionals and building a culture of learning and excellence?

If this sounds like you, join us at JZG and make a lasting impact on conservation and animal health. Be part of a team that’s driving change, ensuring a brighter future for wildlife and communities alike.

F ollow this link for a full position profile.TO APPLY: To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please submit a single PDF containing both your detailed resume and cover letter to search@adisagroup.com. For any inquiries, feel free to use the same email address. This search is a partnership between Adisa and Canopy Strategic Partners.

You’ll need:

DVM from an accredited a DVM or equivalent degree. Ability to obtain a Florida State Veterinary license within six months of placement.
USDA Category II accreditation and/or ability to obtain within six months of placement
Five (5) years of experience as a zoo veterinarian.

A plus…

Board Certified Specialist in Zoological Medicine
Experience working with manatees.
Experience with varied species of exotic animals including primates, avians, mega vertebrates, and reptiles.
Experience with animal wellbeing issues, theory and practice of animal management.
Experience supervising staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to consistently remain on your feet for prolonged periods of time.
Manual dexterity for standing, reaching, flexibility, and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, stoop, bend, lift, kneel, crawl, climb, jump, dig and prolonged standing/sitting.
Grasp, turn, and manipulate objects of varying size and weight, requiring fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Ability to operate motorized cart, trucks, hand and/or power tools.
Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
Ability to transport and move items occasionally up to 50 pounds without difficulty for short distance.
Auditory ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, two-way radio, and face-to-face interactions.
Visual and auditory acuity appropriate for safety and discern differences in document

WORK CONDITIONS

Weather Exposure: Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, and wind.
Pathogens: possible exposure to animal or human bloodborne pathogens.
Infectious Diseases: Risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases.
Hazards: Potential for injuries from wildlife, equipment, chemicals, and heights.
On-Call Responsibilities: Will be required to be on call for emergencies.
Disaster support: Must be available to fulfill disaster-response duties and responsibilities as required.

TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS

Must maintain a valid driver’s license and clear driving record.
May require local or international travel for short time frames.

Inclusion, diversity, and equity as a value

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens embraces diversity in a meaningful way and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of a person's actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, weight, or height.

EOE / DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE