Zoo Veterinarian Full-time Job

Reporting to the Director, Arts, Heritage and Nature Experiences, The Zoo Veterinarian is responsible for providing professional services in support of the animal health program at the Edmonton Valley Zoo and the John Janzen Nature Centre.

As the Veterinarian you will provide mentorship, guidance, information, and direction to Zoo and other City staff in all zoo animal health and welfare matters and serve as a subject matter expert for sharing information with visitors, the general public and key stakeholders about zoo animal health and welfare.

Goals and Deliverables: 

• Work with the veterinary and animal care staff to implement a preventive medicine program that includes quarantine, health exams, disease monitoring, parasite control, vaccinations, tuberculin testing, dental prophylaxis, and nutrition
• Diagnose illness and injury in collection animals and provide appropriate treatment
• Perform pre-shipment examinations and quarantine entrance exams on animals leaving or entering the collection
• Perform gross necropsies and collect samples for histopathology, prepare necropsy reports and analyze findings, formulate recommendations for preventive care
• Provide emergency coverage on evenings, weekends and holidays
• Collaborate with colleagues and local veterinary and medical specialists on clinical cases as needed
• Prepare and maintain all required records, ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Support research efforts by collecting samples and by gathering and submitting data as required
• Participate in dialogue with the Operations Supervisor and Animal Care staff about animal care and welfare, nutrition, breeding, husbandry, and housing
• Participate in maintaining standards and regulations of the ABVMA, CFIA, CAZA, WAZA and other regulatory agencies and associations as they apply to zoological institutions and veterinary programs/facilities
• Participate in the Valley Zoo’s institutional Animal Care Committee, Safety Committee, Conservation Committee, Collections Committee, and Animal Care meetings as needed
• Ensure compliance with local, provincial, and federal laws and regulations relating to animal care, transport, treatment, and the handling of controlled substances
• Teach and mentor visiting veterinary and vet tech students
• Provide support to Edmonton’s Animal Care and Control Centre and Animal Control Officers, as needed
• Provide support to Elk Island National Park biologists as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Completion of a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from a recognized institution
• Possession, or eligibility to obtain a license to practice with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association
• Minimum of 3 years post Doctor Veterinary Medicine schooling experience in the field of zoological medicine; OR 5 years post-Doctor Veterinary Medicine in general veterinary medicine, preferably with mixed and/or exotic animal experience
• Board certification or eligibility with the American College of Zoological Medicine or equivalent, is considered an asset
• CFIA accreditation to certify health for interstate and international transport of animals
• Membership with the Canadian Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians, American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, and/or other professional associations with connections to the field of zoological medicine
• Knowledge and expertise of clinical veterinary medicine disciplines and the ability to perform diagnosis, treatment, nutritional analysis, and surgical procedures for the care of exotic and domestic animals
• Knowledge and understanding of the comparative physiology of disease and an ability to apply these principles to diagnosing and treating illness in exotic and domestic animals and determine the best course of treatment
• Proven ability to research and develop innovative approaches for animal health and nutrition issues
• Advanced management, technical or scientific skill related to the care of exotic animals
• Demonstrated ability to treat animals with respect, kindness and sensitivity
• Demonstrated physical dexterity to skillfully work with animals of all sizes and accurately perform procedures and surgeries
• Implement and to ensure compliance with the City’s policies and procedures
• Hire is dependent upon a Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector check satisfactory to the City of Edmonton
• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's licence (or provincial equivalent). Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's permit is a requirement of this position
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results in the context of a respectful, inclusive and service-minded style
• Embrace the Cultural Commitments of Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent, and foster an environment that encourages others to do the same
• Demonstrate the foundational competencies, key behaviours and attributes of the City’s six leadership competencies: Courage, Inclusivity, Values-Based Influencer, Collaborative Networker, Systems Thinker and Creative Innovator. For more information on the City’s leadership competencies

Edmonton is the capital city of the Canadian province of Alberta. Edmonton is situated on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, which is surrounded by Alberta's central region.