Job Description

Overview Manages, administers, and coordinates veterinary medical care and overall animal health at the City of Santa Ana Zoo, under the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency. Develops and implements animal care standards and protocols in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements. Essential Functions Manages programs and activities related to the health and well-being of zoo animals. Develops, implements, and evaluates comprehensive animal care protocols aligned with industry best practices and regulatory standards. Oversees all operations of the zoo’s veterinary hospital and assigned staff. Establishes, enforces, and maintains veterinary care polices, practices, and procedures. Manages animal health, including disease prevention and treatment, nutrition, reproduction, behavior, husbandry, quarantine, disease surveillance, and necropsy. Provides direct healthcare services to zoo animals in collaboration with zoo staff and contracted veterinary specialists. Performs routine and preventive medical examinations, diagnostics, and treatments. Conducts various procedures, including physical exams, laboratory testing, surgeries, medication administration, microchipping, emergency procedures, and necropsies. Prescribes and supervises the administration and proper disposal of medications, including controlled substances. Oversees the care of hospitalized and quarantined animals. Collects, processes, and ships laboratory samples. Assesses animal health and quality of life through collaboration with the zoo-wide animal well-being program. Collaborates with zoo staff to provide veterinary input on animal enrichment, training, and breeding plans. Procures, maintains, and monitors medical equipment, controlled substances, and other veterinary supplies; secures inventory and conducts regular inventory audits. Maintains the cleanliness and functionality of the zoo hospital. Ensures 24/7 continuity of animal healthcare and responds to animal emergencies. Conducts research and collaborates on emerging zoonotic diseases. Provides training on veterinary care, veterinary practices, zoonotic diseases, and use of remote immobilization equipment. Collaborates with zookeepers to ensure feeding schedules and dietary needs meet animal well-being and established care standards. Participates in animal capture and transportation, including the safe restraint of wild and potentially dangerous animals using specialized equipment. Maintains and audits comprehensive medical records, including those for reproduction, controlled substances, and husbandry. Prepares documentation for medical-related permits and ensures compliance with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Welfare Act (AWA), and other regulatory agencies. Recruits, hires, trains, directs, and evaluates assigned staff. Promotes safety for animals, staff, and the public; ensures proper use of personal protective equipment; and documents incidents. Collaborates in the monitoring and administration of the zoo’s animal health care budget. Coordinates the administration of veterinary services contracts, staff reports, and vendor agreements. Represents the zoo in animal management committees and professional forums. Prepares and delivers presentations to staff, the public, and outside interest groups. Responds to public inquiries and prepares routine correspondence. May oversee overall zoo operations in the supervisor’s absence. Performs other duties as assigned. Experience Four (4) years of professional veterinary experience, including two (2) years in a zoo or exotic animal practice with birds, reptiles, and mammals. Minimum qualifications may be met via an equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions. Experience and education must provide the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities. Education Graduation from an accredited veterinary school with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD) degree. Special Requirements Possession and retention of a valid driver’s license, or alternative transportation that reasonably meets operational needs. Possession and retention of a valid and in good standing license to practice veterinary medicine from the California Veterinary Medical Board (or reciprocal) within ninety (90) days of employment. Possession and retention of valid USDA accreditation, including Tuberculosis (TB) and Brucellosis testing authority, within ninety (90) days of employment. Possession and retention of a valid Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license for prescribing and administering controlled substances within ninety (90) days of employment. Active registration and good standing with the California Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) database. Must be willing and able to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and respond to emergencies, as needed. Highly Desirable Veterinary experience in a public or municipal setting. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Santa Ana

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