Veterinarian / Senior Veterinarian

The Veterinarian/Senior Veterinarian serves as a leadership position within the Oakland Zoo Veterinary Services team and plays a critical role in supporting Oakland Zoo’s mission of exceptional animal care and conservation. Operating within a state-of-the-art, 17,000 sq. ft. veterinary hospital, closely with a team of veterinary professionals (3 veterinarians, 4 veterinary technicians, and 3 hospital keepers), this position combines high-level clinical practice with other paraclinical duties.

Advanced clinicians in this position will assume a working manager role, with departmental management, leadership, and mentorship responsibilities based on experience and departmental needs. This would include sharing responsibility for both executing and overseeing clinical veterinary services, while also supporting the strategic, operational, and regulatory functions of the department.

Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership

Pay Range: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the starting range for this position at the Oakland Zoo to be between $107,424 - $130,000.An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer.

Clinical and Operational Duties 

• Provide emergency and after-hours care as part of an on-call rotation. 

• Participate in and co-manage the Emergency Immobilization Team (EIT). 

• Implement preventative medicine programs, including health exams, dental care, parasite control, nutritional assessments, vaccinations, and disease surveillance. 

• Collaborate with veterinary and medical specialists on complex cases. 

• Perform gross necropsies, prepare pathology reports, and develop preventative care recommendations. 

• Maintain accurate, professional medical records using the TRACKS system. 

• Contribute to conservation and research efforts through data and sample collection. 

• Mentor veterinary students, externs, volunteers, and other observers. 

• Participate in marketing, media engagements, and be open to public-facing educational opportunities as appropriate and requested. 

• Ensure compliance with AZA, AAZV, USDA, OSHA, and all relevant regulatory standards. 

• Review, update, and develop medical and operational protocols (e.g., quarantine, biosecurity, emergency procedures). 

• Create quarantine and pre-shipment protocols for incoming and outgoing animals. 

• Oversee the veterinary preventive medicine program. 

• Oversee the 4th year clinical veterinary externship program. 

• Participate in and represent the Veterinary Department in interdepartmental collaboration on animal care, husbandry, welfare, and planning. 

• Prepare reports, case studies, and deliver presentations to both professional and public audiences 

• Responsible for annual keeper zoonotic disease training. 

• Assist in maintaining hospital facilities, equipment, and supplies in excellent working order. 

• Lead or support special projects and initiatives based on departmental needs. 

• Deliver high-quality, comprehensive daily clinical medical care to a wide variety of zoological species. 

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• DVM degree or equivalent from an accredited school of veterinary medicine or ECFVG Certificate if a foreign veterinary graduate 

• Current California veterinary license (must be acquired within 6 months of hire) 

• Minimum 4 years of experience in zoological medicine or related field 

• USDA category II accreditation to certify health for interstate and international transport of animals 

• Strong clinical and surgical skills with a broad range of taxa 

• Valid Driver’s License and good driving record (ability to obtain authorization from the Zoo’s Insurance Carrier) 

• Able to work weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hours assignments 

Bonus if you 

• Are ACZM Board Certified or board eligible, or have another associated advanced degree 

• Possess a current DEA license 

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Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. 

• Work in indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions. 

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Physical Considerations- The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• Able to bend and twist, lift 50 lbs., stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for 8-hour shifts 

• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.
• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
• Enjoyment – finds joy in one’s work, approaches tasks with thoughtfulness & intentionality, and fosters collective well-being by embracing the unique skills and qualities of colleagues.
• Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
• Solution-oriented – utilizes an open-minded and strengths-based approach to finding solutions for complex challenges.
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department‍
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times 

• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife

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