Dallas Zoo Management Careers

The Dallas Zoo is committed to creating a better world for animals with a mission of engaging people and saving wildlife. Teams work to accomplish that mission by maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry.

 

The Dallas Zoo is known for innovative animal exhibits, outstanding animal care and welfare programs along with a committed and passionate team. The zoo has highly-regarded and nationally-recognized field conservation programs, both regional and global in scope, and is home to approximately 2,000 animals, representing around 350 vertebrate species.

Established in 1888, Dallas is Texas’ oldest and largest zoo, and is preparing to launch its next major capital campaign, focusing on infrastructure improvements, revitalization of some of the oldest animal habitats and expanding a diverse living collection.

The veterinary intern will join a team of 4 other veterinarians, including the Associate Vice President of Animal Health and Welfare, and three Associate Veterinarians. Hospital staff also includes a Director of Hospital Operations, six full-time licensed Veterinary Technicians and three Zoologists. Along with hospital staff, the Animal Health Department consists of a full time Curator of Nutrition and a well-staffed Animal Nutrition Center.

 

The City of Dallas is a large, vibrant, and diverse metropolis, home to many unique neighborhoods. An extensive park system offers more than 60 miles of biking and jogging trails, with multiple lakes nearby for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding. Dallas hosts a active arts and entertainment scene, along with a wide collection of museums, with numerous athletic teams for all interests. Even if you’ve never thought about Texas before, Dallas has something for everyone, and it’s easy to find your community, and home, here.
 

 

One year internship position to train the veterinarian in management of a wide range of taxa in a zoo setting. The intern will develop clinical skills in zoo medicine and assume primary case responsibility and will work with and under the supervision of 4 full-time veterinarians (2 ACZM diplomates) at the Dallas Zoo. The Dallas Zoo has a well-equipped hospital that has an in house clin-path and EEHV PCR lab, portable digital radiography, ultrasound, rigid and flexible endoscopy, therapeutic laser and more. The hospital staff includes six licensed veterinary technicians, three zoologists, two Registrars, and a Director of Hospital Operations. This position is encouraged to participate in professional organizations, clinical research, and conservation projects. Completion of the one-year internship program should prepare the intern for progression into an ACZM residency program with a terrestrial animal focus.
 
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Participating in the preventive medicine program, including routine exams, diagnostic imaging, dentistry, vaccinations, fecal parasite exams, zoonotic disease control, contraception, and post-mortem exams.
· Perform health evaluations on incoming and outgoing animals to the collection as part of quarantine and preshipment testing, respectively.
· Monitor general health and well-being of the collection and manage any hospitalized animals.
· Evaluate sick or injured animals, performing diagnostic testing, medical and/or surgical treatment as appropriate.
· Sedation or anesthesia of animals as needed for exams, treatment, or shipments. This includes close patient monitoring and familiarity with dangers of drugs used particularly ultrapotent opioids.
· Become proficient using ZIMS database to maintain accurate and thorough computerized medical records.
· Administer and instruct other staff members in the administration of medication to animals.
· Supervise the handling and restraint of animals requiring examination, treatment or hospitalization.
· In conjunction with the staff nutritionist, make recommendations and participate in the planning and modification of the nutrition program for the animal collection.
· Gain familiarity with concepts of animal welfare, behavioral training for medical procedures, and enrichment in zoos.
· Perform postmortem exams to establish causes of death and prepare submission of collected tissues for histopathology and other testing.
· Assist the veterinary student externship program by mentoring and teaching veterinary students.
· Cultivate and promote a constructive team approach within the Hospital and with other departments and provide open and timely communication with animal care staff.
· Serve on-call for emergency duty and as member of the Emergency Immobilization Team & ensure staff readiness via participation in regular target practice and drills.
· Help ensure zoo compliance with all state and federal regulations and accreditation guidelines relating to animal care, husbandry, shipments, and controlled drug management including, DEA, USDA and AZA.
· Produce and submit case studies and novel research articles to peer-reviewed journals (1 minimum)
· Regular participation in journal club
· Represent the zoo at conferences with case reports and research presentations.

 

· Must have good surgical and medical skills, including experience with general anesthesia in a broad range of taxa.
· Preference given to veterinarians already having completed a 1-year internship or having robust zoo/exotic experience.
· Graduation from an AVMA-accredited institution or ECFVG certification.
· Must obtain valid Texas driver's license.
· Must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Texas within 3 months of start of employment.
· Must be able to obtain and maintain USDA/APHIS accreditation (Level 2).
· Must be able to obtain a DEA license.