Description

Join the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens as a full-time Staff Veterinarian and provide exceptional care to over 1,400 animals from more than 200 species. Collaborate with our skilled team, which includes three full-time veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians, to ensure the health and well-being of diverse exotic species, from primates and reptiles to megavertebrates and marine mammals. 

• Animal wellbeing is your passion.
• You are committed to conservation.
• You can adapt and engage as a team player.
• You can’t wait to start helping the Florida manatees.
• You are an effective communicator and know how to listen.

We are thrilled to introduce our new Manatee River habitat as part of our Rezoovenation initiative. While experience with manatees is advantageous, we invite applicants with a range of exotic animal care experience who are enthusiastic about learning in this specialized area. 

This position is more than just a job; it embodies a lifestyle. Enjoy the sunny climate of Jacksonville, Florida, where you can revel in year-round warmth, stunning beaches, lush parks, and a lively city filled with outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. 

Make a lasting impact to our mission "Connecting communities with wildlife and wild places."

Requirements

What you bring…

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) from an AVMA-accredited college of veterinary medicine.
• Active and unrestricted license to practice in the State of Florida, or eligibility for temporary licensure.
• Ability to obtain USDA Category II Accreditation within six months of hire (or currently accredited).
• Three (3) years of experience as a zoo or wildlife veterinarian in an AZA-accredited or equivalent setting (e.g., sanctuary, rehabilitation, international zoological facility), with formal training through internships, residencies, or DACZM certification.
• Three (3) years experience with medical management of a broad range of exotic species (e.g., primates, birds, reptiles, marine mammals, and/or megavertebrates).
• Five (5) years of applied experience addressing animal welfare practices, including adherence to professional and industry management standards.
• Proven ability to work effectively in high-pressure hospital environments and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Availability to accommodate a flexible schedule, encompassing extended hours, holidays, weekends, and a willingness to share on-call duties.  A schedule of Tuesday- Saturday or Sunday- Thursday.
• Complete required screenings (criminal background check, drug screen, Non-DOT physical exam, TB test, rabies/titer) as a condition to hire.

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.

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations. 

EOE / DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE