Director of Clinical Medicine (Veterinary)

About the role

The Director of Clinical Medicine provides leadership for the clinical division of the WCS Zoological Health Program (ZHP) and oversees the clinical program and clinical operations staff at the Bronx Zoo, as well as the clinical animal health program across the three city zoos. This position reports to the VPZHP. The Director of Clinical Medicine is a key leader and integral part of the WCS Zoos & Aquarium Division and collaborates to provide optimal care for animals in the parks.

Principal Responsibilities

• Maintain veterinary licensure, competency, and knowledge of current information and procedures in zoological and wildlife medicine, and wherever appropriate, incorporate new advances into the ZHP to enhance animal care and well-being.
• Ensure ZHP clinical staff also maintain and utilize current knowledge of advances in veterinary medicine.
• Ensure that the WCS animal collections are provided with the highest quality of veterinary care.
• Actively participate in clinical cases and be fully informed of ongoing animal health issues and concerns across the Bronx Zoo and City Zoos.
• Maintain an appropriate clinical case load to maintain competency while fulfilling other position responsibilities.
• Establish and maintain proactive preventive health care and quarantine programs.
• Regularly assess current protocols and investigate and implement new preventive health and quarantine procedures to ensure an efficient and sound program.
• Support animal department activities by regularly communicating with curators and ensure that appropriate, timely, and high-quality veterinary care, quarantine, clinical diagnostic testing, and other services are provided as needed.
• Supervise, mentor, support, and challenge the clinical staff to foster a team culture built around professionalism and respect while providing the highest quality of veterinary care.
• Develop and implement veterinary protocols and procedures that meet or exceed all regulatory guidelines and standards including, but not limited to, those from USDA, DEA, OSHA, AZA, AAZV, New York State, and New York City.
• Foster original scientific research and peer reviewed publication by clinical staff. Engage in scientific research or policy work.
• Develop and oversee the clinical operating budget.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the VPZHP.
• Able to represent WCS in a professional manner in all activities and to provide a positive example to all staff.
• Absorbs safety of self, staff, animals, and guests through regular participation in safety training and activities; compliance with standard operating procedures; and proper operation and maintenance of equipment.
• Commitment to WCS’s mission and vision

Qualification Requirements

• Hold a veterinary degree (DVM, VMD, DMV, or equivalent) with 10 or more years of experience in zoo/wildlife medicine.
• Have or be eligible to obtain, and maintain, a New York State Veterinary License, USDA accreditation, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Controlled Drug License, and a valid Driver's License.
• Demonstrated knowledge with all regulations including those from USDA, DEA, OSHA, AZA, AAZV, New York State, and New York City.
• Be able to manage a complex, multi-veterinarian, multi-technician health care program.
• Be able to work effectively outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and physical environments to administer appropriate veterinary care to the animal collection.
• Board certification or eligibility in relevant Veterinary College (ACZM, ECZM, ABVP, or equivalent) desirable.
• Proficient in reading, writing, and effectively communicating in English with excellent written, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including working non-traditional hours, holidays, scheduled on-call, emergency responses, and weekends or evenings as needed.
• Experience communicating and coordinating activities with a variety of departments.

Physical Demands

• Frequent use of a computer, including keyboarding, mouse use, and telephone communication.
• Regular sitting, standing, walking, stair climbing, bending, reaching, and driving.
• Frequent lifting and carrying of materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional kneeling, overhead reaching, pushing and pulling, and navigating uneven terrain.

Work Conditions and Environment

• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, including in all weather conditions, and may involve working closely with others or independently.
• Occasional exposure to excess noise, potentially dangerous animals, and potentially infectious agents may occur.