Director of Conservation Medicine at The Wilds

Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Conservation Medicine program at The Wilds, advancing the health and sustainability of managed wildlife populations through excellence in clinical care, conservation research, and collaborative partnerships. This role integrates veterinary medicine, population health, and conservation science to support The Wilds’ mission and global conservation initiatives. Serves as a key member of the senior leadership team. Clinical & Animal Health Leadership Direct diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of animal health across the collectionLead development and implementation of preventative medicine and herd health programs for diverse, large-scale wildlife populationsOversee veterinary hospital operations, pharmacy, and medical protocolsEnsure emergency veterinary coverage and lead response to critical animal health situationsConduct and oversee necropsy procedures and disease investigations Conservation Medicine & Research Develop and execute a strategic conservation medicine program aligned with The Wilds’ mission and global conservation prioritiesDesign, implement, and oversee applied conservation research programs in collaboration with Conservation Science staffPromote a One Health approach integrating animal, human, and environmental health principlesProvide mentorship and oversight for veterinary residents, interns, and research participantsDisseminate findings through publications, presentations, and professional engagementIdentify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support research initiatives Population Health & Biosecurity Lead disease surveillance, epidemiology, and biosecurity programs for multi-species, large-acreage environmentsDevelop and implement quarantine and animal movement protocols to ensure regulatory compliance and population healthManage health risks associated with free-ranging and co-managed species groups Leadership & Operations Create an inclusive, high-performing team culture with clear communication and accountabilityDevelop and manage departmental budgets, resources, and long-term planning initiativesCollaborate with Animal Management, Conservation Science, and other departments to support institutional goalsEnsure appropriate staffing, training, and professional developmentParticipate in organizational strategic planning and leadership decision-making Regulatory Compliance & Ethics Maintain compliance with all applicable laws, standards, and best practices, including USDA and AZA requirementsResponsible for completing and coordinating veterinary care components of AZA, American Humane and ZAA accreditation applications.Serve as Chair or lead representative for the Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC)Maintain regulatory records and facilitate inspections and reportingMaintain strong professional relationships with regulatory agencies and inspectors External Partnerships & Representation Coordinate veterinary and research collaborations with universities, AZA institutions, and conservation organizationsMaintain collaborative relationships and coordinate with associated animal health and research contacts and partners to support program goalsRepresent The Wilds at professional meetings, conferences, and in scientific forumsSupport educational initiatives and contribute to training programs with academic partners General Responsibilities Contribute expertise to animal management decisions including husbandry, nutrition, and reproductionCoordinate with Animal Management and Conservation education & Engagement Departments to support veterinary components of guest programming.Support organizational mission, sustainability efforts, and conservation prioritiesServe as Manager on Duty (MOD) during weekends during the peak season (generally May-October)Perform other related duties as assigned that align with the scope and responsibilities of this leadership role and support animal health, conservation, research, and operational priorities. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Frequent standing, walking, bending, and liftingWork conducted in outdoor environments with exposure to extreme weather conditionsPotential exposure to zoonotic diseases, anesthetic agents, and wildlife-related hazardsAbility to lift and carry up to 50 lbs occasionally Additional Notes This position operates in a large, open-range conservation environment requiring both clinical and field-based veterinary expertiseOccasional travel, including conference attendance, fieldwork across property, and collaboration with partner institutionsRole requires sound judgment, adaptability, and the ability to balance animal welfare, conservation goals, and operational priorities. Education & Licensure DVM (or equivalent) requiredBoard certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) or ability to achieve within 6 months of hire required.Valid driver’s license with good driving record requiredValid Ohio veterinary license or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire requiredEligibility for DEA licensure required Experience & Technical Expertise Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in zoological, wildlife, or conservation medicine requiredDemonstrated leadership or supervisory experience requiredExperience with large hoofstock, carnivores, and/or free-ranging or semi-free-ranging wildlife populations strongly preferredExperience in wildlife immobilization, anesthesia, and field-based veterinary procedures preferredKnowledge of population health, epidemiology, and disease surveillance in managed or free-ranging systems preferredResearch experience required; demonstrated success in leading or contributing to applied conservation research preferred Regulatory, Research & Compliance Experience with regulatory compliance (such as USDA-APHIS, AZA accreditation standards, and ACUC) requiredExperience in grant writing, research funding acquisition, and scientific publication preferred Skills, Competencies & Other Requirements Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills requiredStrong computer proficiency and data management skills requiredExcellent verbal and written communication skills requiredAbility to work independently while leading cross-functional teams requiredAbility to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as neededAbility to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with internal teams and external partners requiredAbility to adhere to all safety protocols and standard operating procedures requiredAbility to pass required background checks and drug screening