Veterinarian

About the role

The Veterinarian is a full-time, on-site role based at Staten Island Zoo in New York, NY.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive medical care to the Zoo’s diverse animal population, including preventive medicine, diagnostics, treatment, surgery, and emergency care.
• Perform health assessments, maintain accurate medical records, coordinate quarantine and biosecurity protocols, and oversee vaccination and parasite control programs.
• Collaborate closely with animal keepers and leadership to develop care plans, advise on nutrition and husbandry, and support conservation breeding programs.
• Participate in safety drills, contribute to staff training, and engage with education staff on animal health and welfare topics as needed.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or equivalent) from an accredited institution; eligibility for New York State veterinary licensure.
• Experience in zoological, wildlife, or exotic animal medicine, including work with a variety of species such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
• Knowledge of preventive medicine, diagnostics, surgery, anesthesia, and emergency care for non-domestic species.
• Ability to interpret laboratory results, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests, and develop appropriate treatment plans.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills for working with animal care teams, leadership, and external veterinary and conservation partners.
• Commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and adherence to regulatory and accreditation standards (e.g., USDA, AZA guidelines).
• Comfort with physically active work in outdoor and indoor environments, including handling animals safely and participating in emergency response.
• Experience with medical record systems and attention to accurate documentation and reporting.
• Willingness to work occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings as animal care needs require.
• Additional training or board certification in zoological or exotic animal medicine is a plus.