Job description
VP of Animal Health
Job Summary
The Greensboro Science Center (GSC) is a highly unique, dynamic, and rapidly evolving 25-acre zoo, 33,000 square-foot aquarium, and 68,000 square-foot museum located in the heart of beautiful North Carolina. The GSC is NCs only dually accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and American Alliance of Museums (AAM) science attraction. Revolution Ridge, the GSCs elevenacre zoo expansion, opened in June 2021 and is the culmination of the Science City, USA Master Plan. Revolution Ridge added nine new animal exhibits (cassowary, okapi, pygmy hippo, Caribbean flamingo, fishing cat, serval, sand cat, black footed cat, and red panda), the Tannenbaum Conservation Center, as well as the Shearer Animal Hospital. The Hospital is a state-of-the-art facility that incorporates the latest technology and guest viewing windows to fully engross and educate guests in the daily health management of our living collection.
The GSC is in the beginning stages of executing an innovative ten-year strategic vision called The Gateway Project. Phase 1 of the Gateway Project, in-part funded by a $20 million city bond, includes a rainforest biodome and an aquatic care, conservation, rescue, rehabilitation, and reintroduction center. Expedition Rainforest The Greensboro Biodome will include plants and animals from three continents, South America, Africa, and Asia, including sloth, clouded leopards, toucans, crocodilians, sifaka, exotic birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. The Aquatic Rehabilitation and Care Complex (ARCC) will focus on sea turtle rehabilitation and release, coral propagation for release to the wild, sea horse and endangered fish species breeding, jellyfish propagation, shark and stingray care, and public education.
The VP of Animal Health reports to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and is responsible for the health and well-being of the GSCs living collection consisting of over 1,600 animals. This position will play a role as a member of the GSCs Executive Leadership Team, who is responsible for the strategic decision-making and operations of the GSC. The VP of Animal Health supervises the Vet Care team, which includes one full-time, and one part-time Veterinary Technicians.
Responsibilities & Accountabilities
- Provide professional medical care and oversight related to the husbandry and welfare of the living collection.
- Ensure adherence to guidelines established by AZA, USDA, AAZV, AAHA, and APHIS-USDA and all other applicable regulatory and accrediting agencies.
- Diagnose, treat, and control diseases and injuries in the living collection; perform surgery; prescribe and administer drugs and vaccines including controlled substances.
- Maintain proper and complete medical records using ZIMS record keeping system. Maintain accurate records of controlled substances in compliance with DEA regulations.
- Assist with managing animal shipments including communication with receiving/sending facility, perform pre-shipment and quarantine examinations and diagnostics, evaluate pre-shipment test results, and issue health certificates.
- Provide training and instructional support to Vet Care and Animal Care teams.
- Administrate supervision and oversight of the Vet Care departmental budget and operations.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all GSC staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and other facilities.
- Work with the VP of Education scheduling procedures for guest engagement and interpretation.
- Lead the Animal Welfare and Wellness Committee that assess and responds to animal welfare concerns from the staff, volunteers, and public.
- Serve as a member of the Research Committee.
- Continue to maintain and foster collaborations with local and state universities.
- Continue to maintain and foster the 4th year vet student externship and pre-vet shadow programs.
- Other job duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited Doctoral Program in Veterinary Medicine as well as Federal Accreditation Certification (USDA) and a NC license to practice veterinary medicine. If licensed in another state, obtain an NC license within 90 days of appointment.
- Post-doctoral experience, residency, or internship in a zoological park and/or specialization with exotic animals.
- Possession of a valid DEA license to administer and use class 2 narcotics.
- Minimum of three to five years of exotic animal medicine experience, preferably in a zoological facility.
- Experience working with an AZA accredited institution preferred.
- Trained in the use of tranquilizing equipment.
- Ability to speak professionally and eloquently to groups ranging from guests to the GSCs Board of Directors.
- Ability to enter animal areas and perform physical work, including lifting objects up to 50 pounds, on varied terrain and in inclement weather.
- Commitment to the GSCs mission is imperative.
This is an exempt position. Work hours are Monday through Friday, including on-call for emergencies and occasional rotating shift, weekends, and holidays.
Salary Range
$75,000 - $95,000 annually
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