Head Veterinarian & Director of Animal Wellbeing

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Turtle Back Zoo

Head Veterinarian & Director of Animal Wellbeing

About Us: Nestled within the scenic South Mountain Reservation, the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is a vibrant 30-acre haven for 150 different domestic and wildlife species, managed by the nation''s oldest county park system. We''re proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2006 and hold an American Humane Certification since 2017, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of animal care.

Exciting Opportunity: We are seeking a visionary leader to serve as our Head Veterinarian. This pivotal role will lead our brand-new, state-of-the-art Animal Wellness Center! As a key member of the Zoo's Leadership Team, you will not only provide elite clinical care but also oversee the daily operations, strategic management, and administrative functions of our cutting-edge 10,000 sq. ft. medical facility.

Your Role: Leadership & Clinical Excellence

As the Head Veterinarian, you will lead our veterinary department, overseeing a team that includes an ACZM diplomate, full-time veterinary technicians, and interns. You will be a primary driver of the zoo's animal management strategy, ensuring that our wellness programs are proactive, integrated, and world-class.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative & Leadership:

• Facility Management: Direct the operations of the Animal Wellness Center (AWC), managing budgets, medical supplies, and equipment maintenance (including CT, surgical suites, and ICU).
• Leadership Team: Serve as a core member of the Zoo Leadership Team, contributing to long-term institutional planning and animal management, conservation and guest experience strategies and assisting Curatorial team as needed.
• Personnel Management: Supervise and mentor associate veterinarian, veterinary technicians, interns, and students; oversee scheduling and professional development within the AWC.
• Nutrition Oversight: Collaborate directly with our contracted nutritionist, food vendors and nutrition team to design, audit, and manage nutritionally balanced diets for the entire collection, ensuring diet health is integrated into clinical wellness plans.

Clinical Veterinary Care:

• Provide comprehensive routine and emergency medical and surgical treatment for a diverse collection, including megavertebrates, carnivores, primates, birds, herps, aquatics and inverts.
• Lead the preventative medicine program and oversee all quarantine and pre-shipment protocols.
• Ensure strict compliance with USDA and AZA standards, as well as federal and state regulations.
• Maintain thorough, timely animal health records and oversee necropsy procedures.

Research, Safety, & Education:

• Serve on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
• Represent the Zoo as a subject matter expert for media inquiries and guest engagement initiatives.
• Lead staff training on zoonotic disease prevention, medication administration, and emergency response (escape and envenomation teams).
• Direct clinical research projects and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.

Experience Required

Qualifications & Experience: Required Education & Licensure: • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited college. • Licensed to practice in the State of New Jersey (or ability to obtain within 3 months). • USDA Category II accreditation for New Jersey (or ability to obtain within 6 months). • DEA registration for controlled substances, including schedule 2 and 2N medications. Professional Experience: • Minimum of 5 years of full-time experience practicing zoological medicine in an AZA-accredited institution (leadership/managerial experience preferred). • Board Certification (ACZM or ECZM) is highly preferred; DVM with board eligibility is required. • Advanced proficiency in anesthesia and surgery across a wide range of taxonomic species. • Experience with remote injection equipment and the use of ultra-potent narcotics. Skills & Attributes: • Proven ability to lead and manage a diverse team with high emotional intelligence (EQ). • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage complex facility budgets and operations. • Excellent communication skills for public speaking and inter-departmental collaboration. • Availability: Must be able to respond to the Zoo within 40 minutes for emergencies and be willing to work weekends/holidays and overnights as needed.

Salary

Commensurate with experience

How to Apply

Join Us!

If you are a dedicated leader and clinician seeking to shape the future of animal wellbeing in a supportive, cutting-edge environment, we encourage you to apply.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to Jilian Fazio at jfazio@parks.essexcountynj.org.

Turtle Back Zoo

560 Northfield Rd

West Orange, NJ 07052

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