Senior Veterinarian

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Gladys Porter Zoo

Senior Veterinarian

Position Summary

Gladys Porter Zoo is seeking an experienced and collaborative Senior Veterinarian to lead our Animal Health team and oversee the medical care of one of the most diverse zoological collections in North America. Home to approximately 1,700 animals representing more than 315 species, the Zoo provides opportunities to practice medicine across a remarkable range of taxa, including Western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, white rhinoceroses, giraffe, pangolins, Galápagos tortoises, crocodilians, aquatic species, and native wildlife requiring rehabilitation and release.

This position provides both clinical and administrative leadership, supervising a dedicated team that includes a staff veterinarian, part-time veterinarian, licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and hospital keepers. The Senior Veterinarian works closely with animal care leadership to advance animal health, welfare, preventive medicine, research, and conservation while fostering a collaborative, team-oriented hospital culture. Success in this role requires a collaborative leadership style, a commitment to evidence-based medicine, and a genuine appreciation for the expertise that every member of the Animal Health and Animal Care teams brings to exceptional animal welfare.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished zoo or wildlife veterinarian who combines excellent clinical judgment with thoughtful leadership, strong communication skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This role is well suited for someone who enjoys mentoring others, solving complex medical challenges, and helping shape the future of an established and growing zoological institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide medical and surgical care for a diverse zoological collection of approximately 1,700 animals representing more than 315 species.
• Lead and supervise the Zoo's Animal Health team, including staff veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and hospital keepers.
• Direct preventive medicine, clinical medicine, surgery, anesthesia, diagnostics, pathology, and emergency response programs.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve veterinary protocols, hospital procedures, and emergency response plans.
• Maintain high standards of animal health and welfare consistent with AZA, AAZV, USDA, DEA, Texas DPS, USFWS, TPWD, Animal Welfare Act, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Provide medical oversight for quarantine, animal transfers, preventive health programs, nutrition consultation, and disease surveillance.
• Maintain accurate medical records using ZIMS Medical.
• Perform necropsies and coordinate diagnostic sample collection and submission.
• Support wildlife triage, rehabilitation, treatment, and release efforts.
• Collaborate with curators, animal care staff, nutrition, behavioral husbandry, and conservation teams to promote exceptional animal welfare.
• Participate in and support research projects, AZA SSP and TAG initiatives, and opportunities to contribute to the zoological profession through publications and professional presentations.
• Maintain relationships with local, state, and federal wildlife agencies and partner organizations.
• Support veterinary mentorships, internships, and educational partnerships.
• Participate in after-hours emergency response and on-call rotation.

Minimum Qualifications

• DVM or VMD degree from an accredited college or university
• Licensed or eligible for veterinary licensure in the State of Texas
• USDA Category II Accreditation (or ability to obtain)
• DEA controlled substance license
• Demonstrated experience providing medical care across multiple taxa
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Valid Texas driver's license (or ability to obtain)

Preferred Qualifications

• Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) or board eligible
• Experience leading veterinary teams within an AZA-accredited institution
• Experience with ZIMS Medical Records

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional clinical judgment and diagnostic reasoning across diverse taxa
• Strong surgical and anesthesia experience
• Ability to balance clinical medicine with administrative leadership
• Commitment to evidence-based medicine, animal welfare, and continuous improvement
• Collaborative leadership style with excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with animal care professionals, researchers, students, media representatives, and the public

Working Conditions & Requirements

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency on-call responsibilities
• Ability to work outdoors in varying environmental conditions
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work effectively during emergency and high-pressure situations

About Gladys Porter Zoo

Gladys Porter Zoo is committed to excellence in animal care, conservation, education, and research. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Zoo maintains the highest standards of animal welfare while advancing wildlife conservation through collaborative partnerships, scientific research, and meaningful guest experiences.

Located in Brownsville, Texas, the Rio Grande Valley offers a subtropical climate, exceptional birding and wildlife opportunities, a rich cultural community, and convenient access to South Padre Island.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Supportive, collaborative professional environment

How to Apply

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and professional references to:

Kat Thompson-Hawk, General Curator

kthompson-hawk@gpz.org

Please include "Senior Veterinarian" in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Gladys Porter Zoo

500 E Ringgold St.

Brownsville, TX 78520

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