Associate Veterinarian

LIVING DESERT DBA THE LIVING DESERT•Palm Desert, CA

1d•$100,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Living Desert (TLD) is seeking a qualified candidate to join the Veterinary and Animal Care Teams as the Associate Veterinarian. This position is a primarily clinical appointment. In conjunction with the Head Veterinarian and three full-time veterinary technicians, the Associate Veterinarian will maintain the veterinary medical program for TLD. Our collection includes over 600 individuals of 160 species, from mega vertebrates such as black rhinos and giraffe to locally endangered ungulates such as the peninsular pronghorn and desert bighorn, and a variety of birds, reptiles, and carnivores. And, of course, we support desert tortoise conservation! Located within the Coachella Valley and Colorado Desert of Southern California, TLD is committed to the mission of “Desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation,” both locally and globally. The successful candidate will support this mission and facilitate TLD’s vision of a forward-thinking modern zoo and inclusive culture. The Coachella Valley, home to Palm Springs and its neighboring cities, offers a dynamic lifestyle enriched by the internationally renowned Coachella Music Festival, numerous cultural events, and year-round recreational and sporting opportunities. Outdoor activities are plentiful, with the San Bernardino National Forest and Joshua Tree National Park close by. The Pacific coastline is easily accessible for day trips to the beach. Come join us in this unique location! The Veterinary Care Team: - Practices high quality medicine and maintains exceptional professional standards - Has great enthusiasm for the profession of zoological medicine? - Adheres to the highest animal well-being standards and works as a team - Performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that will move TLD into the future

Requirements

Knowledge and practice of contemporary standards of zoo veterinary care
Knowledge of zoonotic diseases that may affect the collection animals, personnel, and guests
In-depth knowledge of zoo animal and wildlife husbandry and medicine
Ability to work with potentially dangerous animals and exercise sound judgement in emergency situations
Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills for effective working relationships with all TLD team members
Ability to supervise and train veterinary technicians, keepers, students, and volunteers
Ability to form professional networking relationships with other institutions
Ability to work at a fast pace while maintaining attention to detail
Must be a motivated self-starter who is able to work independently, as well as be an effective team member
DVM or VMD or equivalent from an accredited school of veterinary medicine
Two years minimum of full-time zoological or wildlife medicine practice
Must be legally able to work in the United States
Must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of California within 6 months of hire date
Must obtain USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Category II Accreditation within 6 months of hire date
Must obtain a valid California driver’s license within 3 months of hire
Must be insurable on The Living Desert’s automobile policy
Must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster

Responsibilities

Provide routine and emergency medical and surgical treatment for TLD collection animals
Manage the TLD preventive healthcare program
Manage the veterinary student training program
Maintain complete and accurate medical records for all animals in the TLD collection
Participate in the Emergency Darting Team and assist in training staff members on the team
Effectively work with the Animal Care Team management and keepers
Perform gross post-mortem exams and collect routine samples for histopathology
Understand AZA and AAZV standards and strive to meet or exceed current standards for zoo animal care and well-being
Participate in field conservation, educational, and promotional programs
Interact with guests and media to promote TLD’s mission
Provide a safe and productive working environment