Veterinarian / Senior Veterinarian

Oakland Zoo • Oakland, CA

9d • $107,424 - $130,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinarian/Senior Veterinarian serves as a leadership position within the Oakland Zoo Veterinary Services team and plays a critical role in supporting Oakland Zoo’s mission of exceptional animal care and conservation. Operating within a state-of-the-art, 17,000 sq. ft. veterinary hospital, closely with a team of veterinary professionals (3 veterinarians, 4 veterinary technicians, and 3 hospital keepers), this position combines high-level clinical practice with other paraclinical duties. Advanced clinicians in this position will assume a working manager role, with departmental management, leadership, and mentorship responsibilities based on experience and departmental needs. This would include sharing responsibility for both executing and overseeing clinical veterinary services, while also supporting the strategic, operational, and regulatory functions of the department.

Requirements

• DVM degree or equivalent from an accredited school of veterinary medicine or ECFVG Certificate if a foreign veterinary graduate
• Current California veterinary license (must be acquired within 6 months of hire)
• Minimum 4 years of experience in zoological medicine or related field
• USDA category II accreditation to certify health for interstate and international transport of animals
• Strong clinical and surgical skills with a broad range of taxa
• Valid Driver’s License and good driving record (ability to obtain authorization from the Zoo’s Insurance Carrier)
• Able to work weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hours assignments

Nice To Haves

• ACZM Board Certified or board eligible, or have another associated advanced degree
• Possess a current DEA license

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, comprehensive daily clinical medical care to a wide variety of zoological species.
• Provide emergency and after-hours care as part of an on-call rotation.
• Participate in and co-manage the Emergency Immobilization Team (EIT).
• Implement preventative medicine programs, including health exams, dental care, parasite control, nutritional assessments, vaccinations, and disease surveillance.
• Collaborate with veterinary and medical specialists on complex cases.
• Perform gross necropsies, prepare pathology reports, and develop preventative care recommendations.
• Maintain accurate, professional medical records using the TRACKS system.
• Contribute to conservation and research efforts through data and sample collection.
• Mentor veterinary students, externs, volunteers, and other observers.
• Participate in marketing, media engagements, and be open to public-facing educational opportunities as appropriate and requested.
• Ensure compliance with AZA, AAZV, USDA, OSHA, and all relevant regulatory standards.
• Review, update, and develop medical and operational protocols (e.g., quarantine, biosecurity, emergency procedures).
• Create quarantine and pre-shipment protocols for incoming and outgoing animals.
• Oversee the veterinary preventive medicine program.
• Oversee the 4th year clinical veterinary externship program.
• Participate in and represent the Veterinary Department in interdepartmental collaboration on animal care, husbandry, welfare, and planning.
• Prepare reports, case studies, and deliver presentations to both professional and public audiences
• Responsible for annual keeper zoonotic disease training.
• Assist in maintaining hospital facilities, equipment, and supplies in excellent working order.
• Lead or support special projects and initiatives based on departmental needs.

Benefits

• Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, flexible spending account, 403b retirement plan, paid time off, employee assistance program, a family zoo membership, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree