ZooTampa at Lowry Park is the most visited mission-based, non-profit attraction in Florida. With over 1.2 million visitors annually, we have evolved to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. What is more, guided by our strategic plan we will expand and further transform into a 21st Century Zoo. ZooTampa, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters, engaging seasonal events, along with inspiring educational and conservation programming,
Senior Veterinarian (Full-Time, Exempt)
- Step into a senior leadership role at ZooTampa where we are making bold moves in animal care and wildlife conservation.
- ZooTampa is growing—and so is our veterinary team. We’re hiring a Senior Veterinarian to serve as our Senior Director of Animal Health and lead daily clinical operations, mentor veterinary staff, and support the expansion of our world-class Catherine Lowry Straz Veterinary Hospital and the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center. This is a pivotal leadership role with influence across our entire animal collection, including native wildlife and manatees in critical care.
- Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
- Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
- The Sr. Director of Animal Health is responsible for implementing and upholding the standards of veterinary care in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act (APHIS-USDA), AZA and AAHA.
- This position leads the Animal Health Team to provide exceptional, comprehensive medical care and wellbeing to the animals at ZooTampa, as well as rescued wildlife.
- The Sr. Director of Animal Health is a key member of our Park Management Team and expected to monitor, evaluate, and provide recommendations to the Senior Vice President of Animal Health and Conservation and Sr. VP of Zoological Operations regarding animal health issues within the collection.
- This position directly supervises the veterinary technicians and veterinarians while overseeing the daily medical functions at the Catherine Lowry Straz Veterinary Hospital as well as the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center.
Reports To:
- Sr VP of Animal Health & Conservation
- Direct Reports:
- Senior Clinical Veterinarian
- Associate Veterinarian
- Veterinary Technicians
Experience Required
- What are we looking for?
- Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
- Minimum of 10 years as a veterinarian, with at least 5 years in a zoo or aquarium setting.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a leadership and direct managerial role.
- Familiarity with and adherence to the guidelines established by standard veterinary medicine organizations including AZA, AAZV, AAHA, and APHIS-USDA.
- Minimum requirement includes graduation from an AVMA accredited Doctoral Program in Veterinary Medicine, Florida License to practice veterinary medicine or ability to acquire license within 90 days of hire.
- Post-doctoral experience/internship/residency in a zoological park and/or specialization with exotic animals.
- ACZM board eligibility or certification is preferred.
- National USDA accreditation category II and ability to complete animal health certificates.
- Experience with for critical care of manatees strongly preferred.
- Excellent communication skills.
- High emotional intelligence.
- Further Comments
- This is a Senior Director level management opportunity.
Perks
- Our Perks at ZooTampa Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options 403(b) Retirement Plan Competitive PTO plan (Vacation and Wellness time) Employee Assistance Program Free gym membership Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida And so much more! Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace
