Staff Veterinarian

What You'll Do
The Staff Veterinarian provides comprehensive medical, surgical, preventive, and emergency care for the Zoo's animal collection while working collaboratively with the veterinary and animal care teams.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide medical and surgical care for the Zoo's animals, including physical examinations, diagnostics, treatment, surgery, anesthesia, immobilization, disease surveillance, emergency response, and necropsy.

• Participate in routine observation of animals and their environments and work closely with keepers and curators to identify and address health and welfare concerns.

• Maintain and advance the Zoo's preventive medicine program and provide oversight and collaboration related to animal nutrition.

• Provide triage, medical and surgical care, rehabilitation, and appropriate disposition of injured and orphaned native wildlife, as well as confiscated wildlife.

• Maintain and advance veterinary protocols related to animal healthcare, procedures, emergencies, and biosecurity.

• Maintain accurate medical records using ZIMS and other applicable systems.

• Help ensure compliance with AZA and AAZV standards and applicable DEA, USDA, USFWS, TPWD, and other regulatory requirements.

• Participate in and support research, including AZA SSP and TAG research initiatives, approved external research, and Zoo-generated projects.

• Contribute to the broader body of zoological and veterinary knowledge through professional presentations and publications.

• Support veterinary technicians, assistants, and hospital keepers with laboratory procedures, animal husbandry, hospital operations, and other needs as part of a collaborative team.

• Help sustain established veterinary mentorship and internship relationships with schools and other educational partners.

• Supervise veterinary technicians, assistants, and hospital animal care staff as assigned.

• Participate in other veterinary, animal welfare, conservation, research, and institutional initiatives as needed.

What We're Looking For
Required qualifications include:

• DVM or VMD degree from an accredited college or university.

• USDA Category II accreditation, or ability to obtain accreditation, for interstate and international animal transport.

• Current Texas veterinary license or ability to become licensed in Texas.

• Ability to qualify for DEA registration for controlled substances.

• Valid driver's license.

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with veterinary colleagues, keepers, curators, Zoo leadership, and other departments, as well as interact professionally with members of the public, donors, Zoo members, and media when needed.

• Proficiency with standard computer applications and electronic medical records.

We would especially like to hear from candidates who bring:

• ACZM Board Certification or Board eligibility.

• Clinical experience with a diverse range of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic species.

• Aquatic animal medicine experience or formal training—or genuine enthusiasm for developing expertise in this area.

Just as importantly, we are looking for someone who is curious, collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable being part of the animal care team. Zoological medicine is rarely practiced alone. The strongest candidate will value the knowledge of the people who know their animals best, enjoy working across disciplines, and approach difficult cases with both scientific rigor and an openness to learn from others.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

This is a hands-on zoological medicine position. Candidates must be able to:

• Work a flexible schedule, including extended hours when animal emergencies require it.

• Respond effectively in stressful and emergency situations.

• Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and within physically demanding environments.

• Lift and carry at least 50 pounds.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Gladys Porter Zoo currently offers:

• 100% employer-paid health insurance

• 100% employer-paid vision and dental insurance

• Employer-paid basic life insurance

• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave

• 401(k)

• A supportive, collaborative team environment