Associate Zoo Veterinarian

The Opportunity

Under the general direction of the Director, Animal Health and Nutrition, the Associate Veterinarian is responsible for providing excellence in animal health care including proactive and reactive care including after-hours emergency care to the animals at Assiniboine Park and Zoo.

The Associate veterinarian assists in the implementation of the Zoo’s veterinary Internship program and is responsible for supporting the supervision, mentorship and training of the veterinary interns, as well as veterinary, veterinary technician, undergraduate and potentially younger students.

The Associate Veterinarian participates in various programs related to animal nutrition, reproduction, welfare as well as collaborating with various outside organizations.

Your Role :

• Perform regular, planned preventative health care activities and procedures (routine exams, vaccinations, parasite surveillance, diagnostics, etc) to ensure ideal health of the animals within Assiniboine Park and Zoo.
• During animal health procedures provide direct supervision to animal health staff and indirect supervision to animal care personnel.
• Enact effective quarantine examinations and applicable testing required for all incoming and outgoing animals to ensure the health of the animals is maintained, infectious disease spread is prevented, and government regulations are met.
• Assist animal care team, animal health team and registrar with appropriate care and transport requirements for the shipping of animals.
• Ensure staff are trained in appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
• Monitor zoonotic diseases and educate staff on them.
• Perform routine gross postmortem exams on all species encountered.
• Maintain accurate, effective medical records for all clinical and postmortem cases.
• Participate in the execution and planning of reproductive and nutrition programs.
• Collaborate with animal care and animal health staff on animal welfare monitoring activities.
• Assist with the veterinary internship program providing expert mentorship.
• Assist with the programing and mentorship of veterinary students, veterinary technician students, undergraduate university students and potentially younger years.
• Consult and coordinate with local veterinary experts in areas such as ophthalmology, surgery, cardiology, and dentistry.
• Assist in the development and administration of research programs and provide consultation and clinical service to other government agencies and colleagues.
• Foster collaborative relationships with external institutions.
• Provide emergency veterinary care for animals at Assiniboine Park Zoo. On call duties (24 / 7 / 365) are shared amongst the veterinary team.
• Actively participate in and contribute to a positive, healthy team atmosphere within the animal health and animal care departments.
• Provide animal health expertise as an Assiniboine Park Conservancy representative for media interactions when assigned.
• May participate in animal care activities including animal care meetings, animal management planning as well as exhibit design discussions.
• May fulfill some of the day-to-day responsibilities of the Director of Animal Health and Nutrition in their absence.
• Other duties dependent on changing needs and the expertise of the successful applicant.

Qualifications :

• Must hold a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from a recognized educational institute (in good standing) and be eligible for licensure in Manitoba
• Minimum 2-3 years of full-time zoological medicine experience.
• Preference for candidates that are ACZM boarded or board-eligible.
• Completion of zoological medicine internship and / or residency highly desirable.
• Strong interest in large animal medicine an asset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially when working in a team environment.
• Brilliant organizational and planning skills as well as observational skills.
• Excellent animal health knowledge, particularly related to wildlife in human care.
• Strong animal husbandry knowledge, particularly related to wildlife in human care.
• Ability to develop an effective working relationship with various levels of management, animal health and animal care staff, guests, external colleagues, etc.
• Ability to balance multiple activities and prioritize amongst them or delegate as appropriate to ensure ideal performance.
• Knowledge on the important of selfcare and mental health impacts in the profession.
• Capacity to practice sound reasoning independently, while also contributing to the team environment.
• Ability and interest in public speaking.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to be on call.
• Experience using the Zoo Information Management System (ZIMS).
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office including Work, Powerpoint, Outlook and Excel.
• Class 5 Driver’s License

What we have to Offer :

• Comprehensive Health and Dental Plan
• Participation in APC's group RRSP plan with 6% employer contribution
• Minimum of three (3) weeks paid vacation annually
• Paid sick leave and long term disability plan
• Employee Assistance Plan
• An Inclusive work environment
• Zoo membership
• Free parking
• Park discounts
• Beautiful Park setting

APC is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from women, Indigenous people, underrepresented community members, and persons with disabilities.

Accommodations are available upon request during the assessment and selection process.

How to Apply