Job Description

Director of Animal Health

Zoo New England is seeking applicants for the position of Director of Animal Health. Finding the right candidate as the best fit both for our team and the goals of our programs in clinical and conservation medicine is of highest importance.

The Director of Animal Health will oversee the clinical practice and provide leadership to the hospital staff. In addition to clinical responsibilities for a diverse collection of approximately 1,800 animals representing 270 different species, Zoo New England has a growing number of developing programs dealing with One Health, conservation medicine, and zoological medicine research. The department of Animal Health and the departments of Field Conservation and Conservation Genomics are closely aligned. Additionally, in a unique relationship with the Harvard Medical School, fourth year medical students work with Zoo New England veterinarians during one-month formal rotations as part of a One Health clinical elective. This and other initiatives bring together collaborative partnerships with many of Bostons world-famous institutes of health and science and opportunities abound for further work. The incoming veterinarian will have a significant role in helping to design and implement these programs.

Zoo New England is at an exciting time of growth, with several capital improvements recently completed, a new African penguin exhibit opening in early 2026, and a new hospital and conservation research center that is currently being designed. We have an institutional strategic plan that prioritizes conservation and research, roles that are central to the department of Animal Health.

This position will work collaboratively with two full-time associate veterinarians to manage the clinical case load and preventative health program. Remaining Animal Health staff includes four full-time licensed veterinary technicians, one of which serves as hospital manager, and a full-time Integrated Pest Management Specialist. Zoo New England operates two separate AZA-accredited zoos: the Franklin Park Zoo, in Boston, and the Stone Zoo, in Stoneham, MA (15 miles apart). ZNE also provides veterinary care to a small native wildlife collection at a nearby natural history museum. Base of operations for the veterinary team is at the Franklin Park Zoo.

The successful candidate will have good communication skills, high energy, work well in a group, and provide positive leadership to the clinical team.

Essential Job Responsibilities:
Experienced clinical veterinarian providing oversight for medical and surgical care of all animals at ZNE and Mass Audubons Blue Hills Trailside Museum (TSM)
Management responsibilities and leadership for the clinical team
Coordinates with other zoo staff in activities required for animal health maintenance
Oversight and maintenance of a preventive health program up to AZA and AAZV standards
Able to coordinate and participate in all aspects of veterinary care for the animal collection
Help to conceive, plan, and execute projects and programs in conservation medicine and scientific research, as it relates to care and conservation of zoo and wildlife species

Preferred Qualifications:

Board certification with the American College of Zoological Medicine is strongly preferred
5 years or more of full-time clinical zoo practice with excellent clinical skills
Experience and interest in conservation medicine
Design and implementation of research using scientific method
Willingness to engage in scientific research and produce regular publications in scholarly journals
Willingness to engage in the professional zoo medicine community
Management experience and desire to lead a team
Working knowledge of all aspects of animal health care of exotic and zoo animals
Working knowledge of all applicable wildlife regulations and laws
Knowledge of applicable AZA and USDA guidelines and regulations that pertain to ZNE and TSM
DEA license for controlled substances in MA and Federal

Minimum Qualifications:
License to practice veterinary medicine in US and the Commonwealth of MA, or ability to obtain within 6 months
Ability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime when needed
Must be able to work outside in inclement weather conditions to provide veterinary care
Able to perform at a competent level under high stress conditions
Willingness to work in direct contact with dangerous animals and potentially zoonotic diseases, as well as toxic and hazardous conditions
Understand zoonotic disease risks and practice safe handling / procedures when working with ZNEs animal collection
Working knowledge of all applicable wildlife regulations and laws
Knowledge of applicable AZA and USDA guidelines and regulations
Accredited by the USDA for health certificates and cervid cervical TB testing, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
Must have rabies immunization and allow for rabies titers and TB testing according to ZNE policy
Must be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2
Must abide by all written ZNE policies and procedures
Class III drivers license
Class A firearms license, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
Ability to pass CORI screens

To apply:

Feel free to contact Dr. Eric Baitchman for inquiries, ebaitchman@zoonewengland.org .

To complete an application click link below:

Apply Here

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