TEMPORARY VETERINARIAN- TORONTO ZOO

BRANCH: Wildlife Health

COMMENCING: September 1st, 2018

DURATION: 12 Months

SALARY: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Basic Function: Reporting to the Head of Veterinary Services, this position shares responsibility in maintaining the health of the animal collection, supervising veterinary residents in the ACZM/ECZM-accredited residency programs, and supporting research and conservation projects. This position will assist and provide support in implementing the approved Strategic Plan.

Responsibilities:

* Maintains the health of the animal collection, primarily through preventative medicine, and routinely checks the condition of the animals.

* Diagnoses animal diseases and injuries and provides professional medical and surgical treatment, including overnight and weekend coverage of animal health emergencies on a rotating on-call basis.

* Performs or supervises the physical and chemical restraint of animals for management and medical reasons.

* Collaborates regularly and enthusiastically with colleagues, and with specialists from outside the Zoo on an as-needed basis.

* Evaluates daily keeper reports with reference to animal health problems.

* Instructs Zoo employees on training and enrichment programs, and the administration of medication to the animals.

* Provides information and direction in animal health matters.

* Maintains daily records of clinical activities.

* Establishes appropriate quarantine holdings for new animal arrivals, and establishes quarantine procedures as required by law or deemed necessary to prevent disease transmission.

* Routinely examines and performs appropriate tests to determine the health of quarantined animals before releasing them to the collection.

* Examines animals prior to shipment and issues health certificates in accordance with government regulations.

* Supervises or performs laboratory examination of blood, tissue, or other animal material in order to establish normal physiological parameters and aid in the diagnosis of disease processes. Determines the presence of pathogenic agents.

* Performs post-mortem examinations on animals, or submits specimens to the appropriate laboratory to determine the cause(s) of death.

* Provides information and observations concerning animal feeding, and evaluates diets in conjunction with other Zoo staff.

* Participates in staff and volunteer training programs, and provides guidance to Zoo staff concerning hygiene and zoonotic potential.

* Reports and discusses zoonotic problems with the appropriate medical authorities and the Executive Director of Conservation, Education & Wildlife.

* Reports significant health problems in the animal collection to the appropriate curatorial staff and the Executive Director of Conservation, Education & Wildlife.

* Participates in and supports research activities, including the evaluation of research proposals and contributing to the Zoo’s Animal Care and Use Program.

* Supports Toronto Zoo conservation programs, and promotes effective relationships with external conservation partners to help achieve the Zoo’s objectives regarding captive endangered species management.

* Performs clinical work “on display” to visitors in the Wildlife Health Centre public viewing gallery, and provides explanatory commentary when necessary.

* Supports Marketing, Partnerships, and Communications by providing tours and interviews when requested.

* Supervises veterinary residents in the ACZM/ECZM-accredited residency programs, in collaboration with the Ontario Veterinary College.

* Provides instruction to veterinary and veterinary technician students on rotation at the Zoo.

* Supervises Wildlife Health Centre operations in the absence of the Head of Veterinary Services including interviewing, selecting, training, supervising and directing, evaluating, scheduling, and disciplining assigned staff.

* Responsible for ensuring compliance with WHMIS legislation, the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Toronto Zoo Safety Policies; for ensuring all employees work in a safe manner, with the appropriate protective equipment, and that all accidents and hazards in his/her area or responsibility are investigated and corrective action taken.

* Assists guests on-site as required and ensures excellent customer service is provided by Zoo staff.

* Other related duties as requested by the Head of Veterinary Services.

Qualifications

* Must be a graduate in veterinary medicine from a recognized college with three years of experience in a zoo or similar setting.

* Must possess, or be able to obtain, a licence in veterinary medicine issued by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario. Being AZCM-boarded generally allows the candidate to acquire a licence.

* Must have completed post-graduate training in zoological medicine +/- pathology.

* Board certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine or the equivalent is desirable.

* Must have experience performing gross post-mortem examinations; familiarity with histopathology and associated diagnostic tests is desirable.

* Experience with research and publications is desirable.

* Must be a team player and be able to collaborate regularly and enthusiastically with colleagues; experience with teaching is desirable.

* Must be able to communicate in an effective manner, both verbally and in writing.

* Must possess demonstrated presentation skills, along with the ability to prepare and deliver training programs.

* Working knowledge of WHIMS legislation, Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act is desirable.

CANDIDATES MAY BE REQUIRED TO TAKE A WRITTEN AND/OR PRACTICAL EXAMINATION RELEVANT TO THE POSITION.

If interested in this position, please submit your resume and cover letter no later than Friday, June 29th to:

Email: hr@torontozoo.ca

* Please state "Application for Temporary Veterinarian" in the subject line of your application.

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Toronto Zoo provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities, as defined under the Ontario Human Rights Code. If contacted for an interview, and you require specific accommodation for the interview process because of a disability or a medical need, then please advise the person contacting you of your requirements, so that arrangements can be made for the appropriate accommodations to be in place before you begin the interview process.