Zoo Veterinarian (MM)

Description

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitudes, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success, and have a PASSION for public service. Having the best employees provides the best service to the community.
Manages, administers, and coordinates veterinary medical care and overall animal health at the City of Santa Ana Zoo, under the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency. Develops and implements animal care standards and protocols in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To

• Manages programs and activities related to the health and well-being of zoo animals.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates comprehensive animal care protocols aligned with industry best practices and regulatory standards.
• Oversees all operations of the zoo’s veterinary hospital and assigned staff.
• Establishes, enforces, and maintains veterinary care polices, practices, and procedures.
• Manages animal health, including disease prevention and treatment, nutrition, reproduction, behavior, husbandry, quarantine, disease surveillance, and necropsy.
• Provides direct healthcare services to zoo animals in collaboration with zoo staff and contracted veterinary specialists.
• Performs routine and preventive medical examinations, diagnostics, and treatments.
• Conducts various procedures, including physical exams, laboratory testing, surgeries, medication administration, microchipping, emergency procedures, and necropsies.
• Prescribes and supervises the administration and proper disposal of medications, including controlled substances.
• Oversees the care of hospitalized and quarantined animals.
• Collects, processes, and ships laboratory samples.
• Assesses animal health and quality of life through collaboration with the zoo-wide animal well-being program.
• Collaborates with zoo staff to provide veterinary input on animal enrichment, training, and breeding plans.
• Procures, maintains, and monitors medical equipment, controlled substances, and other veterinary supplies; secures inventory and conducts regular inventory audits.
• Maintains the cleanliness and functionality of the zoo hospital.
• Ensures 24/7 continuity of animal healthcare and responds to animal emergencies.
• Conducts research and collaborates on emerging zoonotic diseases.
• Provides training on veterinary care, veterinary practices, zoonotic diseases, and use of remote immobilization equipment.
• Collaborates with zookeepers to ensure feeding schedules and dietary needs meet animal well-being and established care standards.
• Participates in animal capture and transportation, including the safe restraint of wild and potentially dangerous animals using specialized equipment.
• Maintains and audits comprehensive medical records, including those for reproduction, controlled substances, and husbandry.
• Prepares documentation for medical-related permits and ensures compliance with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Welfare Act (AWA), and other regulatory agencies.
• Recruits, hires, trains, directs, and evaluates assigned staff.
• Promotes safety for animals, staff, and the public; ensures proper use of personal protective equipment; and documents incidents.
• Collaborates in the monitoring and administration of the zoo’s animal health care budget.
• Coordinates the administration of veterinary services contracts, staff reports, and vendor agreements.
• Represents the zoo in animal management committees and professional forums.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to staff, the public, and outside interest groups.
• Responds to public inquiries and prepares routine correspondence.
• May oversee overall zoo operations in the supervisor’s absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience : Four (4) years of professional veterinary experience, including two (2) years in a zoo or exotic animal practice with birds, reptiles, and mammals. Minimum qualifications may be met via an equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions. Experience and education must provide the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Education: Graduation from an accredited veterinary school with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD) degree.
Special Requirements:

• Possession and retention of a valid driver’s license, or alternative transportation that reasonably meets operational needs.
• Possession and retention of a valid and in good standing license to practice veterinary medicine from the California Veterinary Medical Board (or reciprocal) within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Possession and retention of valid USDA accreditation, including Tuberculosis (TB) and Brucellosis testing authority, within nighty (90) days of employment.
• Possession and retention of a valid Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license for prescribing and administering controlled substances within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Active registration and good standing with the California Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) database.
• Must be willing and able to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and respond to emergencies, as needed.

Highly Desirable: Veterinary experience in a public or municipal setting.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

• Zoo and exotic animal medicine, surgery, and husbandry.
• Veterinary standards for animal, behavior, reproduction, and sheltering.
• Pertinent codes and regulations, including AZA, USDA, AWA, and other regulatory animal care standards.
• Quarantine, vector control, and zoonotic disease management, and post-mortem procedures.
• Safe handling of exotic and potentially dangerous animals.
• Veterinary hospital operations and equipment.
• Principles of animal enrichment and behavioral programs.
• Supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Public communication, customer service, and educational program design.
• Municipal contract and budget administration.
• Medical and administrative recordkeeping systems.
• Zoo animal care trends and best practices.
• Proper English usage, grammar, and punctuation.

Skill in:

• The safe handling and treatment of exotic zoo animals.
• The use of veterinary and diagnostic equipment.
• The use of personal computers, and office and veterinary software, including Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Supervising and directing staff effectively.

Ability to:

• Manage and coordinate zoo veterinary operations.
• Apply pertinent rules and regulations governing the care and treatment of animals.
• Recommend, implement, and evaluate animal care goals, programs, projects, policies, and procedures.
• Diagnose and treat a wide variety of animal health conditions.
• Administer medicine and vaccinations accurately.
• Respond to emergencies and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Conduct research, prepare reports, and maintain regulatory documentation.
• Supervise staff and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Manage contracts, budgets, and veterinary inventory.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
• Prepare clear and concise staff reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Coordinate work duties in an effective and timely manner.
• Maintain accurate and compliant recordkeeping.
• Communicate clearly and tactfully with staff, contractors, and the public, both orally and in writing.
• Make oral presentations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, the public, contractors, special interest groups, volunteers, zoo patrons, and those contacted in the scope of work.

Selection Process

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide .

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Oral Interview Examination ( Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025 ) : (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score of 70% in order to be placed on the eligible list.
Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list. Candidates must achieve a passing score in every component of the selection process in order to be placed on the eligible list. The Human Resources Department may waive one or more examination components. When one weighted examination component is waived, the remaining section will receive a weight of 100%.
The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.

Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

Summary of Benefits

(under SAMA)

NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.

Closing Date/Time: 7/27/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Santa Ana

• 714-647-5340

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