Associate Veterinarian

The Living Desert (TLD) is seeking a qualified candidate to join the Veterinary and Animal Care Teams as the Associate Veterinarian. This position is a primarily clinical appointment.

In conjunction with the Head Veterinarian and three full-time veterinary technicians, the Associate Veterinarian will maintain the veterinary medical program for TLD.

Our collection includes over 600 individuals of 160 species, from mega vertebrates such as black rhinos and giraffe to locally endangered ungulates such as the peninsular pronghorn and desert bighorn, and a variety of birds, reptiles, and carnivores. And, of course, we support desert tortoise conservation!

Located within the Coachella Valley and Colorado Desert of Southern California, TLD is committed to the mission of “Desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation,” both locally and globally. The successful candidate will support this mission and facilitate TLD’s vision of a forward-thinking modern zoo and inclusive culture.

The Coachella Valley, home to Palm Springs and its neighboring cities, offers a dynamic lifestyle enriched by the internationally renowned Coachella Music Festival, numerous cultural events, and year-round recreational and sporting opportunities. Outdoor activities are plentiful, with the San Bernardino National Forest and Joshua Tree National Park close by. The Pacific coastline is easily accessible for day trips to the beach. Come join us in this unique location!

The Veterinary Care Team

• Practices high quality medicine and maintains exceptional professional standards
• Has great enthusiasm for the profession of zoological medicine?
• Adheres to the highest animal well-being standards and works as a team
• Performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that will move TLD into the future

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide routine and emergency medical and surgical treatment for TLD collection animals
• Manage the TLD preventive healthcare program
• Manage the veterinary student training program
• Maintain complete and accurate medical records for all animals in the TLD collection
• Participate in the Emergency Darting Team and assist in training staff members on the team
• Effectively work with the Animal Care Team management and keepers
• Perform gross post-mortem exams and collect routine samples for histopathology
• Understand AZA and AAZV standards and strive to meet or exceed current standards for zoo animal care and well-being
• Participate in field conservation, educational, and promotional programs
• Interact with guests and media to promote TLD’s mission
• Provide a safe and productive working environment

Specific Skills

• Knowledge and practice of contemporary standards of zoo veterinary care
• Knowledge of zoonotic diseases that may affect the collection animals, personnel, and guests
• In-depth knowledge of zoo animal and wildlife husbandry and medicine
• Ability to work with potentially dangerous animals and exercise sound judgement in emergency situations
• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills for effective working relationships with all TLD team members
• Ability to supervise and train veterinary technicians, keepers, students, and volunteers
• Ability to form professional networking relationships with other institutions
• Ability to work at a fast pace while maintaining attention to detail
• Must be a motivated self-starter who is able to work independently, as well as be an effective team member

Equipment Used: PC computer, general office equipment, telephone, radio, electric cart, vehicles, anesthesia machine, x-ray machine, CT machine, dental equipment, sterilization units, monitoring equipment, surgical instruments, ultrasound equipment, drug delivery systems, laboratory, and diagnostic equipment.

Physical Position Description

Essential Physical Tasks: Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting (up to 50lbs.).

Typical Working Conditions: Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals, and dust/airborne materials. Works with potentially dangerous animals (large ungulates, carnivores, venomous animals).

Holiday Work: Holiday, evening, and weekend work required. Available on as needed basis for emergencies.

Travel: Continuing education conferences and workshops, as required to maintain licensing. Other meetings and travel may be required and/or available.

• How to Apply: On our website: livingdesert.org
• Deadline for submissions: Open until filled

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.

Qualifications

• DVM or VMD or equivalent from an accredited school of veterinary medicine
• Two years minimum of full-time zoological or wildlife medicine practice
• Must be legally able to work in the United States
• Must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of California within 6 months of hire date
• Must obtain USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Category II Accreditation within 6 months of hire date
• Must obtain a valid California driver’s license within 3 months of hire
• Must be insurable on The Living Desert’s automobile policy
• Must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster