Assistant Director- Clinical Veterinarian [Full-Time]

Company: San Antonio Zoo
Location: San Antonio
Posted on: January 20, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Assistant Director – Clinical Veterinarian Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife. The Impact You’ll Make in this Role The Clinical Veterinarian provides medical and surgical care for the zoo animal collection. The Clinical Veterinarian implements and monitors the preventative medical health program and collaborates with management and frontline staff across the zoo in the Animal Care, Conservation, and Education Departments. The Clinical Veterinarian must work cooperatively with the Animal Health Center and Commissary staff. The Clinical Veterinarian reports to the Senior Director of Veterinary Care. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. As a Clinical Veterinarian, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by: Demonstrate a customer-service attitude, a smile, and an interest in guest comfort. Communicate courteously and tactfully with guests. Assist guests with questions and directions to various areas of the zoo. Anticipate the guest - do not wait to be asked. Remove trash and debris from public areas whenever you see it. Establish and maintain professional, positive, cooperative, collaborative, and effective working relations with all fellow zoo employees. Job duties are primarily clinical. Provide medical and surgical treatment for the animals under our care. Conduct post-mortem examinations on all deceased animals and interpret the findings. Implement the preventive medicine program and assist in managing animal acquisitions and dispositions, parasite control, vaccination programs, tuberculin testing, dental prophylaxis, and periodic reviews of diets and husbandry techniques. Advise animal department leadership and frontline staff about care, nutrition, breeding, and housing of zoo animals. Support the professional development of Animal Health and Nutrition Center staff. Participate in well-being and quality-of-life assessments of animals in our care as their health needs change. Comply with local, state, and federal laws & regulations relating to animal care and treatment. Review health-related research requests from outside agencies or individuals. Stay updated on new developments, procedures, and policies in the zoo field by maintaining open lines of communications with other zoo veterinary professionals and participating in veterinary continuing education seminars. Maintain updated, accurate, and professional medical records for all animals, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Monitor the progress of emerging infectious diseases and their impact on zoo animals in our care and staff. Educate the staff as new developments occur concerning zoonoses. Support AZA conservation and captive propagation research. Other Responsibilities: Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned. Your Skills and Expertise To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications: Ability to perform minor and major surgical procedures. Proficient with all forms of chemical immobilization. Understand and mitigate risks of human and animal exposure to ultrapotent and lethal narcotic drugs. Computer literacy and ability to become proficient with Microsoft 365, ZIMS, etc. High degree of confidence working with a variety of zoo and wildlife species. Strong oral and written skills with the ability to educate and advise diverse teams. Ability to work weekends, holidays and after-hours assignments as needed. DVM, VMD, or equivalent veterinary degree from an accredited institution. Ability to become licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Texas before hiring date. Must possess Federal Drug Enforcement Agency clearance to handle Class 2 narcotics. Must possess USDA Category II Accreditation to certify health for interstate and international transport in Texas. Candidates with a minimum of three (3) years’ full-time zoo, exotic animal, or wildlife medicine experience will be strongly considered. Ability to obtain a Texas driver's license. Board certification in an AVMA-recognized specialty is desired but not required. Commitment to serve as a leader and professional, working with a variety of individuals inside and outside the institution to promote the conservation and ethical treatment of animals. The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Keywords: San Antonio Zoo, Austin , Assistant Director- Clinical Veterinarian [Full-Time], Science, Research & Development , San Antonio, Texas