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Position Title:     Associate Veterinarian

Department:     Animal

Reports To:         Senior Veterinarian

Location:         Audubon Nature Institute, Audubon Zoo

Position Type:     Full Time

Who We Are 

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Audubon Aquarium Rescue, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park.

At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You’ll Do 

The Associate Veterinarian’s primary goal is to assist in managing all aspects of animal medical care for Audubon’s animal collections at Audubon Zoo and Freeport McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center (FMASCC), while providing periodic assistance as needed for Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium, Audubon Aquatic Center, Audubon Aquarium Rescue, and Audubon Louisiana Nature Center.  This role endeavors to provide comprehensive health care for the animal collections of the Audubon Nature Institute in accordance with standards set forth by Audubon and noted in the Guidelines for Zoo Veterinary Medical Programs and Veterinary Hospitals of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.

Day to Day Responsibilities

•    Provide comprehensive health management for the animal collections of the Audubon Nature Institute in accordance with standards set forth by Audubon, USDA, NOAA NMFS, USFWS, and the Guidelines for Zoo Veterinary Medical Programs and Veterinary Hospitals of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV).  

o    Veterinary care includes but is not limited to:  efficient and timely diagnosis and treatment (including consultation with colleagues and other professionals for advanced diagnostics and/or procedures as appropriate), surgery, preventative medicine, quarantine, periodic exams, general disease observation and containment, necropsy, periodic review of diet and husbandry practices to ensure proper nutrition and animal welfare, proactive stress reduction, quality of life and welfare monitoring, and periodic wild animal emergency response, triage, and rehabilitation.

•    Efficiently respond to animal emergencies as needed.

•    Establish and maintain effective, efficient, professional, collegial, and collaborative relationships with Audubon veterinarians, Hospital staff (Hospital Manager, Veterinary Technicians, Hospital Keepers, Volunteers, Residents, Interns, and Students), Animal/Husbandry staff Curators and Keepers, senior administration, and ancillary staff, vendors, and medical consultants.  

•    Coordinate and schedule medical procedures with the Hospital Manager, Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Animal/Husbandry staff.

•    Maintain accurate, thorough, and timely animal medical records in ZIMS, including detailed procedural and observational notes, assessments, and plans, and a timely review and assessment of diagnostic results using a generalized SOAP format.

•    Assist in updating Hospital protocols regarding standard operating procedures, record keeping, Quarantine, and biosecurity.  Adequately train and monitor Veterinary Technicians, Hospital Keepers, and Animal/Husbandry staff on established protocols.

•    Consider cost and needs when ordering diagnostic testing, equipment, drugs, and supplies and pursue equivalent alternatives where medically appropriate.

•    Maintain accurate records of all purchases and monitor expenditures for monthly reconciliation.  Complete all financial reconciliation duties efficiently, accurately, and on time.

•    Maintain all animal health care areas to or above industry standards, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, organization, equipment care and maintenance, human and animal safety, biosecurity, and hygiene.

•    Serve as an Audubon spokesperson as needed and address all forms of media.

Additional/Overall Skills:

•    Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

•    Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.

•    Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.

•    Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.

•    The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Must Haves: 

•    Graduate of an established program in veterinary medicine.

•    Must obtain a license to practice veterinary medicine in Louisiana and USDA accreditation.

•    Two (2) years of clinical experience and competency in treating non-domestic birds, reptiles, fish, invertebrates, and mammals, including megafauna, in a zoological setting.  Strong background in the zoo field including experience in quarantine/biosecurity procedures and the safe capture, restraint, and examination of zoo animals.

•    Maintain current tetanus, hepatitis A/B, influenza, rabies, and Covid-19 vaccines and a current TB test (3y).

•    Must maintain a valid Louisiana driver’s license.

•    Accept euthanasia as an approved method of animal management.

•    Must be able to work overtime, weekends. and holidays.

•    Participate in the supervision, training, and evaluation of resident, intern, preceptors, and professional colleagues.

•    Proficiency with veterinary medical equipment and procedures including but not limited to radiology, ultrasound, anesthesia, patient monitoring machines, laparoscopy, endoscopy, ophthalmoscopy, blood chemistry analyzers, and microscopes. 

•    Willingness to serve on Institute Hurricane Rideout Teams as necessary.

Nice-to-Haves: 

•    Work in conjunction with Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine to provide course materials, practical sessions, and lectures pertaining to zoo medicine. 

•    Collaborate and support in active pursuit of grants that support the Audubon mission to participate in local, regional, and international conservation projects.  Endeavor to publish clinical outcomes and data in reputable journals.

Physical Requirements: 

•    Risk periodic exposure to hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases.

•    Working long hours between breaks or meals.

•    Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate and professional manner.

•    Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.

•    Prolonged standing, walking, and climbing stairs or ladders.

•    Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects up to 50 pounds.

•    Frequent bending, crouching, twisting, and reaching.

•    Manual dexterity to operate machinery or handle tools.

•    Frequent use of vision and hearing to assess surroundings and job tasks.

Environmental Conditions:

•    May include indoor and outdoor work environments.

•    Exposure to varying weather conditions.

•    Potential exposure to environmental hazards such as dust, chemicals, or loud noi