Pay range: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the starting range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $107,400 - $120,200 annually. An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer, in alignment with Oakland Zoo's compensation philosophy.
Application Process
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Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for 3 references.
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Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend a paid on-site working interview.
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The application deadline is 07/19/2026.
Position Summary
The Veterinarian is a primarily clinical position within the Oakland Zoo Veterinary Services team, playing a vital role in supporting Oakland Zoo’s mission of exceptional animal care and conservation. Based in a state-of-the-art, 17,000 square foot veterinary hospital, the Veterinarian works closely within a multidisciplinary team that includes the Vice President of Veterinary Services, one additional clinical Veterinarian, four Veterinary Technicians, and three Hospital Keepers. This role combines advanced clinical practice and paraclinical responsibilities to support the health, welfare, and conservation of the Zoo's animal collection, native wildlife, and rescue patients.
Essential Job Duties
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Deliver high-quality, comprehensive daily clinical veterinary care for the OZ animal collection, selected wildlife species, and rescue animal patients
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Provide emergency and after-hours care as part of an on-call rotation.
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Participate in and co-manage the Emergency Immobilization Team (EIT) with the other clinical Veterinarian.
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Implement preventative medicine programs, including health exams, dental care, parasite control, nutritional assessments, vaccinations, and disease surveillance.
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Collaborate with veterinary and medical specialists to manage complex cases.
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Perform gross necropsies and prepare pathology reports
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Maintain accurate, complete, and professional medical records using the TRACKS system.
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Contribute to conservation and research efforts through clinical care of wildlife patients, as well as data and sample collection.
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Mentor veterinary students, externs, volunteers, and other observers.
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Participate in marketing, media engagements, and public-facing educational opportunities as appropriate and requested.
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Ensure compliance with AZA, AAZV, USDA, OSHA, and all other applicable regulatory standards.
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Review, update, and develop medical and operational protocols including quarantine, biosecurity, and emergency response procedures.
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Participate in and represent the Veterinary Department in interdepartmental collaboration on animal care, husbandry, welfare, and selected policy planning.
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Prepare reports, case studies, and deliver presentations to both professional and public audiences
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Assist in maintaining hospital facilities, equipment, and supplies in excellent working condition.
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Lead or support special projects and initiatives based on departmental priorities and operational needs.
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Perform some of the following essential duties, commensurate with experience and departmental needs: Manage the veterinary student externship program; Manage the preventative medicine program; Manage quarantine procedures and animal transactions; Prepare and deliver annual zoonotic disease training for Animal Care staff; Manage updates to the veterinary coverage calendar; Coordinate monthly morbidity and mortality rounds; Manage CT PACS study maintenance
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility:
Who you are:
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DVM degree or equivalent from an accredited school of veterinary medicine or ECFVG Certificate if a foreign veterinary graduate
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Current California veterinary license (must be acquired within 6 months of hire)
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Minimum 3 years of experience in zoological medicine or related field
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USDA category II accreditation to certify health for interstate and international transport of animals
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Strong clinical and surgical skills with a broad range of taxa
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Valid Driver’s License and good driving record (ability to obtain authorization from the Zoo’s Insurance Carrier)
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Able to work weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hours assignments
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Medical requirements: Negative TB test within the last year, Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years, Rabies vaccine or proof of a protective rabies titer within the last 2 years
Bonus if you have:
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Are ACZM Board Certified or board eligible, or have another associated advanced degree
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Possess a current DEA license
Work Environment - Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.
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Work in indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions, sometimes in or around significant dirt and dust
Physical Considerations- The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
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Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e., feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e., hay bale)
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Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)
Knowledge/Skills/Qualities - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.
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Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.
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Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
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Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
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Enjoyment – finds joy in one’s work, approaches tasks with thoughtfulness & intentionality, and fosters collective well-being by embracing the unique skills and qualities of colleagues.
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Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
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Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
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Solution-oriented – utilizes an open-minded and strengths-based approach to finding solutions for complex challenges
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Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
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Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
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Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife
Benefits
Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and Zoo Membership options.
