Veterinarian

Job Title: Veterinarian
Salary Range: $90,000 - $103,000
Reports to: Director of von Arx Wildlife Hospital (vAWH)

MISSION: For more than 50 years, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been a leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting Southwest Florida's water, land, wildlife, and future.

PURPOSE OF JOB: Plan, direct, and participate in daily health care for wildlife patients at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital (vAWH). Works closely with the Director of vAWH Hospital and a team of four wildlife rehabilitators and seasonal staff to maintain established veterinary procedures and perform wildlife patient care at the highest achievable level based on available resources. Oversees the veterinary care for animals used for Conservancy educational purposes.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Wildlife Medical Care:
• Provides immediate medical attention to diseased, orphaned, or traumatized wildlife. Triage decisions based on available resources.
• Work with the rehab team to diagnose illnesses and injuries and establish patient treatment plans, including diet formulation, nutrition programs, feeding schedules, and medication administration.
• Performs medical and surgical procedures as necessary.
• Monitors rehabilitating wildlife to assess recovery progress and overall health.
• Conducts euthanasia and postmortem studies when appropriate.
Training and Mentorship:
• Mentors clinical staff and conservation interns in patient admission, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
• Provides learning opportunities and case study evaluations for hospital staff to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Assists with staff training and decision-making regarding euthanasia.
• Offers direction to wildlife hospital staff and interns through clinical case discussions.
• Participates in employee training on animal handling and care.
Regulatory Compliance and Procedures:
• Directs rehabilitation activities within state and federal guidelines.
• Manages controlled substances and medical supply inventory while maintaining Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license.
• Reviews and revises quarantine and diagnostic procedures for incoming animals.
• Monitors immunization and preventive care programs to prevent disease spread.
• Reviews and revises best management practices (BMPs) to minimize cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
• Adheres to vAWH social media regulations and terms dictated by state permits.
Collaboration and Education:
• Educates the public, volunteers, and interns about wildlife rehabilitation, medicine, and human/animal relationships.
• Works with various departments, such as Education and Science, to ensure animal care and protocols align with organizational goals.
• Maintains collaborative work relationships with peers and other wildlife rehabilitation facilities.
• Participates in organization-wide staff training and meetings. 
• Other duties, as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD).
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in wildlife rehab medicine.
• Knowledge and experience with integrative medicine, including Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) or demonstrated intent and desire to learn TCVM through Continuous Education (CE).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Capacity to work extended hours and handle a demanding workload, including on-call and emergency after-hours.
• Professional demeanor and appearance, with exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Effective decision-making, clear communication, strong collaboration, and teamwork abilities.
• Dedication to upholding the highest veterinary standards, adhering to the veterinary code of ethics, and investing the required time for successful fulfillment of responsibilities at the vAWH.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Self-sufficiency is a must as the sole veterinarian at the vAWH.
• Possess strong problem-solving skills; utilizes creativity and the ability to “think outside the box” in response to challenges.
• Patient, calm, level-headed demeanor with the ability to understand the wildlife hospital team and their diverse abilities and range of knowledge.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Must be able to handle the physical and emotional aspects inherent to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
• Proficiency in reading, analyzing, and interpreting scientific, technical, financial, and legal documents.
• Effective communication skills for responding to inquiries, complaints, and public presentations.
• Writing proficiency for creating speeches and articles following prescribed style and format.
• Competence in presenting information to top management, public groups, and boards of directors.
• Respectful, friendly, and cooperative attitude toward co-workers, the public, and volunteers. Willingness to guide, teach, and learn from others.
• Possess and display ethical judgment, confidentiality, and discretion.

The above statements describe the general qualifications required to perform the job and the general nature and level of work performed - not a complete list of duties; management may assign additional responsibilities.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS
• Florida State Veterinary License or acquire within 60 days of hire.
• DEA license within 30 days of Florida licensure.
• USDA accreditation recommended.
• Rabies pre-exposure vaccinations are required.
• Valid FL driver’s license and good driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job description recognizes that reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. The job entails:
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk.
• Lift/move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• May spend time in the field and experience exposure to Florida outdoor weather conditions. Use of hands for various tasks.
• Visual abilities include close and color vision and peripheral and depth perception.
• Noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.

BENEFITS: Benefits include healthcare insurance, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Life insurance, 401k program, telemedicine, and short and long-term disability. Paid time off includes 12 days of vacation, four days of personal leave, 8.5 days of holiday, and up to 12 days of sick leave per year. The von Arx Wildlife Hospital (vAWH) is on our beautiful campus next to the Gordon River Greenway. Employees receive complimentary kayak usage and eco-cruise tickets, discounts in our Welcome Center store, and staff membership, including reciprocal benefits with other Nature Centers.

Where to Apply: https://conservancy.topdoghrrecruiting.com/job/763881/veterinarian
Feel free to direct questions to:
Joanna Fitzgerald, Director, von Arx Wildlife Hospital
239-961-1629 cell
JoannaF@Conservancy.org