Head Veterinarian - Northwest Trek Wildlife Park - Metro Parks Tacoma : Job Details

Salary : $118,767.81 - $162,592.85 Annually Location : Eatonville, WA Job Type: Career Full-time Non Represented Job Number: HVet2024 Department: Zoological and Environmental Education Opening Date: 09/04/2024 Closing Date: 10/2/2024 11:59 PM Pacific Job DescriptionBased on our internal equity review process, the starting salary for this position will be $118,767.81 yearly. To allow for growth and salary progression the full salary range is $118,767.81 - $162,592.85 annually. Employees will have the opportunity to move through the posted range based on annual performance reviews and merit increases. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is seeking an experienced and dynamic zoo veterinarian to fill our Head Veterinarian position in January 2025. The Head Veterinarian directs all aspects of animal health care and nutrition at the Wildlife Park. This position oversees one full-time clinical veterinary technician, part-time relief veterinarians, and shares supervision of one associate veterinarian who divides their time equally each week between Northwest Trek and our sister facility, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. The Head Veterinarian reports to the Deputy Director of the Park and is a valued and active member of the leadership team. Essential duties include performing all administrative and regulatory management of Trek's Veterinary Operations while also serving as the primary/sole clinical veterinarian at least 60% of the week. The Head Veterinarian serves an important role in the Animal Management Team as well as NWT's conservation and research projects. Registrar duties for the Park are shared between the Head Vet, Clinical Vet Tech, and Zoological Curator. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a 725-acre zoological park accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park (NWT) are sister facilities within the Zoological and Environmental Education Division (ZEED) of MetroParks Tacoma (MPT). We are located 35 miles southeast of Tacoma Washington, and within 30 miles of Mt Rainier National Park. Northwest Trek features a 435-acre, undivided free-roaming exhibit housing over 130 ungulates including moose, elk, caribou, deer, bison, bighorn sheep, and rocky mountain goats. A thorough understanding and practice of herd medicine and population management is critical for this Head Vet position. Our approximately 40-acre, forested core area of the Park contains large, natural exhibits in a traditional zoo format. The core is home to approximately 50 individuals including ursids, canids, felids, mustelids, procyonids, raptors, and a small number of reptiles and amphibians. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is also home for the Red Wolf Propagation Facility and partners with PDZA and the Red Wolf Veterinary Advisor in the health care of over 40 red wolves. We have a small but mighty zoological crew- including a Zoological Curator, Assistant Curator, 9 fulltime Keepers, and 6 part-time Keepers. We are a warm, inclusive, and close-knit zoological family with equally close relationships with other NWT departments. Work where you play!Join our team at Metro Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live. Who We Are Metro Parks Tacoma (MPT) is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Metro Parks' mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun. Why You'll Love it HereCome work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Metro Parks Tacoma, and you'll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Metro Parks are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You'll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you'll wake each day knowing that you're helping make Tacoma a great place to call home. Position Information Directs and oversees all aspects of medical and health care of animals at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the animal collections; and coordinates health related research activities. In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

Essential Duties

• Plans, organizes and directs the operations of the Veterinary Department.
• Supervises assigned staff to include: prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations, ensuring staff receive training to enhance/augment job skills and provide opportunity for advancement; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures and assure compliance with health and safety regulation; and making hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations.
• Develops the budget for the Veterinary Department; monitors budgetary expenditures and revenues; approves purchase orders.
• Directs the work of a professional and technical staff involved in providing animals medical and health care services.
• Diagnoses and treats sick or injured animals, and provides pathology services for the Zoo and Aquarium animal collections.
• Maintains a regular preventative medicine program for the animal collection of the Zoo and Aquarium.
• Assists in interpreting policies and developing procedures and standards to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the animal collections.
• Evaluates the animal health care program and recommends services and improvements.
• Monitors commissary operations; evaluates animal food products for nutritional adequacy; and evaluates animal diets and prescribes alterations as necessary.
• Advises senior leadership, Curatorial staff, and Staff Biologists or keepers concerning animal husbandry, nutrition, and exhibit design as it relates to the health and medical care of the collection.
• Plans and conducts training programs for Zoo staff on the health care of the animal collection, including the safeguarding of human health (staff and guest) through zoonotic disease exposure control.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with specialists in human and veterinary medicine; maintains current technical knowledge in the field of zoo animal medicine.
• Ensures that all veterinary medical practices meet or exceed animal health and welfare standards set by USDA and AZA Accreditation Committee. Ensures compliance with all state and federal regulations relating to animal care, husbandry, and shipments. Serves as the institutional liaison with multiple state and federal agencies.
• Develops and supervises professional training programs for graduate veterinarians and student interns within the Health Care Department.
• Serves on assigned committees, including the IACUC.
• Participates in partnership with support organization fund raising efforts for ZEED.
• Represents PDZA/NWT/ZEED to professional, donor, community and government groups.
• Is on call of emergency duty 24/7 on a rotational basis with the Associate Veterinarian and part-time veterinarian.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Requires a minimum of five years clinical veterinary experience as a veterinarian in a zoo or exotic animal practice, and graduation from an accredited school of veterinary medicine (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class). LICENSE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.).
• Controlled substances licenses (DEA)
• State of Washington Veterinary license.
• Active membership American Veterinary Medical Association.
• Obtain a valid First Aid and CPR Card within the probationary period.

Additional Information ENVIRONMENT:

• Indoor and outdoor environment.
• Adverse weather conditions.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Sitting and standing for extended periods of time.
• Lifting and carrying objects or animals weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Pushing or pulling animals.
• Walking to inspect sites.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer terminal.
• Seeing to inspect sites.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.
• Driving a vehicle to inspect sites.

HAZARDS:

• Exposure to potentially dangerous and sick animals.
• Chemicals, tranquilizers or drugs from medications.
• Exposure to dissatisfied or abusive individuals.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Local, State, federal, international and District laws, rules and regulations regarding wildlife.
• District personnel policies and regulations.
• Policies and objectives of assigned program and activities.
• Current veterinary techniques and knowledge pertaining to zoological medicine.
• Operation of a computer terminal and software applications.
• Principles and practices of supervision and training.
• District organization, operations, policies and objectives.
• Treatment of animal diseases and health problems.
• Budget preparation and control.

ABILITY TO:

• Supervise and manage the operations and activities of assigned departments.
• Train, supervise and evaluate personnel.
• Develop programs, activities, operations and policies.
• Assure compliance with a variety of federal regulations and District policies.
• Assure proper care of park facilities, displays and animals.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Prepare and deliver oral presentations
• Prepare and submit clinical case reports and research for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Prepare comprehensive narrative and statistical reports.
• Accurately prepare, maintain and review medical records
• Direct the maintenance of a variety of reports and files related to veterinary activities, personnel and operations.
• Interpret rules and regulations.
• Perform emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.
• Communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Assess and evaluate situations effectively.
• Exert optimal effort in successfully completing tasks.
• Take initiative with minimal supervision.
• Extract and record data and carry out calculations accurately.
• Set up and operate equipment that can require selection from options or different settings.
• Manage time efficiently and effectively through scheduling and prioritizing.
• Work within and contribute to the effectiveness of a team, respecting differences.
• Report for work regularly and on time.

METRO PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply. MPT employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. MPT is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at . Employment is subject to a national background check. This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement. OVERVIEW (more detailed information can be found at ) Life Insurance: Provided at no cost to the employee through Unum, amount is equal to annual salary up to $275,000. Benefits will reduce at age 70. Retirement Plan: All employees are covered under the Public Employees' Retirement System through the Washington State Department of Retirement Services (DRS). Medical Coverage and Dental Coverage: Metro Parks Tacoma pays 90% of the total cost of medical/dental coverage for employees and their dependents. If you enroll in a medical and/or dental plan and add dependents you will be required to provide documentation to show eligibility. Coverage begins the first of the month following the date of employment. Medical coverage is offered through Kaiser. Dental options include Delta Dental Service and Willamette Dental. Health Care and Day Care Reimbursement Accounts: A benefit plan that allows you to pay for health care or dependent care expenses with before tax dollars. Deferred Compensation (457 plan): Optional employee paid retirement savings plans are available through Empower, MissionSquare, and WA State Deferred Comp Program. Paid Holidays for career employees: New Years Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Two Floating Holidays are granted after successful completion of the probationary period. Vacation: 13.33 hours earned monthly (20 days per year). Sick Leave: 8 hours earned monthly. Administrative Leave: 40 hours granted per year. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) -SupportLinc provides emotional wellbeing and work-life balance resources to keep you at your best. Administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, the program offers guidance to help you address and resolve everyday issues at no cost to you or your family. Community Center Fitness Pass - All Metro Parks Tacoma employees get a Staff Pass to use at our community centers.The All Center Pass allows access to all four centers - Center at Norpoint, Eastside Community Center, People's Center and STAR Center. Did you know... Benefits at Metro Parks Tacoma include more than the great options for medical, dental and vision. There is so much more to our overall compensation package. Here are a few highlights:

• Beyond Medical, Dental and Vision: All medical plans include Naturopathy, Massage therapy and Chiropractic care (some restrictions apply). See the for more information.
• An Ounce of Prevention is Better Than a Pound of Cure: Stay ahead of the game by taking advantage of the quality preventative care our plans have to offer. Preventative care is covered at 100% so you are not charged the deductible or pay co-insurance for preventative care. See the for more information.
• Tax Free Health Accounts: MPT offers Flexible Spending Account options that allow you to set aside money on a pretax basis for out of pocket medical and/or childcare expenses. Sign up at the start of the year with open enrollment. If you have chosen the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you will receive a Health Savings Account with an employer provided contribution. Check out the for more information.
• Be Ready for Retirement: Retirement plan options include the required PERS contributions AND also several Deferred Compensation Plan (457 plan) Options. Retirement savings can help you set yourself up for success now (lowering your federal income tax threshold through savings on a pre-tax basis) and later. Check out the for more information.
• Everyone Needs a Helping Hand: Employee Assistance Program - this program offers confidential, professional AND FREE 24/7 resources to all Metro Parks Tacoma employees. The program offers resources for things like: counseling, legal and financial services, ID theft victim resources, Daily living information, elder and child care, stress reduction tools, website access, newsletters, webinars and more.
• Preparing for the Unexpected: Life Insurance & Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance is paid for by MPT and at no cost career employees . The amount is equal to your annual salary up to $200k. Check out the for more information.
• Getting Fit: Fitness Center Pass - ALL MPT employees are eligible to use our fitness facilities and even participate in many class at various community centers for FREE!
• Checking Out All That MPT Offers the Community: Employees are provided an annual familiarization pass that becomes their passport to explore a variety of opportunities available throughout the District.
• Supporting Work/Life Balance: Alternative Work Arrangements - Some positions have the option to remote work upon meeting requirements. This is a great benefit as it allows MPT to reduce our carbon footprint and employees to achieve better work/life balance.
• Taking a Break: All MPT employees receive sick leave and career employees receive excellent Sick, Vacation and Holiday leave packages.
• Making a Difference: There are multiple ways to make a difference beyond the work you do. MPT employees can contribute to the through payroll deduction (or one time payment). You can also participate in a with permission from your supervisor, be a member of the dragon boat team, donate blood at one of our member blood drives, or volunteer with our partner organizations.

Note: THIS BENEFIT OVERVIEW IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE MODIFIED AND/OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE. 01 Do you have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)?

• Yes
• No

02 Do you have a minimum of five years clinical veterinary experience as a veterinarian in a zoo or exotic animal practice, and graduation from an accredited school of veterinary medicine (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class)?

• Yes
• No

03 Please explain why you feel you are the most qualified candidate for this position, highlighting specific skills, personal attributes or other experience and knowledge that you will bring to the position. 04 Are you able to work a variety of hours to cover work shifts including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays and emergency after hours? If no, please list what hours, shift or days you are unable to work. 05 Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

06 Please indicate if you have any driving tickets, accidents and/or infractions listed on your abstract of complete driving record? (Please note: if selected for further review you may be required to provide a complete driving abstract). Required Question