Department Head of Zoological and Companion Exotic

The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center is seeking an ACZM-board certified veterinarian to serve as the Department Head of Zoological and Companion Exotic Animal Medicine. As the leader of our companion avian and exotic animal service team, this role will develop, supervise, and coordinate medical services for non‑domestic and exotic pet species across clinical, outreach, and educational domains.

Key Responsibilities

Outreach Zoological Services Leadership

• Develop a comprehensive outreach service, in collaboration with the Director of Zoological Services, to provide consultation for facilities that breed, protect, or conserve non‑domestic species, including public and private zoos, wild animal parks, and conservation parks.
• Coordinate telemedicine services between AMC specialists and on-site veterinarians.
• Provide on-site services as needed and permitted under state and international laws.
• Establish a concierge or fee‑for‑service structure for these facilities, excluding local zoos with existing AMC partnerships (WCS, Turtleback Zoo, Staten Island Zoo).

Oversight of Exotic Pet Clinical Services

• Lead and support the ongoing Exotic Pet Service, including supervision of current staff veterinarians and support staff.
• Support the activities of the Department through regular clinical service, including clinical appointments, in-patient care, clinical procedures, and consulting on walk-in emergency cases

Education, Training, and Research

• Oversee training, education, and exposure in the veterinary care of non‑domestic species for residents, interns, and other hospital staff, both within and outside of the Department.
• Support and develop research and publication opportunities within the Department, sharing what we learn at AMC with the local and global community.

Zoo Services Coordination

• Collaborate, coordinate and enhance in‑house services provided to local zoological institutions.

Marketing & Public Relations Partnership

• Work with Marketing and Public Relations to promote AMC’s dedication to providing access to specialty services for facilities involved in conservation of non‑domestic species.

Required Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree; Board certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) desired
• Eligibility for New York State veterinary licensure; eligibility for other State veterinary licensure as needed
• At least 15 years of experience in clinical Zoological Animal Medicine, including 10 years of leadership experience preferred
• Strong communication skills, in written and verbal forms, with both professional and lay audiences
• Demonstrated track record in conducting and publishing clinical research
• Experience teaching and mentoring veterinary students, house officers, and veterinary clinicians
• Ability to lead and integrate a veterinary team within a complex environment

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Generous sign-on bonus
• Four-day work week
• Health insurance with medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Very generous PTO
• Continuing education time off and stipend
• 403b retirement play with employer match
• School loan debt forgiveness opportunity as a non-profit hospital with 10 years of non-profit employment under the federal loan forgiveness program for nonprofits
• Non-corporate practice with no percentage pay
• Collegial work with colleagues in a non-competitive structure with strong teaching and mentoring opportunities as well as opportunities for research