About this role
Job Description
Position: Director of Pathology Reports to: Vice President of Zoological Health Program (VPZHP)
Department: Zoological Health Program
Position Managed: Senior Pathologists, Pathologists Director, Molecular Program, Medical Records Specialists, Technicians
Location: Bronx Zoo-based
Scope: WCS Bronx Zoo, City Zoos, and New York Aquarium.
Position Type: Full-time
Salary: $165,000 - $180,000
Position Summary
The Director of Pathology provides leadership for the pathology division of the Zoological Health Program (ZHP) at WCS, oversees the pathology program and pathology staff at the Bronx Zoo, as well as provides critical animal pathology support across all four WCS zoos, the New York Aquarium, and international conservation programs. This position reports to the VPZHP. The Director of Pathology is a key leader and integral part of the WCS Zoos & Aquarium Division and collaborates to provide optimal disease diagnostics for animals in the parks. Excellent attention to detail, being proactive and flexible, having a mind for organization, possessing excellent veterinary pathology skills and knowledge, and maintaining strong written and oral communication skills, are all important elements contributing to success in the role.
Principal Responsibilities
This position is responsible for leading ZHP pathology operations, staff, facilities, animal pathology diagnostics for the WCS animal collection and conservation projects, and having a leadership role in the Z&A Division and with pathology associations, organizations, and partners in the external community.
Responsibilities include
- Maintain competency, and knowledge of current information and procedures in zoological and wildlife medicine, and wherever appropriate, incorporate new advances into the ZHP to enhance animal care and well-being.
- Ensure ZHP pathology staff also maintain and utilize current knowledge of advances in veterinary medicine.
- Provide administrative oversight in coordinating appropriate and timely pathology program activities.
- Provide administrative support of staff personnel including residents/fellows, students, and volunteers in the areas of scheduling, operations, budget, record keeping, development and maintenance of policies and procedures, and facility operations.
- Perform and coordinate emergency coverage and on-call duty as necessary.
- Establish and maintain proactive pathology programs.
- Regularly assess current protocols and investigate and implement new procedures to ensure an efficient and sound program.
- Support the VPZHP with Zoological Health Program initiatives, activities, and operations including assisting with donor and other stakeholder tours, communications, and reports.
- Develop and implement veterinary protocols and procedures that meet or exceed all regulatory guidelines and standards including, but not limited to, those from USDA, OSHA, AZA, AAZV, New York State, and New York City.
- Foster original scientific research and peer reviewed publication by pathology staff.
- Engage in scientific research or policy work.
- Collaborate with the VPZHP to develop and oversee pathology operating and capital budgets.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the VPZHP.
Qualification Requirements
- Hold a veterinary degree (DVM, VMD, DMV, or equivalent) from an AVMA-accredited veterinary program and have or be eligible to obtain, and maintain, a valid Driver’s License.
- Board certification or eligibility in relevant Veterinary College (ACVP, ECVP, or equivalent) desirable.
- 5-10 years of zoologic veterinary pathology experience demonstrating progressively increasing duties and responsibilities. Experience overseeing budgets and personnel desirable.
- Be able to manage a complex, multi-veterinarian, multi-technician health care program.
- Demonstrated knowledge with all regulations including those from USDA, OSHA, AZA, AAZV, New York State, and New York City.
- Proficient in reading, writing, and effectively communicating in English with excellent written, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Able to work a flexible schedule, including working non-traditional hours, holidays, scheduled on-call, emergency responses, and weekends or evenings as needed.
- Experience communicating and coordinating activities with a variety of departments.
- Ability to represent WCS in a professional manner in all activities and to provide a positive example to all staff.
- Assures safety of self, staff, animals, and guests through regular participation in safety training and activities; compliance with standard operating procedures; and proper operation and maintenance of equipment.
- Commitment to WCS’s mission and vision.
Note: We encourage all applicants to submit a cover letter along with their resume
Physical Requirements
Regular use of a computer, phone, and keyboard. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and driving. Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 pounds. Occasional bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs, and walking on uneven ground.
Workplace Conditions
Work is mainly indoors with some outdoor work and travel. May work alone or with a team. Regular exposure to equipment, tools, loud noise, animals, and potentially infectious materials. Occasional work in bad weather.
Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer
WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories.
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies.
Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.
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