Job Title: Director of Conservation Medicine at The Wilds
Location:
Powell, OH United States
Position Type:
Full Time
Post Date:
06/08/2026
Expire Date:
08/08/2026
Job Categories:
Science
Job Description
Director of Conservation Medicine at The Wilds
Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Conservation Medicine program at The Wilds, advancing the health and sustainability of managed wildlife populations through excellence in clinical care, conservation research, and collaborative partnerships. This role integrates veterinary medicine, population health, and conservation science to support The Wilds’ mission and global conservation initiatives. Serves as a key member of the senior leadership team.
Responsibilities
Clinical & Animal Health Leadership
Direct diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of animal health across the collection
Lead development and implementation of preventative medicine and herd health programs for diverse, large-scale wildlife populations
Oversee veterinary hospital operations, pharmacy, and medical protocols
Ensure emergency veterinary coverage and lead response to critical animal health situations
Conduct and oversee necropsy procedures and disease investigations
Conservation Medicine & Research
Develop and execute a strategic conservation medicine program aligned with The Wilds’ mission and global conservation priorities
Design, implement, and oversee applied conservation research programs in collaboration with Conservation Science staff
Promote a One Health approach integrating animal, human, and environmental health principles
Provide mentorship and oversight for veterinary residents, interns, and research participants
Disseminate findings through publications, presentations, and professional engagement
Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support research initiatives
Population Health & Biosecurity
Lead disease surveillance, epidemiology, and biosecurity programs for multi-species, large-acreage environments
Develop and implement quarantine and animal movement protocols to ensure regulatory compliance and population health
Manage health risks associated with free-ranging and co-managed species groups
Leadership & Operations
Create an inclusive, high-performing team culture with clear communication and accountability
Develop and manage departmental budgets, resources, and long-term planning initiatives
Collaborate with Animal Management, Conservation Science, and other departments to support institutional goals
Ensure appropriate staffing, training, and professional development
Participate in organizational strategic planning and leadership decision-making
Regulatory Compliance & Ethics
Maintain compliance with all applicable laws, standards, and best practices, including USDA and AZA requirements
Responsible for completing and coordinating veterinary care components of AZA, American Humane and ZAA accreditation applications.
Serve as Chair or lead representative for the Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC)
Maintain regulatory records and facilitate inspections and reporting
Maintain strong professional relationships with regulatory agencies and inspectors
External Partnerships & Representation
Coordinate veterinary and research collaborations with universities, AZA institutions, and conservation organizations
Maintain collaborative relationships and coordinate with associated animal health and research contacts and partners to support program goals
Represent The Wilds at professional meetings, conferences, and in scientific forums
Support educational initiatives and contribute to training programs with academic partners
General Responsibilities
Contribute expertise to animal management decisions including husbandry, nutrition, and reproduction
Coordinate with Animal Management and Conservation education & Engagement Departments to support veterinary components of guest programming.
Support organizational mission, sustainability efforts, and conservation priorities
Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) during weekends during the peak season (generally May-October)
Perform other related duties as assigned that align with the scope and responsibilities of this leadership role and support animal health, conservation, research, and operational priorities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting
Work conducted in outdoor environments with exposure to extreme weather conditions
Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, anesthetic agents, and wildlife-related hazards
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs occasionally
ADDITIONAL NOTES
This position operates in a large, open-range conservation environment requiring both clinical and field-based veterinary expertise
Occasional travel, including conference attendance, fieldwork across property, and collaboration with partner institutions
Role requires sound judgment, adaptability, and the ability to balance animal welfare, conservation goals, and operational priorities.
The salary for this position is $121,554 to $158,020 depending on experience.
DVM (or equivalent) required
Board certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) or ability to achieve within 6 months of hire required.
Valid driver’s license with good driving record required
Valid Ohio veterinary license or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire required
Eligibility for DEA licensure required
Experience & Technical Expertise
Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in zoological, wildlife, or conservation medicine required
Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience required
Experience with large hoofstock, carnivores, and/or free-ranging or semi-free-ranging wildlife populations strongly preferred
Experience in wildlife immobilization, anesthesia, and field-based veterinary procedures preferred
Knowledge of population health, epidemiology, and disease surveillance in managed or free-ranging systems preferred
Research experience required; demonstrated success in leading or contributing to applied conservation research preferred
Regulatory, Research & Compliance
Experience with regulatory compliance (such as USDA-APHIS, AZA accreditation standards, and ACUC) required
Experience in grant writing, research funding acquisition, and scientific publication preferred
Skills, Competencies & Other Requirements
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills required
Strong computer proficiency and data management skills required
Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
Ability to work independently while leading cross-functional teams required
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with internal teams and external partners required
Ability to adhere to all safety protocols and standard operating procedures required
Ability to pass required background checks and drug screening
Company Description:
Our mission at the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks is Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.
The Columbus Zoo first opened in 1927 with a small collection of animals donated by the City of Columbus. Today, the Columbus Zoological Park Association governs the entire 580-acre complex that includes the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay Water Park and Safari Golf Club. An equal opportunity employer, the Zoo offers a wide range of career and job opportunities.
Interested in joining our team? You're on the right track!
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