Director of Conservation Medicine at The Wilds

Overview

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.

Qualifications

Education & Licensure

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