JOB DESCRIPTION FORM
SECTION 1 - OFFICE IDENTIFICATION
EFFECTIVE DATE OF DOCUMENT: August 2013
ORGANISATION: PERTH ZOO
CLASSIFICATION: Specified Callings Level 2
POSITION NUMBER:
46002
PROGRAM: Animal Health & Research
TITLE:
Associate Veterinarian
ASCO CODE: 2347
SECTION:
SALARIES AGREEMENT/AWARD
Veterinary Department
GOSAC AWARD & General Agreement
SECTION 2 - REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Title:
Classificatio
n:

Responsible To
Title:
Classificatio
n:

Responsible To
ANIMAL HEALTH & RESEARCH DIRECTOR
LEVEL 5 (Specified Callings)
SENIOR VETERINARIAN
LEVEL 3 (Specified Callings)
THIS OFFICE

Responsible To
Offices under direct responsibility
Title:
Classification:
NIL
NIL
Number of FTE's Supervised and
controlled:
NIL
SECTION 3 - KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists in the provision of the animal health service to the Zoo, including preventive medicine, nutrition,
biosecurity, and emergency animal care. Conducts undergraduate and postgraduate veterinary training.
SECTION 4 - CONTEXT AND SCOPE
Our Vision
A world where diversity of species and habitats is secure
Our Purpose:
To inspire and act for wildlife conservation
We are committed to:
Excellent Animal Care: world leading standards for animals in our care
Excellent Customer Service: the best possible experiences for visitors, colleagues and partners
Collaboration and Partnerships: integrating our efforts and working with others
Innovation and Creativity: supporting and fostering ideas to improve our work
Integrity and Ethical Practice: strong corporate governance; honesty; and openness
Respect: valuing visitors, colleagues and our stakeholders
Environmental Responsibility: minimising the use of finite resources and Perth Zoo’s impact on our
environment
Social Responsibility: delivering social improvements by connecting people with wildlife and Perth Zoo
Learning and Knowledge: building knowledge through research and professional experience
ROLE OF SECTION
Perth Zoo provides an excellent level of care to all animals under its jurisdiction, both collection and noncollection. One aspect of this care is the provision of a high standard veterinary service.
ROLE OF POSITION
This position is involved in the day to day provision of animal health care in the Zoo, through case
management, disease investigation and liaison with animal husbandry staff. Under the direction of the senior
veterinarian, the position contributes veterinary expertise to collection management goals such as breeding
programs. This position plays a key role in the teaching of postgraduate and undergraduate veterinary
students.
SECTION 5 - SUMMARY OF DUTIES
Outcome: An effective and progressive health program is maintained for all animals (both collection and
non-collection) at Perth Zoo.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
In consultation with the Senior Veterinarian, responsible for the implementation, development and
control of a clinical veterinary program, involving assessment of sick animals, diagnosis of disease, and
implementation of appropriate treatment.
Takes a primary role in coordination and initiation of disease investigation projects
Assists in the development and evaluation of a program of preventive medicine and nutrition
Assists in the provision of an emergency animal health care service and veterinary response to animal
emergencies (including escapes).
Liaises with section supervisors on aspects of the zoo’s animal health programs.
Outcome: Perth Zoo strategies of captive breeding, collection management and research are achieved and
developed.
1.
Under the direction of the Senior Veterinarian, undertakes veterinary activities and contributes veterinary
advice to projects associated with breeding programmes and collection management.
2. Assists in devising and implementing biosecurity strategies, including appropriate quarantine, testing and
inspection procedures.
3. Assists in veterinary aspects of research and conservation medicine as directed by the Senior Veterinarian.
Outcome: Students and staff are educated in wildlife and zoo medicine and husbandry.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Delivers training as required to postgraduate and undergraduate veterinary students, in consultation with
Murdoch University Course Coordinator and Senior Veterinarian.
Trains veterinary department staff and other Zoo staff in matters pertaining to animal health and
biosecurity
Assists in the clinical veterinary training of the veterinary resident and locum veterinarians.
Participates in external training programs as required.
Outcome: Veterinary department staff maintain a high level of teamwork, staff development, and
communication with zoo staff and external agencies, to achieve the best outcomes for animal care and
management.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Assists in establishing and maintaining relationships with local, national and overseas parties with regard
to veterinary, conservation and species management issues.
Promotes a team culture that values diversity and enables people to develop and work effectively together
to achieve the sections goals and targets.
Participates in programs that enhance team and individual development.
Acts in accordance with relevant Zoo policies and guidelines.
Assists in maintaining accurate records
Outcome: A positive work environment
Contributes to the promotion of a workplace culture that supports:
1. Conservation and biodiversity goals
2. Diversity and employment development
3. Best practice occupational safety and health standards
4. An environment free from discrimination and harassment
5. Customer service objectives
6. Ethical decision making
SECTION 6 - SELECTION CRITERIA
Perth Zoo operates within a conservation and tourism environment with a strong focus on community
engagement, learning & development. As a values driven organisation Perth Zoo is committed to the
achievement of conservation outcomes and a workplace that delivers environmental sustainability, equal
opportunity and safe practices. We are looking for someone who is committed to supporting and upholding
our organisational values in the achievement of the Zoo’s objectives.
Within this context, the successful applicant will demonstrate an ability to apply the following knowledge and
skills to this role:
ESSENTIAL
1.
Licensed, or eligibility to be licensed, to practice veterinary medicine in Western Australia
2.
Experience in the provision of animal health care in a zoo.
3.
Extensive experience in domestic animal surgery, medicine and diagnostic techniques.
4.
Veterinary experience with a range of Australian and exotic species, including medicine, surgery, disease
investigation and chemical restraint.
5.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
6.
Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and mentor a small team of Veterinary professionals by setting
priorities, creating plans and coordinating activities to achieve organisational outcomes.
DESIRABLE
1.
Experience in hospital management and staff supervision.
2.
Experience in training and assessment of students
3.
Experience in research techniques and design
4.
Knowledge of animal husbandry practice as it relates to non-domestic animal care in a captive
environment, including captive breeding, nutrition, biosecurity and enclosure design
5.
Knowledge of and commitment to conservation consistent with the role of Zoos.
SECTION 7 - APPOINTMENT FACTORS
LOCATION:
SOUTH PERTH
ALLOWANCES/SPECIAL CONDITIONS
State allowances and conditions applicable.
Employment is subject to a satisfactory Preemployment medical, National Police Clearance.
Position holders will be required to undergo a
preventative vaccination program
Required to work on a rostered basis on
weekends and public holidays
SPECIALISED EQUIPMENT OPERATED
Specify type of equipment, make and model
operated.
Personal computer, radiology and anaesthetic
equipment, microscope, endoscopes, ECG,
ultrasound and dental machine, darting
equipment
SECTION 8 - CERTIFICATION
(i)
The details contained in this document are an accurate statement of the duties,
responsibilities and other requirements of the job.
SENIOR VETERINARIAN
DATE
DIRECTOR ANIMAL HEALTH & RESEARCH
DATE
(ii)
Checked by:
HUMAN RESOURCES
DATE
(iii)
Approved by:
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
DATE
(iv)
As occupant I have noted the statement of duties, responsibilities and other requirements as
detailed in this document.
Name (in full)
Signature
Date