Description

This is a 1-year veterinary fellowship for graduate veterinarians interested in pursuing a career in zoological and aquatic medicine. The fellow will assist with all aspects of veterinary care of animals at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the animal collection. 

Applications only accepted through 16 August 2026 at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/parkstacoma/jobs/5405169/veterinary-fellow

Work where you play!
Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.
 
Who We Are
Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks’ mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
 
Why You’ll Love it Here
Come work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You’ll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you’ll wake each day knowing that you’re helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.

Essential Duties

• Participate in delivering comprehensive medical care for animals housed at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, under the supervision and guidance of the veterinary staff at each facility.
• Engage in all aspects of clinical practice, including daily rounds, medical record documentation, review of relevant journal articles, and routine communication with animal care teams regarding active cases and upcoming procedures.
• Contribute to emergency and weekend on-call coverage for the Veterinary Department.
• Provide staff education, including at least one zoo-wide presentation on a topic relevant to the animal collection.
• Prepare and submit at least one manuscript for publication upon completion of the fellowship.
• Provide training and mentorship of veterinary students and veterinary technician interns.
• Participate in providing veterinary care for approximately 50 red wolves housed at an off-site breeding facility.
• Operate a motorized vehicle to travel to multiple locations to carry out essential duties.  Adhere to all driving laws and safety rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments. Provide clear work direction and guidance to assigned team.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Employment is subject to a national background check.

This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement. 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• 1-year post-doctoral clinical experience and demonstrate a strong interest in zoological medicine.
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) or equivalent degree required.
• Must be able to obtain veterinary licensure in Washington State.
• Possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (a current driving abstract will be requested during the reference process at applicant's expense.)
• Ability to work a flexibility schedule to include weekends and holidays.

Additional Information 

Work Environment:
Work occurs in both indoor and outdoor environments during all seasons; working in hot, cold and humid conditions and including cold water while interacting with animals.  Work will require on occasion working at heights or confined spaces.  Work will frequently require wearing personal protective equipment, driving to other work locations and working irregular hours.

Hazards:
Exposure to potentially dangerous animals and contagious disease. Exposure to chemicals, fumes, smoke, dust, odors, and noise.

Abilities:
Perform continually sustained and repetitive activity, labor, and effort that includes:

• Communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and convey information
• Communicate and exchange accurate information and/or instructions to others
• Moving and/or positioning objects weighing up to 20 pounds

Perform frequently sustained and repetitive activity, labor, and effort that includes:

• Moving and/or positioning objects or animals weighing up to 50 pounds
• Maintain control of tools and equipment
• Operate and/or use keyboards, phones, and office equipment
• Operate, use, position, place, prepare, and/or inspect small parts and maintain control of tools and equipment simultaneously
• Traverse throughout facilities and/or properties for extended periods of time distances including on uneven terrain, narrow and/or slippery surfaces at a consistent pace
• Bending, kneeling, crouching, squatting, crawling or stooping
• Perform occasionally sustained and repetitive activity, labor, and effort that includes: Stationary positioning for extended periods of time
• Climbing stairs

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS
Decision Making/Responsibility

• Work is performed independently, typically under the direction of a supervisor or manager.
• Frequently provides recommendations on difficult and/or complex issues. Decisions and actions require approval.
• Matters dealt with are governed by procedures or policies that are established in general terms, but with latitude for interpretation and decision-making.  
• Position administers a specific program and/or project area and is responsible for making recommendations for improvements and efficiency.

Budget Oversight

• Works within the parameters determined by department.
• May track program expenses and revenue.

Leadership

• Position has influence over their assigned work area, is responsible for providing advice and guidance, and acting as a subject matter expert.
• Provide training to staff.
• Position may participate in hiring of part-time, seasonal staff, and volunteers.
• Elevates any staff issues to supervisor.
• Contribute to an environment of teamwork and respect.
• Contribute to a culture of justice, equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion (JEDAI).

Program management

• Position provides input, ideas, solutions, feedback and recommendations on program area.
• Position is responsible for implementing programs in assigned area.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to assigned area
• Recordkeeping, data collection/analysis, data entry, and reporting requirements in a public agency environment
• Office procedures, methods, and computer equipment relevant to assigned duties
• Customer service principles and techniques in a public setting
• Principles of program coordination, logistics, and project tracking
• Purchasing procedures
• Public communication and outreach methods
• Records management, confidentiality, and data privacy standards

Skills

• Collecting, organizing, and verifying data accurately
• Performing analytical and technical tasks with accuracy
• Using software applications for data management and reporting (e.g., Excel, database systems)
• Communicating clearly and effectively with coworkers and the public
• Following established procedures
• Coordinating activities among departments or external partners
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records and reports
• Drafting correspondence, summaries, and communications materials
• Using judgment in identifying and resolving complex issues
• Analyzing organizational issues and implementing solutions

Abilities

• Learn and apply agency policies and procedures
• Interpret and follow verbal and written instructions
• Work independently within established guidelines
• Organize and prioritize work assignments
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships
• Communicate effectively with diverse groups and audiences
• Contribute to team goals and support higher-level staff
• Adapt to changing work assignments or priorities
• Interpret and apply procedures with limited supervision
• Exercise sound judgment in decision-making
• Manage multiple projects, priorities, and meet strict deadlines
• Maintain confidentiality with sensitive information
• Collaborate across teams and departments
• Identify and recommend process improvements
• Learn agency safety procedures and follow safety plans