Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Veterinary Resident (Full Time)
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, Kansas City, Missouri, United States, 64101
VETERINARY RESIDENT (FULL TIME)
DEPARTMENT
Veterinary Health
CLASSIFICATION
Exempt
REPORTS TO
Director of Veterinary Health & Conservation Research
DIRECT REPORTS
N/A
APPLICATION DEADLINE
January 1, 2026
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is offering a three (3) year, 36-month Veterinary Residency in Zoological Medicine, Anesthesiology and Surgery. This program is a three-year post-doctoral clinical residency designed to prepare trainees for ACZM specialty board certification through an experiential pathway. It is not a participant in the Veterinary Internship and Residency Match Program.
The selected candidate will join the veterinary health team, which includes an ACZM-boarded veterinarian, two associate veterinarians, six registered veterinary technicians, a medical records manager, and an animal care specialist. The team operates two veterinary hospitals, caring for 10,000 animals across 202 developed acres in Swope Park, Kansas City, Missouri.
The position begins on or around July 1, 2026, pending 2025 year-end budget approval by the Friends of the Zoo Board of Directors. This is a paid full-time position with some on-call requirements, teaching duties and mentorship of veterinary preceptors, RVT interns, Anesthesiology and Zoological Medicine interns and dental hygiene practicum students.
Candidates must possess a DVM from an AVMA accredited School or College of Veterinary Medicine and State Veterinary licensure. Veterinarians with at least one-year of experience with zoological species or academic internship are desired. First-author, peer reviewed publications are an advantage.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Under supervision of the Director of Veterinary Health & Conservation Research, the Veterinary Resident directly participates in the daily medical and surgical care of the animals housed at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, in accordance with the Zoo & Aquarium's program of veterinary care.
POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The first year of the residency program is designed to equip trainees with a comprehensive foundation in natural history, organizational zoo medicine, and clinical experience. Residents will develop essential surgical and technical skills, case management abilities, and veterinary knowledge specific to zoological species. The curriculum includes hands-on experience in necropsy, medical rounds, and participation in conservation research.
Additionally, the resident will mentor rotating Anesthesiology & Zoological Medicine Interns from the UMC College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Preceptors, RVT Interns, and Dental Hygiene practicum students. There will also be opportunities to teach as part of the Zoological Medicine elective at UMC.
The resident will have the chance to refine skills in scientific publication and presentation. Throughout the year, clinical rotations in the Anesthesiology and Zoological Medicine departments at UMC College of Veterinary Medicine will be available. Continuing education opportunities will be provided through attendance at exotic animal conferences.
This first year prepares the resident for the more intensive clinical training in the second and third years of the program. The residency is structured to support the resident's progression toward board certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine through the experiential route, with an emphasis on publication and research.
Duties
Percentage
Supports and adheres to the Zoo & Aquarium's program of veterinary care and preventive medical programs, by assisting with or performing the following: Participating in medical and zoo rounds. Assisting with the diagnosis and treatment of animals. Monitoring health and welfare of hospitalized and quarantined animals. Gaining knowledge and experience in radiograph technique and interpretation, ultrasonography, as well as in ECG, blood pressure, and blood gas measurement and interpretation. Monitoring, assisting and performing surgical procedures, including stem cell harvest and therapy. Administering medications according to established protocols and laws. Assisting with movement, training, capture and restraint of animals. Assisting and performing routine laboratory analyses and interpretation. Maintaining the cleanliness and daily functioning of the animal hospitals.
75%
Performs all necropsies, prepares reports, and assists with cataloging and shipment.
10%
Supports the mentorship of rotating Anesthesiology & Zoological Medicine Interns through UMC College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Preceptors, RVT Interns and Dental Hygiene practicum students.
5%
Participates in Veterinary Health conservation and research programs and projects as designated.
5%
Adheres to all continuing education and supervision requirements as outlined in Missouri State statutes.
5%
*This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
*All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
Doctoral degree in veterinary medicine from an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary medicine required. Possess/be able to obtain veterinary licensure for the state of Missouri. Possess/be able to obtain Missouri pharmaceuticals license. One-year Veterinary Internship in academic or zoo-based program desired. Peer-reviewed publication and/or presentation at exotic animal conference is desired.
EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of 1-year full time employment as a licensed veterinarian or intern in a zoological or academic institution with a diversified taxonomic collection is desired. Comprehensive knowledge of principles and practices of exotic animal medicine, including safety, restraint, dangerous drug administration, record keeping and observation skills. Thorough knowledge of, as well as ability to perform and use veterinary medical procedures, terminology, pharmacology, and related equipment. Basic knowledge of the natural history, environmental and psychological needs of exotic animals. Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines relating to the application of veterinary medicine in zoological parks and related programs. Basic understanding and knowledge of publication criteria and application in the zoological field. Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Must have valid driver's license. Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test. Must be able to lift 75 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment. Must be able to manage stress, endure potentially high risk situations when feeding, transferring, or restraining animals, and make immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, staff or the public. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays and evening hours, in all weather extremes. Must have the ability to be on-call and respond to emergency requests quickly and efficiently, as business and animal needs dictate. Must pass a background and drug screening.
DEPARTMENT
Veterinary Health
CLASSIFICATION
Exempt
REPORTS TO
Director of Veterinary Health & Conservation Research
DIRECT REPORTS
N/A
APPLICATION DEADLINE
January 1, 2026
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is offering a three (3) year, 36-month Veterinary Residency in Zoological Medicine, Anesthesiology and Surgery. This program is a three-year post-doctoral clinical residency designed to prepare trainees for ACZM specialty board certification through an experiential pathway. It is not a participant in the Veterinary Internship and Residency Match Program.
The selected candidate will join the veterinary health team, which includes an ACZM-boarded veterinarian, two associate veterinarians, six registered veterinary technicians, a medical records manager, and an animal care specialist. The team operates two veterinary hospitals, caring for 10,000 animals across 202 developed acres in Swope Park, Kansas City, Missouri.
The position begins on or around July 1, 2026, pending 2025 year-end budget approval by the Friends of the Zoo Board of Directors. This is a paid full-time position with some on-call requirements, teaching duties and mentorship of veterinary preceptors, RVT interns, Anesthesiology and Zoological Medicine interns and dental hygiene practicum students.
Candidates must possess a DVM from an AVMA accredited School or College of Veterinary Medicine and State Veterinary licensure. Veterinarians with at least one-year of experience with zoological species or academic internship are desired. First-author, peer reviewed publications are an advantage.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Under supervision of the Director of Veterinary Health & Conservation Research, the Veterinary Resident directly participates in the daily medical and surgical care of the animals housed at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, in accordance with the Zoo & Aquarium's program of veterinary care.
POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The first year of the residency program is designed to equip trainees with a comprehensive foundation in natural history, organizational zoo medicine, and clinical experience. Residents will develop essential surgical and technical skills, case management abilities, and veterinary knowledge specific to zoological species. The curriculum includes hands-on experience in necropsy, medical rounds, and participation in conservation research.
Additionally, the resident will mentor rotating Anesthesiology & Zoological Medicine Interns from the UMC College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Preceptors, RVT Interns, and Dental Hygiene practicum students. There will also be opportunities to teach as part of the Zoological Medicine elective at UMC.
The resident will have the chance to refine skills in scientific publication and presentation. Throughout the year, clinical rotations in the Anesthesiology and Zoological Medicine departments at UMC College of Veterinary Medicine will be available. Continuing education opportunities will be provided through attendance at exotic animal conferences.
This first year prepares the resident for the more intensive clinical training in the second and third years of the program. The residency is structured to support the resident's progression toward board certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine through the experiential route, with an emphasis on publication and research.
Duties
Percentage
Supports and adheres to the Zoo & Aquarium's program of veterinary care and preventive medical programs, by assisting with or performing the following: Participating in medical and zoo rounds. Assisting with the diagnosis and treatment of animals. Monitoring health and welfare of hospitalized and quarantined animals. Gaining knowledge and experience in radiograph technique and interpretation, ultrasonography, as well as in ECG, blood pressure, and blood gas measurement and interpretation. Monitoring, assisting and performing surgical procedures, including stem cell harvest and therapy. Administering medications according to established protocols and laws. Assisting with movement, training, capture and restraint of animals. Assisting and performing routine laboratory analyses and interpretation. Maintaining the cleanliness and daily functioning of the animal hospitals.
75%
Performs all necropsies, prepares reports, and assists with cataloging and shipment.
10%
Supports the mentorship of rotating Anesthesiology & Zoological Medicine Interns through UMC College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Preceptors, RVT Interns and Dental Hygiene practicum students.
5%
Participates in Veterinary Health conservation and research programs and projects as designated.
5%
Adheres to all continuing education and supervision requirements as outlined in Missouri State statutes.
5%
*This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
*All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
Doctoral degree in veterinary medicine from an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary medicine required. Possess/be able to obtain veterinary licensure for the state of Missouri. Possess/be able to obtain Missouri pharmaceuticals license. One-year Veterinary Internship in academic or zoo-based program desired. Peer-reviewed publication and/or presentation at exotic animal conference is desired.
EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of 1-year full time employment as a licensed veterinarian or intern in a zoological or academic institution with a diversified taxonomic collection is desired. Comprehensive knowledge of principles and practices of exotic animal medicine, including safety, restraint, dangerous drug administration, record keeping and observation skills. Thorough knowledge of, as well as ability to perform and use veterinary medical procedures, terminology, pharmacology, and related equipment. Basic knowledge of the natural history, environmental and psychological needs of exotic animals. Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines relating to the application of veterinary medicine in zoological parks and related programs. Basic understanding and knowledge of publication criteria and application in the zoological field. Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Must have valid driver's license. Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test. Must be able to lift 75 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment. Must be able to manage stress, endure potentially high risk situations when feeding, transferring, or restraining animals, and make immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, staff or the public. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays and evening hours, in all weather extremes. Must have the ability to be on-call and respond to emergency requests quickly and efficiently, as business and animal needs dictate. Must pass a background and drug screening.