Location: Wildlife Prairie Park, Peoria, Illinois

To apply contact Diana Pavley Rock, VP of Human Resources

Wildlife Prairie Park: dprock@wildlifeprairie.org

This is a full time position with a salary of $120,000.00

Job Classification: Exempt
Reports Directly To: Chief Executive Officer (Executive Leadership Team)

A rare opportunity:  Lead the creation of a brand-new, on-site veterinary clinic-funded through a successful capital campaign, guide the park on it’s path to accreditation, and care for native and historically significant species, including our bison and elk herds.  

Park Overview

Wildlife Prairie Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation, education, and recreation. Located on approximately 1800 acres in Central Illinois, the Park provides a unique setting where visitors can experience Illinois’ natural and cultural heritage. The Park offers educational and recreational programs, and provides opportunities for visitors to connect with nature.  The Park is located just west of Peoria, in a region known for its low cost of living, affordable housing and easy access to the amenities of the Peoria area.

Wildlife Prairie Park is committed to responsible animal care, conservation, environmental stewardship, and quality guest experiences. The Park’s animal programs play an important role in advancing its conservation and educational mission while providing visitors with meaningful opportunities to learn about Illinois wildlife and natural resources.

Position Summary

The Chief Veterinarian and Director of Animal Care is the Park’s senior authority for veterinary medicine and animal welfare and provides strategic leadership and accountability for the Animal Care Department, ensuring every aspect of the department meets or exceeds professional, accreditation and regulatory standards, from animal health and husbandry to enclosure safety, staff safety and records. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, this position will not work alone: it leads supervisory staff and a team of Animal Care Specialists who carry out daily animal care, allowing the Director to focus on veterinary medicine, animal welfare and leading the department. We are looking for an accomplished clinician and a strong leader who builds trust and an accountable, respectful team culture; coaches and develops people; is visible on grounds; communicates clearly and follows through; and drives change to measurable results, with the tenacity and vision to open our new veterinary facility and lead the Park to accreditation

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