Associate Veterinarian

The Associate Veterinarian provides exemplary clinical and preventative medicine care for all our resident (invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals) and rehabilitating animals, through strong team-based approaches and communications, as part of the Animal Health team. The Associate will take a leading role in clinical training of veterinary students and the veterinary fellow. An ability to identify and advance clinically relevant research projects in support of animal care, welfare, and conservation goals is desired.

Essential Functions:

• Provide exemplary clinical and preventative medicine care for all our resident (invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals) and rehabilitating animals, through strong team-based approaches and communications.
• Performs clinical exams on collection animals including interpretation of diagnostics and ability to review and interpret water quality. Performs gross necropsies, cytologies, and appropriate sample collection for all classes of animals.
• Develops management and treatment plans for collection animals including incorporation of water quality and life support system into medical plans.
• Creates and maintains clear, concise, and detailed electronic medical records in accordance with written standards in a timely manner.
• Provides on-call coverage for collection animals as well as stranded marine animals under the care of our Animal Rescue team.
• Evaluates, monitors and executes preventative medicine practices for all collection animals.
• Writes and implements Standard Operating Protocols as directed by supervisor.
• Monitors disease trends in the collection and works collaboratively with husbandry managers to address emergent issues.
• Monitors and analyzes current husbandry practices as they relate to disease prevention and develops collaborative solutions with husbandry staff.
• Oversight of nutrition program as directed by the supervisor, including working collaboratively with husbandry staff on natural history reviews as it pertains to captive diet modifications.
• Familiarity with principles and application of positive reinforcement operant training in a zoo/aquarium setting desired.
• Maintains regular rounds with all the husbandry departments.
• Provides feedback to the Director of Animal Health on possible ways to improve animal care, welfare, communications with other departments, and standard operating procedures.
• Responsible for safety and maintenance of diagnostic equipment; ensure all medical equipment is maintained and in working order.
• Develop, review, and implement appropriate animal acquisition, disposition, and quarantine protocols to support NAI operations and limit the introduction of parasites and other infectious diseases into the established collection.
• Ensures appropriate and timely communication for animal acquisition and disposition needs are met, including, but not limited to, pre-shipment testing and health certificates.
• Work collaboratively with husbandry staff to ensure all quarantine measures are met.
• Participates in training, continuing education, research, and conservation.
• Provides in-house lectures on zoonotic disease and other relevant topics to staff.
• Performs and supports retrospective research projects and case reviews.
• Performs background research (including literature searches and discussions with primary investigators) in order to provide the best veterinary care to collection animals.
• Oversees implementation of Veterinary Preceptorship program including: reviews student applications; ensures that documents are up-to-date (manual, quiz, checklist, projects); oversees daily clinical work of students and provides training in veterinary medicine; provides student evaluation feedback.
• Provide interpersonal and technical mentorship and training to the Veterinary Fellow/intern.
• Coordinates and assists with public/media relations as directed.
• Disseminates important information to colleagues through presentation and publication.
• Attends lectures, seminars, etc. to obtain continuing education credits needed to maintain certifications and licenses.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:

• Veterinary Degree (DVM, VMD, or equivalent overseas degree) from an accredited university. If graduate of a foreign school, must have license to practice veterinary medicine in the United States.
• Three years as a practicing clinician in a zoo or aquarium preferred, one required.
• Maryland veterinary license within 3 months of starting.
• Ability to sign USDA Health Certificates for animal shipments within 3 months of starting.
• Intermediate computer skills using MS Office; ability to learn and effectively use all proprietary Aquarium software.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include weekend and/or evening hours.
• Ability to perform duties that may include walking or standing for extended periods, lifting, climbing ladders, and working closely with others.
• Employees assigned to this position will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license, have an acceptable driving record, and possess the ability to drive a variety of vehicles (cars, vans/trucks).
• Completion of an internship in small or large animal medicine preferred;
• Completion of an internship and/or residency in aquatic/zoo animal medicine preferred;
• ACZM or ABVP board certified or eligible within 2 years
• Experience with electronic animal record keeping software (Tracks preferred)
• The National Aquarium is committed to diversity and invites individuals who bring a diversity of culture, experience and ideas to apply.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM

Recently named one of Baltimore’s Best Places to Work, the National Aquarium opened in 1981 as a nonprofit aquatic education and conservation organization, the jewel of the city’s Inner Harbor redevelopment. SmartCEO Magazine honored the National Aquarium with the Healthiest Workplace award and the Corporate Culture award in 2016. With a mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures, the Aquarium is consistently ranked one of the nation’s two top aquariums and has hosted over 51 million guests since opening.

Today, the National Aquarium builds on a 38-year history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Care & Welfare teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to change the way humanity cares for our ocean planet.