Associate Veterinarian

If you think our animals are amazing, wait till you meet our people! Located along the pristine harbor in the heart of historic Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium has been inspiring visitors for over twenty years. From our over 5,000 animals to our award-winning education team, from the Sea Turtle Care Center™ to our conservation programs protecting local species, visitors are struck with awe and inspiration as they journey through all our exhibits, representing the mountains to the sea of South Carolina.

About the South Carolina Aquarium

• We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums with a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience.
• We invite you to join the #1 visitor attraction located in one of the Top Cities in the World (Conde Nast, 2021).
• At the South Carolina Aquarium, we are committed to creating a workplace that celebrates and values all people.
• Our culture is built on having a team that works together to increase our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission.
• We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:

• The Associate Veterinarian is responsible for assisting the Vice President of Veterinary Care in the health management of the living population at the South Carolina Aquarium, with special emphasis on fishes, small mammals, birds and reptiles, and the rehabilitation patients in the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center. He or she will work closely with the animal care staff and involve them whenever possible.
• The Associate Veterinarian will share the clinical case load with the Vice President of Veterinary Care. Additionally, they will be responsible for oversight of the veterinary student externship program, including recruitment and mentorship.

Essential Functions:

• Thrive in a team-oriented work environment.
• Continuously evaluate and implement changes when necessary for a comprehensive preventative animal medicine program that promotes animal welfare.
• Assist the VP with medical case management, including diagnoses, treatment, surgery, and postmortem/pathological examinations.
• Help train and educate Veterinary Assistant(s).
• Rotate on call schedule with Chief and backup veterinarians for 24-7 coverage of the living collection and sea turtle strandings, ensuring appropriate alternate veterinary coverage prior to any absences.
• Assist with the medical care and regulatory compliance of the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center and work with external partners to facilitate sea turtle conservation.
• Perform routine rounds of exhibit and back-up animals and their enclosures.
• Be responsible for routine quarantine administrations and exams (fecal, blood smears, skin scrapes, etc.).
• Assist the VP with research and conservation projects.
• Assist with health certificates and animal dispositions.
• Assist the VP with oversight of the Nutrition Program.
• Maintain a medical records system (TRACKS) that is organized and up to date and meets all regulatory requirements.
• Provide daily interaction with animal care staff for education, communication, and hands-on procedural training.
• Encourage and be supportive of hands-on staff involvement with procedures, examinations and diagnoses (including information gathering from colleagues).
• Collaborate often with other departments on exhibit development, public education and information sharing.
• Maintain legal and AZA compliance for all lab operations and equipment (e.g. oxygen storage, vaccinations, licenses and certifications) and maintain up to date written protocols.
• Be responsible for proper use and regulatory compliance of controlled substances.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of recent advances in veterinary medicine.
• Adhere to the South Carolina Aquarium Policies.
• Participation on the Ride Out Team is required and shared between the VP and Associate.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent South Carolina Aquarium in professional associations.
• Travel occasionally to conferences and seminars and as possible support on animal transports.
• Liaise with professional colleagues on a regular basis to develop a support network that can be called upon to help provide assistance when necessary.
• Attend regularly scheduled meetings.
• Daily contact with staff at all levels including interns and volunteers.
• Provide support for the mission by participating in Aquarium sponsored programs and events on a regular basis.
• Provide lead for veterinary student (intern) involvement.
• Support research activities that support the Aquarium's mission.
• Perform public relations function at all levels, including the presentation of clinical research findings through publications and conference presentations.
• Be actively involved in identifying grant opportunities and grant submittals.
• Perform additional duties as requested.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in a variety of clinical tasks including blood, fecal and urine sampling and analysis, bacteriological culturing, microscopy.
• Experience or willingness to learn advanced imaging and clinical techniques including onsite computed tomography, endoscopy, and ultrasonography.
• Familiarity and advanced understanding of aquatic life support systems and water quality.
• Strong knowledge of aquatic biology and clinical pathology.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills along with a mastery of written and verbal communication (presentations, guest interaction, and staff engagement will be required).
• An affinity for animals and the capacity to make decisions based on the best interest of the animal, collection or species.
• Capacity to take control in an emergency with a calming demeanor and quickly make decisions.
• Capacity to empathize and work with staff to provide the best possible care for the living population.
• Self-motivated, goal oriented, and able to work independently.
• Budget preparation and management skills.
• Ability to argue persuasively and build consensus in a team oriented environment.
• Goal oriented with proven ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• License to practice veterinary medicine in State of South Carolina within three months of hire date.
• Driver's License.
• USDA/APHIS accreditation type two for health certificates.
• Will obtain a DEA and SC controlled substances license.

Supervision of Others:

• Veterinary Student Externs.

Physical Requirements:

• Average walking, standing, bending/stooping/crouching, climbing ladders, carrying up to 50 lb, sitting, kneeling, balancing, pushing and pulling, crawling.

Working Conditions:

• Irregular hours and working nights and weekends required.
• 24/7 availability while the designated on-call veterinarian (Shared).
• Normal office environment.
• Contact with Aquarium guests.
• Contact with Aquarium contractors, vendors and business associates.
• Travel required.
• Must be flexible with schedule.
• Exposure to elements such as sun, hot, cold, dirty, noisy, wet, frequent temperature changes, poor lighting, etc.

Experience Required

• Education and Experience Required: DVM or VMD degree from accredited university. Preferred 1 year experience with sea turtle rehabilitation. Preferred 1-2 years of experience at an AZA accredited Zoo or Aquarium.

Perks

• Robust benefits, 401K plan with employer match, generous PTO, reciprocity pass program, amazing culture!

Salary

$83,000 - $88,000