Fellowship in Aquatic and Zoologic Animal Medicine
National Aquarium in Baltimore
Overview
A two-year veterinary fellowship is being offered by the National Aquarium. The collection includes over 16,000 individuals and 700 species of invertebrates, fresh and saltwater fishes, elasmobranchs, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, including bottlenose dolphins. In addition, the Marine Animal Rescue Program intakes on average 2-5 seals and 20-40 sea turtles per year for rehabilitation. This position is primarily clinical in nature, and the fellow will be involved in all aspects of aquatic animal medicine and surgery including daily interaction with husbandry personnel, physical examination and sample collection, routine and emergency medical treatment, radiology, anesthesia, surgery, and clinical pathology throughout their time here.
The first year is focused on solidifying basic skills in veterinary medicine, performing clinical exams on collection and rescue animals. The second year aims to generate independence in a clinical setting, including more experience with marine mammal medicine.
Duties:
- Develops, management and treatment plans for collection animals including incorporation of water quality and life support system into medical plans.
- Performs gross necropsies, cytologies, and appropriate sample collection for all classes of animals.
- Creates and maintains clear, concise, and detailed electronic medical records in accordance with written standards in a timely manner.
- Time-off is offered for opportunities for out-rotations/field work (mainly in the second year)
- Attendance to one conference funded by the aquarium with the expectation of presenting.
- Required to complete a research project with the intent of future publication, funding is available.
Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:
- Veterinary Degree (DVM, VMD) from an accredited university. If graduate of a foreign school, must have license to practice veterinary medicine in the United States.
- Completion of an internship in small or large animal medicine preferred.
- Demonstrated proficiency in aquatic animal medicine.
- Maryland veterinary license within 1 month of starting.
- Ability to sign USDA Health Certificates for animal shipments within 6 months of starting (Category II).
- Ability to learn and effectively use all proprietary Aquarium software (Tracks)
- Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes weekend and/or evening hours, including on-call.
- Ability to perform duties that may include walking or standing for extended periods, lifting, climbing ladders, kneeling, and working closely with others.
- Exceptional communication skills and the ability to work with diverse husbandry staff are essential.
- 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).
Salary/Benefits:
- Salary: $58,660 annually
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401K Retirement Plan
- Paid TimeOff
- Paid Continuing Education
- Life Insurance/Disability Benefits
- Health, Transportation and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Complimentary Tickets, Family Membership
Start Date: July 6, 2026
Application: Interested applicants should submit a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference to: Dr. Aimee Berliner, Director of Animal Health and Welfare, National Aquarium
e-mail aberliner@aqua.org; (410)576-3854
About the National Aquarium
Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.
More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.
Our Mission and Goals
The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.
Our Values
At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.
Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.
Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.
Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.
Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.
Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.
In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.
