Veterinary Technician

You will work closely with the Husbandry Director in supervising and carrying out husbandry medical procedures for the animal collection.   The Veterinarian will participate in planning and through a working team of Curators be responsible for implementing all animal care and health policies. The veterinarian will develop and implement procedures of preventive medicine, animal escape and capture, necropsy examination, microscopic exam, exhibit design, environmental enrichment, nutrition, treatments, epidemiology, control zoonosis, pest control, regulations for housing and shipping.  The priorities for this position include attention to animal health/ welfare, strong leadership and communication abilities.

About us:

As a Herschend Family Entertainment property, Adventure Aquarium is in the business of creating memories worth repeating by greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and seeking constant improvement. Stewardship, guest satisfaction, and team member satisfaction are our core areas of focus. We aim to be a great place to work for great people by leading with patience, kindness, humility, respect, unselfishness, forgiveness, truthfulness, and trust. Together, we will create emotional connections that will last a lifetime!

What you’ll do:

• As a member of the Husbandry team, you will lead by example by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest and committed when interacting with one another and guests.
• Establishes/ reviews all animal diets and supplements.
•  Assist Husbandry Director with maintaining Aquarium, USDA and AZA standards of sanitation in exhibits, holding areas and public areas in and around the exhibits.  Inspects exhibits and facilities and takes necessary action to assure that they are clean, safe and properly heated/air conditioned; promptly reports situations to appropriate parties.
• Works with the Records and Safety Manager to insure appropriate records are kept on all animal health activities and moralities.
• Establishes and monitors all policies and procedures relating to animal health.
• Observes animals for health, social and reproductive behavior and coordinates all veterinary care with Husbandry Director, Curators, Veterinary technician and Animal Health Services.
• Implements and maintains treatment plans and preventive health programs.
• Ensures that safe procedures are maintained and personal protective equipment is worn.  
• Directs and participates in research.  Serves as a chair person for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
•  Participates in publications and presentation for staff development and institutional advancement in the field.
• Maintains free and open communications within the husbandry team through individual and group meetings and facilitates the realization of acceptable projects and concerns that come as a result of these meetings.
•  Assist the Husbandry Director with preparing and employee performance evaluations, appropriate disciplinary actions and documentation of excellent work performance to assure a mutual understanding of goals and progress towards ever improving professional achievement.
• Trains new Husbandry Department employees to assure compliance with established standards and protocols.
• Assists in recruitment, evaluation and selection of new Husbandry staff when needed.
• Participates in long- and short-range departmental planning through regular managers meetings.
• Assures that animal medications, medical equipment, and supplies are ordered and stocked in appropriate amounts given the needs of the institution and the availability of resources.
• Evaluates needs and assists in the preparation of applications for all required permits and licenses and inspections pertaining to the collection.
• Interacts with and responds to public/media requests for information.  Participates in Aquarium education, public relations and programs including tours and lectures.
• Comply with safety and security directives, policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Experience Required

What you’ll bring: 

• A Degree in Veterinary medicine is required with specific knowledge of zoo and wildlife medicine, aquaculture, and marine mammals. Clinical experience preferred. 
• Eight years of professional animal experience at a public aquarium, zoo or related institution. Experience working with pinnipeds, exotics and fish necessary. Emphasis should be on animal health with demonstrated discipline and a history of a consistently high degree of work quality. Minimum of 1 year demonstrated supervisory/leadership experience preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and organize the activities of the animal health staff. 
• A valid NJ DEA license. 
• A valid NJ Controlled Dangerous Substance license. 
• Needs to be a licensed Veterinarian in the state of New Jersey. 
• A valid driver’s license with a good driving record. Certification from a recognized S.C.U.B.A training organization is beneficial. 
• Ability to travel when necessary, usually not to exceed four weeks at one time. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays. Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis. Who You Are You are someone who strives for excellence in all you do. You are friendly and communicate well with all levels of employees. You are excited about joining a company that operates as a team, all working together to achieve the same company goals.

Further Comments

Special Requirements: 

• Successful completion of pre-employment background check and drug screening 
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods, climb stairs, bend, and stoop. 
• Capable of performing strenuous and heavy physical labor; ability to lift up to 50 lbs. 
• Ability to work in all weather conditions. 
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, and agility of movement that will interfere with the ability to work. 
• A valid driver's license with a good driving record. 
• Allergies related to animals or plants, which might interfere with the ability to work, must be controlled by medications or protective equipment. 
• Ability to speak, read, and write effectively in English 

This position has been identified as Safety Critical with authorized operator requirements Note: This position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially hazardous machinery, restraint devices, and toxic chemicals and drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required. (e.g., Goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns)

Perks

What you’ll get: 

• Comprehensive benefits plan through Humana and Guardian 
• Profit Sharing and 401K with company match after the first year of service 
• Up to 100% paid tuition through GROW U program 
• 2 weeks’ vacation, 1-week personal time, 1-week sick time, 8 paid holidays; all based on a full calendar year 
• Free admission & 24 General Admission tickets annually, to be used by family and friends 
• Complimentary tickets to local attractions when available 
• 30% Discount at our Retail and Photo areas, as well as in-house food vendors