Senior Veterinarian

JOB SUMMARY: Demonstrate excellent representation of the aquarium at all times through a positive, can-do attitude and teamwork focused work ethic.

The veterinary department at Mystic Aquarium is comprised of 2 Sr. Veterinarians, a Veterinary Intern in Aquatic Animal Medicine and Research, a Hospital Manager, a Clinical Laboratory Manager, and two Certified Veterinary Technicians, and is led by the Sr. Director of Animal Health and Welfare. The department provides exemplary clinical and preventative health care services for Aquarium collection and animals in the Animal Rescue Program through a strong team-based collaborative approach. The Aquarium collection is comprised of 5,000 animals including invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, teleost and elasmobranch fishes, penguins, pinnipeds, and belugas. The aquarium has a well-appointed veterinary hospital with surgical suite and clinical laboratory.

In addition to clinical duties, veterinarians conduct clinically relevant research that advances aquatic animal medicine, husbandry, and/or conservation. Veterinarians also serve as mentors and clinical instructors for veterinary students and the Veterinary Intern in Aquatic Animal Medicine & Research.

Minimum Job Requirements: Must be willing to consistently provide internal and external customer service above and beyond expectation.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)/Veterinary Medicine Doctorate (VMD) degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a practicing clinician in a zoo or aquarium setting required.
• Completion of an internship and/or residency in aquatic/zoo medicine is preferred.
• American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) board certification or ACZM board- eligible within 2 years preferred.
• Experience with veterinary care of marine mammals, including cetaceans, required.
• Research experience and strong publication and presentation history preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekend/evening hours, holidays, including on call coverage.
• Qualifications for Connecticut state license to practice veterinary medicine.
• Ability to sign Category II USDA health certificates for animal shipments within 3 months of hire required.
• SCUBA certification preferred or the ability to pass a swim test preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Multilingual; Spanish speaking preferred.

Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

• Work collaboratively between other members of the veterinary team, the Animal Rescue Program, the Husbandry program, and the Environmental Quality program to ensure health and wellbeing for the Aquarium's diverse collection that includes invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles, teleost and elasmobranch fishes, penguins, and marine mammals.
• Evaluate, monitor, and execute preventative medicine and response to health concerns for all collection animals.
• Provide field response to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles as necessary; perform clinical exams and develop management and treatment plans for animals in the Animal Rescue Program.
• Provide after-hours on-call veterinary services on a rotational basis.
• Create and maintain clear, concise, detailed medical records in accordance with standards, in a timely manner.
• Communicate effectively and frequently with animal husbandry personnel on veterinary case status.
• Perform sample collection, cytology, and gross necropsy.
• Create and update Standard Operating Procedures as directed.
• Monitor and document animal wellbeing and mortality trends in aquarium collection and work collaboratively with husbandry managers to address emergent issues.
• Participate in positive reinforcement training and veterinary desensitization to enhance husbandry training of aquarium collection for veterinary behaviors.
• Represent the aquarium at professional meetings, including delivering scientific presentations.
• ,Develop and execute research projects focused on aquatic animal health and conservation.
• Work collaboratively to ensure animal acquisition/disposition needs are met including creation of necessary health certificates.
• Provide clinical and research mentorship and a positive learning environment for the Veterinary Intern in Aquatic Animal Medicine and Research and for veterinary students engaging in externships.
• Leadership roles in veterinary organizations and adjunct faculty appointments at regional universities are possible and encouraged.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Safety/Security

• Work in a safe manner at all times.
• Properly use, and keep in good order, all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied to them as protection from recognized hazards.
• Report any unsafe condition.

• Must have a working knowledge of all Facility wide, and Department specific, safety procedures that relate to their position, including, but not limited to: Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher Use.

Sea Research Foundation, Inc. (dba Mystic Aquarium) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation. Women and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.