Associate Veterinarian

Texas State Aquarium • Corpus Christi, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas State Aquarium is seeking a skilled and collaborative Associate Veterinarian to provide comprehensive veterinary care for its diverse aquatic and terrestrial animal collection. The role includes hands-on zoological medicine across preventive, diagnostic, medical, surgical, and emergency care. The Associate Veterinarian independently manages clinical cases and works closely with the Director of Animal Health, veterinary technicians, Animal Care staff, and other departments. The position also supports wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, release, and emergency response activities.

The Aquarium offers a diverse clinical caseload, with particular depth in aquatic animal medicine. Diagnostic and treatment capabilities include digital radiography, ultrasound, flexible and rigid endoscopy, anesthesia and surgical equipment, and computed tomography (CT). The veterinary team collaborates with universities, veterinary specialists, diagnostic laboratories, wildlife agencies, and other zoological institutions, creating opportunities in research, conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and collaborative clinical work.

The Aquarium supports continued professional growth through continuing education, conferences, collaborative work, research, specialized training, and other professional opportunities. It may provide additional support for veterinarians interested in pursuing American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) board certification; certification is not required or expected. The position is based in Corpus Christi, a coastal South Texas city with access to beaches, bays, fishing, boating, birding, and other outdoor activities.

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD), or equivalent veterinary degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum three years of professional veterinary experience or postgraduate clinical training involving zoological, aquatic, wildlife, exotic, or other nondomestic species.
• Demonstrated experience providing veterinary care to nondomestic species, including preventive medicine, diagnostics, anesthesia, medical treatments, and surgical procedures.
• Ability to independently manage clinical cases and collaborate effectively with veterinary and animal care professionals.
• Licensed veterinarian within the United States and possession of, or eligibility to obtain, a Texas veterinary license.
• USDA Category II accreditation and DEA registration, or ability to obtain.
• Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record.
• Possess or be eligible to obtain a Texas veterinary license.
• USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Program Category II accreditation or ability to obtain.
• DEA registration and applicable Texas controlled-substance registration or ability to obtain.
• Valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain, with an insurable driving record.
• First Aid, CPR, and AED certification or ability to obtain.

Nice To Haves

• Three or more years of professional veterinary experience involving nondomestic species.
• Completion of a zoological medicine internship, residency, or other applicable postgraduate clinical training.
• Experience practicing veterinary medicine within an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium.
• Experience in aquatic animal medicine, particularly involving marine mammals, sea turtles, and fishes.
• Experience providing veterinary care for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and emergency response.
• Experience with Tracks Software or other zoological electronic medical record systems.
• Experience participating in veterinary research, conservation initiatives, or collaborative clinical projects.
• Interest in pursuing American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) board certification; certification is not required or expected.

Responsibilities

• Provide preventive, diagnostic, medical, surgical, and emergency veterinary care for the Aquarium's animal collection.
• Independently evaluate and manage clinical cases, including diagnostic procedures, treatment planning, surgery, anesthesia, and patient monitoring.
• Participate in preventive medicine programs, including routine examinations, vaccinations, parasite surveillance, infectious disease screening, and quarantine procedures.
• Perform diagnostic procedures, interpret laboratory and imaging results, and conduct necropsies as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Director of Animal Health, veterinary technicians, and Animal Care staff to support animal health and wellbeing.
• Provide veterinary consultation regarding animal health, husbandry, nutrition, and other factors affecting animal wellbeing.
• Provide veterinary care and support for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, release, and emergency response activities.
• Participate in scheduled on-call coverage and after-hours veterinary emergencies.
• Maintain accurate veterinary medical records and support compliance with applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Contribute to veterinary protocols, staff training, professional development, research, and conservation initiatives.

Benefits

• Continuing education, conferences, collaborative work, research, specialized training, and other professional opportunities.
• Potential additional support for pursuing American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) board certification.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree