Collection Veterinarian

Tennessee Aquarium•Chattanooga, TN

27d•$100,000 - $125,000

About The Position

The Collection Veterinarian will be responsible for maintaining the animal collection in good health. Good health incorporates medical and surgical issues as well as including nutritional, behavioral and environmental factors that impact the health of the animals. The associate veterinarian(s) must display and apply an understanding of the natural history of each animal in the collection.

Requirements

Self-motivation, ability to work independently
Ability to work well with others and be a team player
Excellent communication skills with both medical professionals and the public
Public speaking ability
Good computer skills (e.g.: Microsoft Office suite, ZIMS)
Excellent technical and non-technical writing skills
Must be a graduate of an U.S. accredited Veterinary college and pass NAVLE or Foreign-educated and pass NAVLE and ECFVG/PAVE
Valid Tennessee State driver’s license
Tennessee State Veterinary License or ability to obtain same
DEA license or ability to obtain same

Responsibilities

Work with husbandry staff to identify and treat animals proactively.
Engage in scheduled, preventative procedures that may involve general anesthesia (e.g. dental cleanings, blood collection, imaging and general physical exams).
Care for collection animals on an “as needed” basis. Respond to emergent medical needs and provide care that shows versatility and original thought.
Evaluate diagnostic test results, both clinical pathology and histopathology, and alter or initiate treatments and husbandry accordingly.
Use imaging tools such as endoscopy, ultrasound, radiography and CT as appropriate.
Understand epidemiological concepts as they relate to exhibits and populations and treat appropriately.
Maintain effective communication with the rest of the veterinary and husbandry teams including medical records, completing rounds and walk-throughs, and responding to telephone calls, texts and emails promptly.
Enter data into ZIMS database and oversee other members of the medical team (assistants and technicians) to do so.
Assist in creating or modifying written protocols regarding animal health. This includes quarantine for all species, behavioral enrichment, nutrition (including browse) and environmental protocols.
Practice good necropsy skills for numerous taxonomical groups and be able to communicate effectively with the pathology community. Improve and alter medical, environmental and behavioral processes based on post-mortem results.
Participate with other partner institutions to schedule animal transfers that include pre and post shipment procedures and information sharing. USDA licensure or ability to gain same is required.
Oversee or assist with behavior training routines of medical importance.
Handle Class II narcotics and controlled drugs and maintain records accurately.
Participate with husbandry and veterinary teams in quality of life and end of life discussions.
Provide zoonotic disease training. Some public speaking required.
Be a participating member of appropriate professional organizations such as AAZV, AAFV, AARV, etc.
Be available for shared “on-call” duties.
Remain current with general, aquarium, and wildlife veterinary principles as well as pertinent regulations and standards. Ensure compliance with AZA standards and assist with preparation for AZA accreditation.