Conservation Veterinarian

Tennessee Aquarium • Chattanooga, TN

111d • $100,000

About The Position

The Conservation Veterinarian advances the mission of the Tennessee Aquarium by providing a comprehensive approach to the well-being and health of aquatic animals, both in our care and in the wild. The Conservation Veterinarian serves alongside the Conservation Science team to develop research initiatives that integrate veterinary medicine and OneHealth approaches into ongoing conservation programs for freshwater environments. The Conservation Veterinarian creates new research projects focused on how changes across the landscape affect disease dynamics in wild populations, and examines how diseases impact endangered aquatic species, including those in human care and those in the wild. In addition to research into conservation medicine, the Conservation Veterinarian is part of the clinical veterinary team for the Tennessee Aquarium, helping to maintain both the conservation collection at the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute and the Aquarium animal collection in good health.

Requirements

• Must be a graduate of an U.S. accredited Veterinary College or Foreign-educated veterinarians must pass NAVLE and ECFVG/PAVE.
• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (such as biology, conservation biology, ecology, evolution, or microbiology) is required.
• Experience providing veterinary care to aquatic animals ex situ and in situ is preferred.
• One year's experience conducting field and laboratory research in a relevant field.
• Proven success in funding and fulfilling research, conservation, and grant awards.
• Positive leadership style, professional and effective communication, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal/problem-solving skills.
• Organization and ability to track progress on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft 365, statistical software, bioinformatics software, and ZIMS.
• Ability to explain animal health situations to aquarium staff, volunteers, and the general public.
• Passion and empathy for sharing research and animal information with others.
• Valid driver's license.
• Tennessee State Veterinary License or ability to obtain same.
• DEA license for location or ability to obtain same.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in conservation medicine.
• Familiarity with AZA standards and accreditation processes.

Responsibilities

• Develops and conducts interdisciplinary research addressing the relationships and interplay of aquatic animal and environmental health with anthropogenic actions.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable state and federal agency standards on animal care, research and ethics, including IACUC oversight.
• Mentors veterinary interns, veterinary externs, research fellows, and interested Aquarium staff on independent research related to conservation medicine.
• Works with grants team to research and develop funding proposals for mission-aligned projects and coordinates or assists with all grant reporting requirements.
• Disseminates the results of research to scientists and non-scientists through publications, presentations, traditional and social media, and outreach activities.
• Serves as a member of the Aquarium's veterinary team to work with all husbandry staff in order to identify and treat animals proactively.
• Rotates through shared 'on-call' duties. Responds to emergent medical needs and provides care that shows versatility and original thought.
• Maintains communication with the veterinary, animal care, and conservation teams, including medical records, rounds and walk-throughs.
• Participates in scheduled, preventative procedures that could involve general anesthesia.
• Evaluates diagnostic test results, clinical pathology and histopathology results, and alters or installs treatments and husbandry accordingly.
• Uses imaging tools such as endoscopy, ultrasound, radiography, and CT as appropriate.
• Assists in writing or modifying written protocols in regard to animal health.
• Practices good necropsy skills for numerous taxonomical groups.
• Participates with other partner institutions to schedule animal transfers that include pre and post shipment procedures.
• Serves as primary veterinarian for the conservation collection at the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute.
• Provides expertise on emerging aquatic wildlife or veterinary health issues for traditional and social media interviews.
• Represents the veterinary team and finds opportunities to positively engage with Aquarium staff, volunteers and guests.

Benefits

• Comprehensive package of benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement with match and base, sick and vacation time, holiday pay, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree