Vet Tech 3 (Senior Level)

Clearwater Marine Aquarium • Clearwater, FL

135d • Onsite

About The Position

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is seeking a Senior Veterinary Technician to support its mission of marine-life rescue, rehabilitation, release, environmental education, research, and conservation. The role performs complex animal-care procedures and helps maintain the health and wellbeing of resident and rehabilitating animals, working independently and as part of a team. The technician also serves as a resource for other veterinary technicians and team members.

This position is permanent, full-time (100%), non-exempt, and on-site. It reports to the Hospital Manager and does not supervise staff. The role includes emergency response outside scheduled work hours, participation in a shared 24/7 on-call schedule, and a flexible schedule that may include nights, weekends, and holidays. It also involves training staff and interns, maintaining hospital equipment and supplies, supporting research and community activities, and engaging aquarium guests.

The job may require work outdoors in all weather conditions and indoors in areas without air conditioning or heat. Clearwater Marine Aquarium may revise job duties or work hours as required. The position is at-will and is an equal opportunity role.

Requirements

• Veterinary technician degree from an AVMA-accredited organization.
• Certification, registration, or licensure as a veterinary technician (CVT, RVT, or LVT). Out-of-state candidates must obtain Florida licensure within the first 12 months of employment.
• At least four full years working as a veterinary technician at CMA, or at least five years of veterinary technician experience in a zoo and/or aquarium setting.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, nights, and holidays as needed, and to share a 24/7 emergency on-call schedule.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally, and to follow complex instructions.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently without supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to obtain a Florida driver's license.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds to waist level and up to 20 pounds to shoulder level and above the head, frequently.
• Ability to walk or stand for long periods, maneuver on uneven terrain or in tight spaces, climb ladders, squat, bend, kneel, twist, reach, and push or pull larger equipment, frequently.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and indoors under cover without air conditioning or heat.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of medical procedures and rehabilitation of marine mammals.

Responsibilities

• Respond to resident and stranded-animal events, including events outside scheduled work hours and CMA operating hours.
• Perform advanced veterinary technician procedures, including diagnostic sample collection and evaluation, surgical techniques, radiology, anesthesia, emergency care, euthanasia, necropsy, pharmacy procedures, and veterinary nursing.
• Understand the anatomy and physiology of all species at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
• Participate with husbandry teams in training animals for medical procedures.
• Enter and maintain complete, current records, including sample storage records.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing, and anticipate veterinary needs during patient transport.
• Understand water-quality parameters and their relevance to patient health.
• Maintain and clean the hospital.
• Serve as the point person for one or more categories of hospital equipment, including troubleshooting, routine maintenance, training employees, and identifying replacement equipment.
• Manage pharmaceutical, hospital, and laboratory inventory supplies.
• Follow OSHA, USDA, DEA, and FWC regulations and recommend work orders to support compliance.
• Represent CMA and the veterinary department in public relations, fundraising, and community activities.
• Participate in research projects as appropriate and in off-site field research when available.
• Represent CMA at conferences, including giving presentations when applicable.
• Assist with veterinary department grant writing.
• Engage guests visiting the hospital and help make their visits memorable.
• Demonstrate leadership at CMA and train new veterinary technician staff and interns.
• Take initiative on projects that advance veterinary practice, animal health, and safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Share a 24/7 on-call schedule and work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree