Associate Veterinarian
Location
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
1-2 years
Compensation
$90K - $100K per year
Posted
9h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Associate Veterinarian assists the Vice President of Veterinary Care in managing the health of the South Carolina Aquarium's diverse living population, including rehabilitation patients in the Sea Turtle Care Center. This role involves sharing clinical caseloads, overseeing the veterinary student externship program, and collaborating with animal care staff to advance the aquarium's mission.
Job Summary
The Associate Veterinarian supports the Vice President of Veterinary Care in managing the health and welfare of the South Carolina Aquarium’s living collection, with emphasis on fish, sharks and rays, small mammals, birds, reptiles and sea turtle rehabilitation patients. The role shares clinical responsibilities with the VP and oversees the veterinary student externship program, including recruitment, training and mentorship.
Key Responsibilities
Provide comprehensive preventive medicine, diagnosis, treatment, surgery and postmortem care.
Share clinical case management and maintain high standards of animal welfare.
Conduct routine rounds, quarantine examinations, diagnostic testing and treatments.
Support medical care, regulatory compliance and conservation efforts at the Sea Turtle Care Center.
Rotate 24/7 on-call coverage with the VP and ensure appropriate veterinary coverage during absences.
Train and mentor Veterinary Assistants, externs, interns and shadowing students.
Maintain accurate, compliant medical records in TRACKS.
Support nutrition programs, animal acquisitions, dispositions and health certificates.
Work closely with animal care staff to provide education, communication and hands-on procedural training.
Collaborate with other departments on exhibit development, education and animal health initiatives.
Maintain compliance with AZA, federal and state regulations, including laboratory operations and controlled substances.
Maintain current veterinary protocols, licenses, certifications and equipment requirements.
Stay current with advances in veterinary medicine and aquatic animal health.
Participate in research, grant development, professional presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
Represent the Aquarium at conferences, professional organizations and industry events.
Support animal transports, rescues, rehabilitation efforts and professional networks as required.
Participate in Aquarium programs, events, meetings and public relations activities.
Serve as lead for veterinary student and shadowing programs.
Participate in the Ride Out Team and perform administrative duties as needed.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Proficiency in clinical procedures including blood, fecal and urine sampling, microscopy and bacterial culture.
Experience or willingness to develop skills in CT, endoscopy, ultrasound and other advanced diagnostic techniques.
Strong understanding of aquatic biology, clinical pathology, aquatic life support systems and water quality.
Excellent organizational, time-management, communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to make sound decisions in emergencies while maintaining a calm and professional approach.
Strong animal welfare focus and ability to work collaboratively with animal care teams.
Self-motivated, independent and goal-oriented with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
Ability to build consensus, communicate persuasively and work effectively in a team environment.
Experience with budgeting and resource management preferred.
Qualifications and Experience
DVM or VMD from an accredited veterinary university required.
Must hold or be eligible for South Carolina veterinary, controlled substance and driver’s licenses within three months of hire.
Must meet federal and South Carolina DEA requirements and maintain DEA registration.
Must hold or be eligible for USDA Type II accreditation.
One year of sea turtle rehabilitation experience preferred.
Two years of experience at an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium, ideally with an aquatic, zoological, exotic or wildlife specialty internship, preferred.
Candidates with advanced qualifications may be considered for a higher-level veterinary position.
Resume and cover letter required.
Updated 9h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
1-2 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$90K - $100K per year
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
South Carolina Aquarium
Team size
Growing team
Location
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
The South Carolina Aquarium is dedicated to the health management of its diverse living population, including teleosts, elasmobranchs, small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and the rehabilitation of sea turtles. It focuses on providing world-class animal care, advancing conservation efforts, and engaging in public education.
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Associate Veterinarian
Charleston, South Carolina, United States • Full Time