Associate Veterinarian

JOB SUMMARY:
The National Aquarium is seeking an Associate Veterinarian to provide clinical and preventative medical care for its diverse animal collection, including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and rehabilitating animals. The veterinarian will collaborate with the Senior Veterinarian, Director of Animal Health, husbandry teams, and other departments to maintain high standards of animal health and welfare. The role includes clinical training of the Veterinary Fellow, management of the veterinary student preceptorship program, detailed electronic medical records, policy development, research, and rotating 24/7 emergency and rehabilitation coverage.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide clinical, preventative, and emergency veterinary care using team-based approaches.

• Perform examinations, diagnostics, water-quality assessments, gross necropsies, cytology, and sample collection across multiple animal taxa.

• Develop treatment and management plans incorporating water quality and life-support systems.

• Maintain accurate, detailed electronic medical records.

• Provide rotating 24/7 on-call coverage and participate in marine animal stranding responses and rehabilitation intake exams.

• Ensure compliance with AZA, APHIS/USDA, NOAA, state, federal, and other regulatory requirements.

• Monitor disease trends and husbandry practices and collaborate with husbandry managers on prevention and emerging health issues.

• Develop and implement veterinary SOPs and high-quality animal care standards.

• Oversee animal acquisition, disposition, quarantine, testing, medical clearance, and Certificates of Veterinary Inspection.

• Coordinate with partner institutions and ensure compliance with state and federal testing requirements.

• Support radiation safety, chemical safety, zoonotic disease prevention, infectious disease response, and staff training.

• Contribute to welfare initiatives, behavioral husbandry, enrichment, nutrition, research, pathology rounds, morbidity and mortality reviews, and scientific committees.

• Participate in professional presentations, publications, and knowledge exchange.

• Support public and media relations as directed.

PRECEPTORSHIP PROGRAM:

• Manage veterinary student applications, onboarding, documentation, compliance, scheduling, and preceptor opportunities.

• Supervise students during daily clinical activities and provide hands-on veterinary training and mentorship.

• Train students in medical documentation and National Aquarium protocols.

• Support student research projects and provide structured evaluations and feedback.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• DVM or VMD from an AVMA-accredited university.

• Minimum 4 years of full-time aquatic or zoological animal medicine experience.

• Completion of an internship/residency in aquatic or zoo animal medicine, or equivalent experience.

• Maryland veterinary license within 3 months of employment and maintained in good standing.

• USDA Category II APHIS certification within 3 months of employment.

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record; ability to operate cars, vans, and trucks.

• Experience with electronic animal records such as Tracks and ZIMS and proficiency with Microsoft Office.

• Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, evenings, and rotating emergency/on-call coverage.

COMPETENCIES:
Strong leadership, mentorship, communication, critical thinking, organization, adaptability, and decision-making skills are required. Candidates must remain composed during urgent or high-pressure situations, work independently and collaboratively, maintain ethical and regulatory standards, and effectively manage competing priorities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Maintain required Maryland veterinary licensure, continuing education, PDMP enrollment, USDA certification, and regulatory compliance. Complete required CE hours and triennial requirements. Follow Maryland veterinary regulations and all organizational policies and procedures. Physical duties may include extended standing or walking, lifting, climbing ladders, crouching, kneeling, and working in close-contact environments