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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Work with husbandry staff to identify and treat animals proactively.
2. Engage in scheduled, preventative procedures that may involve general anesthesia (e.g. dental cleanings, blood collection, imaging and general physical exams).
3. Care for collection animals on an “as needed” basis. Respond to emergent medical needs and provide care that shows versatility and original thought.
4. Evaluate diagnostic test results, both clinical pathology and histopathology, and alter or initiate treatments and husbandry accordingly.
5. Use imaging tools such as endoscopy, ultrasound, radiography and CT as appropriate.
6. Understand epidemiological concepts as they relate to exhibits and populations and treat appropriately.
7. 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.
8. Enter data into ZIMS database and oversee other members of the medical team (assistants and technicians) to do so.
9. Assist in creating or modifying written protocols regarding animal health. This includes quarantine for all species, behavioral enrichment, nutrition (including browse) and environmental protocols.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Oversee or assist with behavior training routines of medical importance.
13. Handle Class II narcotics and controlled drugs and maintain records accurately.
14. Participate with husbandry and veterinary teams in quality of life and end of life discussions.
15. Provide zoonotic disease training. Some public speaking required.
16. Be a participating member of appropriate professional organizations such as AAZV, AAFV, AARV, etc.
17. Be available for shared “on-call” duties.
18. 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.
Knowledge, Skill, and Ability 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
Educational/Experience Requirements
• Must be a graduate of an U.S. accredited Veterinary college and pass NAVLE or Foreign-educated and pass NAVLE and ECFVG/PAVE
License or Certification Requirements
• Valid Tennessee State driver’s license
• Tennessee State Veterinary License or ability to obtain same
• DEA license or ability to obtain same
Supervises
• Assist with supervision of veterinary assistants/technicians, and provide oversight and instruction for veterinary assistant trainees, veterinary student externs and potential veterinary interns.
Working Conditions
• Normal office environment
• Varying environmental conditions including humidity, temperature changes, wet and slippery areas, and marine environments.
• Exposure to odors including but not limited to biological odors, cleaning agents, etc.
• Exposure to potentially dangerous animals and animal-related hazards such as bites, scratches, and zoonotic diseases (while following established safety protocols)
• Schedule may include holiday, weekend, and evening responsibilities as needed
Physical Demands
The physical demands described below are representative of those that may be encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Frequent movement within office, laboratory, clinic, and animal backup areas of the Aquarium facilities
• Extended periods of standing, walking, or remaining in a stationary position
• Occasional movement or positioning of items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ascending and descending ladders
• Occasional positioning of the body to examine animals or access equipment, which may include bending, reaching, kneeling, crouching, or working in confined or low-clearance spaces.
Salaried ($100,000 - $125,000, commensurate with education and experience); Schedule may include holiday, weekend, and evening responsibilities as needed.
Please submit an application, resume, cover letter, and CV at https://bit.ly/TNAQUA-careers.
Applications are due by June 17, 2026.
