The Animal Health department at the National Aquarium is comprised of 2 Veterinarians (1 Senior and 1 Associate), a Veterinary Fellow, the Hospital Manager, and two Certified Veterinary Technicians, and is led by the Director of Animal Health and Welfare. The department provides exemplary clinical care for the aquarium’s diverse collection of invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and rehabilitating seals and sea turtles through a strong team-based collaborative approach. Top candidates will demonstrate excellent representation of the aquarium through a positive attitude and team-focused work ethic.
The Hospital Manager performs a wide range of technical and administrative activities that serve to support effective veterinary operations. This position oversees the activities of the team and monitors the inventory of pharmacy, surgical, medical, laboratory, and necropsy supplies and equipment. The Hospital Manager also ensures compliance and standards are met with regulatory and accrediting bodies (AZA, OSHA, USDA, DEA, State Radiation, etc.). The Hospital Manager is integral to the maintenance of National Aquarium’s high animal welfare standards and to the advancement of the field and science of marine animal health. The Hospital Manager works collaboratively as part of the Animal Health team on developing and implementing policies and procedures to meet the Association of Zoo and Aquariums (AZA) top tier standards.
Essential Functions:
• Responsible for maintaining and managing pharmacy including oversight of controlled drugs and associated regulations
• Ensures scheduling for all planned medical procedures as well as team meetings and inter/intra departmental rounds. Oversees requests to hospital to ensure appropriate allocation of personnel and resources to each need.
• Plans, coordinates, and monitors the maintenance schedule for medical & diagnostic equipment, inventory of in-house testing supplies, and facilitates required state/federal inspections
• Supervises the veterinary technicians. Provides regular feedback, facilitates regular staff meetings, & conducts performance reviews
• Provides technical training in onboarding new staff and to improve the skill level of current staff members.
• Provides leadership support & workflow evaluation for veterinary medical and diagnostic procedures
• Ensure hospital compliance with regulatory agencies & standards such as AZA, OSHA, DEA, State of Maryland, etc.
• Ability to utilize computerized medical record keeping system, evaluate & oversee laboratory requests, and coordinate with laboratory staff
• Develops, evaluates, implements, & ensures compliance of departmental SOPs
• Responsible for staff development, coaching, goal setting, training, & promoting continuing education
• Participate in hiring & on-boarding of veterinary staff
• Develop and promote employee recognition and motivation
• Acquire and maintain knowledge of corporate employee policies and departmental SOPs
• Actively participates as a member of the Animal Care and Welfare Managers team
• Manages the schedule and maintenance for the Animal Care and Welfare vehicle
• Leads department projects as assigned
Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology, Animal Sciences, Biology, related science, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years veterinary technician experience in an aquarium or zoo setting.
• Two years minimum experience in a manager or supervisory position demonstrating superior leadership & teamwork skills
• Licensed Veterinary Technician through AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology Program
• Possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license, have an acceptable driving record, and possess the ability to drive a variety of vehicles (cars, vans/trucks).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes holidays, weekend and/or evening hours, including the ability to shift schedules as needed based on clinical needs and staffing.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt quickly as the needs of the animal collection develop
• In-depth and current knowledge of diagnostic equipment and technologies
Preferred:
• Active Member of AZVT, AZA, or other relevant professional organization
• Experience with cetacean phlebotomy
• Experience with or exposure to principles of positive reinforcement training.
• Previous experience with Tracks Medical Records System
Salary Range and Benefits $65,000-80,000
National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.
About the National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. Our compelling exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives engage more than 1.2 million people annually. One of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland, the Aquarium generates more than $430 million annually in economic impact to the state. The National Aquarium has hosted over 60 million guests since it opened in 1981.
Today, the National Aquarium builds on a history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Care and Welfare teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to connect a global community of hopeful conservationists, united to restore our planet.
Our Mission and Goals
The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.
Our Values
At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.
Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.
Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.
Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.
Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.
Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.
In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.
How to Apply
Interested and engaged applicants should apply through the link above. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org. Applicants should submit a letter of intent in their application package. Three references will be requested during the interview process.
