Senior Veterinarian

Alaska Sea Life Center

Alaska Sea Life Center

Senior Veterinarian

Summary:

The Alaska Sea Life Center (ASLC) is seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Veterinarian to lead its Veterinary Unit within the Life Sciences Department. Located in the breathtaking coastal community of Seward, Alaska, ASLC is a world-class public aquarium, marine research institution, and education center dedicated to advancing knowledge and stewardship of Alaska's marine ecosystems.

ASLC cares for more than 2,500 animals representing over 150 Alaska-native species and is Alaska's only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility.

This role offers a unique opportunity to practice advanced veterinary medicine at the intersection of wildlife health, conservation, research, and One Health - all while living in one of the most spectacular natural environments in North America.

Seward offers an unmatched quality of life for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Nestled between towering mountains and the pristine waters of Resurrection Bay, Seward provides access to world-class hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and skiing-right outside your door. This is an extraordinary opportunity to advance your veterinary career while living and working in one of Alaska's most inspiring coastal communities.

The Veterinarian/Senior Veterinarian provides leadership and oversight of ASLC's comprehensive veterinary care program. This role is responsible for the clinical care of resident animals, wildlife response cases, and research animals, as well as strategic program management, regulatory compliance, and scientific research. The successful candidate will collaborate across departments and with external partners, contributing meaningfully to conservation medicine and wildlife health on a regional and global scale.

Education/Experience Requirements:

* Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent from an accredited veterinary school.

* Alaska veterinary license (current or obtainable within six months of hire).

* Minimum 4-5 years of experience in zoological medicine or a closely related field.

* Minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience.

* Strong clinical and surgical skills across a wide range of species; marine species experience strongly preferred.

* Demonstrated experience or strong interest in research.

* DEA registration (or ability to obtain) and a valid driver's license.

Essential Duties:

Clinical & Operational Excellence

* Deliver high-quality clinical and surgical care to a diverse collection of marine mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates.

* Provide emergency and after-hours veterinary care as part of an on-call rotation.

* Develop, implement, and oversee medical, preventive medicine, and animal transport protocols.

* Maintain accurate and thorough medical records and prepare case reports.

* Oversee veterinary hospital facilities, equipment, and supplies.

* Supervise and mentor Veterinary Unit staff.

Leadership & Administration

* Establish and manage the ASLC Program of Veterinary Care, Infection Control Plan, Pharmacy Program, and diagnostic laboratory support.

* Ensure compliance with AZA, AAZV, USDA, OSHA, DEA, and other regulatory standards.

* Review, update, and oversee implementation of veterinary and operational protocols, including biosecurity, quarantine, and emergency response.

* Contribute veterinary expertise to permits, regulatory submissions, and grant reporting.

* Develop and manage the Veterinary Unit's annual operating budget.

* Serve on interdepartmental teams and committees, including IACUC.

* Represent ASLC's Veterinary Unit with external collaborators, agencies, and professional partners.

* Support staff professional development and maintain training programs.

* Provide veterinary expertise for public outreach and education initiatives.

Research & Conservation

* Lead and collaborate on research in wildlife veterinary medicine, conservation medicine, and One Health.

* Support internal and external research projects through data and sample collection.

* Participate in and lead grant proposal development.

* Prepare scientific reports, peer-reviewed publications, and professional presentations.

Other Duties

* Fosters good relations with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff members by promoting positive attitudes, goodwill, cooperation, and providing high standards of service.

* Complies with all Alaska Sea Life Center policies, procedures, and programs.

* Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other

Skills and Abilities:

* Highly organized, self-motivated, and adaptable.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.

* Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and after-hours as required.

* Ability to travel occasionally.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of a veterinary position in a wildlife care setting.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential…