The Conservation Veterinarian advances the mission of the Tennessee Aquarium by providing a comprehensive approach to the well-being and health of aquatic animals, both in our care and in the wild.  

The Conservation Veterinarian serves alongside the Conservation Science team to develop research initiatives that integrate veterinary medicine and OneHealth approaches into ongoing conservation programs for freshwater environments.  The Conservation  Veterinarian creates new research projects focused on how changes across the landscape affect disease dynamics in wild populations, and examines how  diseases impact endangered aquatic species, including those in human care and those in the wild.

In addition to research into conservation medicine, the Conservation Veterinarian is part of the clinical veterinary team for the Tennessee Aquarium, helping to maintain both the conservation collection at the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute and the Aquarium animal collection in good health.

Key Responsibilities
1.    Conservation Research (~40% of role)

• Develops  and conducts interdisciplinary research addressing  the relationships and interplay of aquatic animal and environmental health with anthropogenic actions.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable state and federal agency standards on animal care, research and ethics, including IACUC oversight. This also includes maintaining required permits and licenses (e.g., TWRA, USDA, USFWS), supervising the use and storage of controlled substances, and monitoring animal welfare for animals used in conservation-related research.
• Mentors veterinary interns, veterinary externs, research  fellows, and  interested Aquarium staff on independent research  related to conservation medicine.
• Works with grants team to research and develop funding proposals for mission-aligned projects and coordinates or assists with all grant reporting requirements.
• Disseminates the results of research to  scientists and non-scientists through publications, presentations, traditional and social media, and outreach  activities.  Collaborates  with conservation outreach team to ensure local communities have timely access to information resulting from any studies relevant to their concerns.

2.    Associate Veterinary Care for Aquarium Collection (~30% of role)

• Serves as a member of the Aquarium’s veterinary team to work with all husbandry staff in order to identify and treat animals proactively. Maintains base knowledge of collection, regular procedures, and emerging concerns to fulfill veterinary duties appropriately.
• Rotates through shared “on-call” duties.  Responds to emergent medical needs and provides care that shows versatility and original  thought.
• Maintains  communication with the veterinary, animal care, and conservation teams, including medical records, rounds and walk-throughs, and responding to telephone calls, texts, and emails promptly. Enters data into ZIMS database. Handles Class II narcotics and controlled drugs and record accurately.
• Participates  in scheduled, preventative procedures that could involve general anesthesia (e.g. dentals, blood work, imaging and general physical exams).
• Evaluates  diagnostic test results, clinical pathology  and histopathology results, and alters or  installs treatments  and husbandry accordingly.
• Uses  imaging tools such as endoscopy, ultrasound, radiography, and CT as appropriate.
• Understands epidemiological concepts as they relate to exhibits and populations and treats animals appropriately.
• Assists in writing or modifying written  protocols in regard to animal  health, including quarantine for all species, behavioral enrichment, nutrition (including browse), and environmental protocols.
• Practices good necropsy skills for numerous taxonomical groups and is able to communicate well with the pathology community.  Improves and alters medical, environmental and behavioral processes based on post-mortem results.
• Participates 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 important.
• Participates with veterinary, animal care, and conservation team discussions on animal well-being, quality of life and end-of-life concerns.
• Remains current with general, aquarium, and wildlife veterinary principles as well as pertinent regulations and standards.  Ensures compliance with AZA standards and assist with preparation for AZA accreditation.

3.    Veterinary Care for Conservation Collection (~20% of role)

• Serves as primary veterinarian for the conservation collection at the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute, particularly aquatic animals raised on-site for reintroduction back into the wild.
• Applies clinical skillset as described above.
• Supervises quarantine protocols, active treatments, and disease screenings prior to release.

4.    Overall (~10%)

• Provides expertise on emerging aquatic wildlife or veterinary health issues  for traditional and social media interviews.
• Represents the veterinary team and finds opportunities to positively engage with Aquarium staff, volunteers and guests. 
• Joins and participates with appropriate professional organizations such as AAZV, AAFV, AARV, etc.
• Performs work in a manner that fosters the Aquarium’s mission and reflects its core values and service standards.

Key Requirements

• Must be a graduate of an U.S. accredited Veterinary College or Foreign-educated veterinarians must pass NAVLE and ECFVG/PAVE.
• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (such as biology, conservation biology, ecology, evolution, or microbiology) is required. 
• Experience providing veterinary care to aquatic animals ex situ and in situ is preferred.
• One year’s experience conducting field and laboratory research in a relevant field.
• Proven success in funding and fulfilling research, conservation, and grant awards.
• Positive leadership style, professional and effective communication, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal/problem-solving skills.
• Organization and ability to track progress on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft 365, statistical software, bioinformatics software, and ZIMS.
• Ability to explain animal health situations to aquarium staff, volunteers, and the general public.
• Passion and empathy for sharing research and animal information with others.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Tennessee State Veterinary License or ability to obtain same.
• DEA license for location or ability to obtain same.

Full-time, salaried (Starting at $100,000/year, commensurate with education and experience); Occasional overnight trips and weekend work as necessary.