Summary:
This position is the first portion of a 2-year fellowship program that includes both veterinary and scholarly responsibilities. As part of the veterinary medical team, this position contributes to veterinary care at the ASLC including managing cases, being on-call, responding to emergencies, performing post-mortem exams, collecting samples for research projects, and participating in field activities. Clinical cases are shared though specific veterinarians may serve as leads on individual cases. As case load can vary tremendously, the fellow is expected to focus on scholarly activities when case load is lighter, typically over winter. As a fellowship, time is provided for scholarly pursuits including developing a research project and/or preparing manuscripts for publication. Presentations at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium (late Januarys in Anchorage) is encouraged. Funds are provided to cover the expenses to obtain an Alaskan Veterinary license as well the cost of external training opportunities or conference attendance. An ACZM Diplomate is not on staff at ASLC, however we are committed to meeting the needs of individuals working towards board certification and collaborate with diplomates of various specialties that can help provide advice. Alternatively, pursuit of a graduate degree part time is possible providing that the subject matter overlaps with the ASLC mission. This first/junior portion of the overall Veterinary Fellowship will focus more on clinical responsibilities and project development. Upon successful completion, the Veterinary Fellow will graduate to a Senior level that will focus more on scholarly pursuits but will remain part of the clinical veterinary team.
Education/Training Requirements:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or equivalent) with two-year experience; an internship at an aquarium or experience with aquatic animals and interest in a graduate degree or becoming board certified is preferred. Licensed for practice of veterinary medicine in the state of Alaska, current DEA registration, and USDA accreditation to issue health certificates within one month of starting work. An understanding of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees and experience with research is desired.
Essential Duties:
- Supports ASLC’s Program of Veterinary Care, Infection Control Plan, and Pharmacy Program. Ensures that compliance with USDA-APHIS, other applicable animal care regulations, and permit requirements.
- Provides routine and emergency veterinary medical, surgical, and dental care for all of ASLC animals (including those that are a part of ASLC’s permanent collection, the wildlife response program, and field projects) during regular work hours and is available to respond in person or by telephone to animal medical emergencies when on-call. Serves as Attending Veterinarian when functioning as the primary onsite clinical veterinarian directly supervising a case or procedure or when on-call and providing consultations by phone. Maintains animal medical records and staff communications describing planned and provided care.
- Contributes to and participates in on-going training for veterinary staff as required to maintain technical competencies and currency. Assists in training of other ASLC personnel for tasks involving animal health, sampling, quarantine, and other animal health and welfare issues.
- Facilitates and actively participates in collection and publication of scientific information gathered during routine exams, clinical cases, wildlife response activities, animal rehabilitation, and research activities while helping to ensure permit compliance and fulfillment of grant obligations. Responsible for one research project, including a publication.
- Fosters good relations with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff by promoting positive attitudes, good will, cooperation, and providing high standards of service.
- Complies with all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and programs.
- Maintains valid driver’s license.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Other Skills and Abilities:
Ability to be organized, self-motivated, independent, and possess a strong desire to see the completion of projects. Exceptional time management/organizational skills; ability to communicate effectively with various levels in the organization. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Computer skills including Google applications, Excel, Word, and database programs. Knowledge of basic research methods and data collection techniques. Comfort with an ever changing/dynamic workplace and an ability to be flexible is highly desired.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to swim; see and hear; move about; stoop, kneel, and crouch; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools and controls; and sit. Must be physically fit with a good sense of balance, able to lift and move 50 pounds. Ability to work with and around large, wild animals. Travel required, some of which may be on small aircraft to remote areas.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1/16/2022
START DATE: JULY 2022 END DATE: JUNE 2024
PAY RATE: $45,240 ($21.75)
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
