Senior Veterinarian

Alaska SeaLife Center

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position:
 Senior Veterinarian

Date:
January 9, 2026 

Classification:
 Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To:
Vice President of Life Sciences

Department:
 Life Sciences/Veterinary
Supervises:
Veterinary Staff

Summary:

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 SeaLife 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 functions.

Apply by March 16, 2026 for full consideration

Full Time with Benefits

Please submit a resume, cover letter and letter of recommendation with your application.

Must be able to pass a background check.