Aquarium Veterinarian Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of marine life conservation, the role of aquarium veterinarians has never been more crucial.

As marine ecosystems face increasing threats, the call for skilled professionals who can diagnose, treat, and protect aquatic animals grows louder.

But what is really expected from an aquarium veterinarian?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of aquatic veterinary medicine,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable aquarium veterinarian job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Aquarium Veterinarian Duties and Responsibilities

Aquarium Veterinarians are responsible for the health and well-being of animals in an aquarium setting.

They use their expertise in marine biology, veterinary medicine, and aquatic environments to diagnose and treat illnesses, manage animal care, and consult on the design and maintenance of aquatic habitats.

The duties and responsibilities of an Aquarium Veterinarian include:

• Examining aquarium animals to assess their health and diagnose diseases
• Providing treatment for a variety of animal species, including fish, reptiles, mammals, and invertebrates
• Performing surgeries and administering medication as needed
• Developing and implementing preventative health care programs to ensure animal well-being
• Collaborating with aquarium staff to manage the feeding and care of aquarium animals
• Consulting on the design and improvement of aquatic habitats to ensure they meet the needs of different species
• Conducting research to improve animal health and welfare in an aquarium setting
• Training aquarium staff on animal handling and care procedures
• Ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations and standards
• Coordinating with other professionals for the rescue and rehabilitation of aquatic animals

 

Aquarium Veterinarian Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Aquarium Veterinarian to diagnose, treat and research diseases and disorders in aquatic animals.

The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of aquatic animal biology, physiology and diseases.

Aquarium Veterinarian responsibilities include conducting regular examinations, performing surgical procedures, and collaborating with marine biologists and other professionals.

He/She will also be responsible for maintaining the health of the animals in our aquarium by using various diagnostic tools.

Ultimately, the role of the Aquarium Veterinarian is to ensure the health and well-being of the aquatic life in our care and contribute to the conservation of aquatic species.

 

Responsibilities

• Performing regular examinations on aquatic animals
• Diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders in aquatic animals
• Performing surgical procedures when necessary
• Conducting research to improve health management strategies for aquatic species
• Providing education and advice to aquarium staff about the care and handling of aquatic species
• Ensuring compliance with animal health regulations and standards
• Developing and maintaining health records for all aquatic animals in the facility
• Communicating effectively with aquarium staff and other stakeholders

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree
• Specialized training or experience in aquatic animal medicine
• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine
• Strong observational and diagnostic skills
• Knowledge of aquatic animal biology and physiology
• Ability to perform surgical procedures on aquatic animals
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to work with a diverse range of aquatic species

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Aquarium Veterinarian
• Work Environment: This role will be primarily located in the aquarium, and will involve direct interaction with aquatic animals. Some off-site work may be required for research or professional development.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Aquarium Director or Lead Veterinarian.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a copy of your DVM degree and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Aquarium Veterinarian Do?

Aquarium Veterinarians are specially trained professionals who provide medical care to aquatic animals in aquariums, zoos, and sometimes in the wild.

Their patients range from small fish to larger marine mammals like seals, dolphins, and whales.

These veterinarians perform regular health checks and diagnose health issues in aquatic animals.

They design and administer treatment plans, which can include medication, surgery, or changes in diet or environment.

Aquarium Veterinarians also perform surgeries and other medical procedures on aquatic animals.

These procedures can range from simple wound treatments to complex surgeries.

They work closely with other aquarium staff to monitor and maintain the animals’ living conditions.

This can involve testing water quality, adjusting lighting and temperature, and ensuring the animals are getting the right nutrition.

In addition to their hands-on work with animals, Aquarium Veterinarians often conduct research to improve the health and longevity of aquatic species.

They may also participate in conservation and rehabilitation efforts for endangered aquatic species.

Aquarium Veterinarians are responsible for educating the public, aquarium staff, and other stakeholders about aquatic animal health and conservation.

This can involve giving presentations, writing reports, and providing training to other staff members.

Furthermore, they are required to stay updated about the latest developments and advancements in aquatic animal medicine and share this knowledge with their peers and the community.

 

Aquarium Veterinarian Qualifications and Skills

An efficient aquarium veterinarian should have skills and qualifications that coincide with your job description, such as:

• Thorough knowledge of aquatic animal physiology, behavior, nutrition, and diseases to diagnose and treat a wide variety of marine species.
• Proficiency in surgical procedures, anesthesia, and radiology specifically for aquatic animals to perform medical procedures when necessary.
• Excellent diagnostic and problem-solving skills to identify and address health issues in aquatic animals.
• Strong communication skills to effectively relay information regarding the health and wellbeing of the marine life to other staff members, and to educate the public about marine life health and conservation.
• Interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with aquarium staff, researchers, and conservationists.
• Attention to detail for monitoring aquatic environments to ensure they meet health and safety standards for the animals.
• Physical stamina to handle the physical demands of the job which may include long hours, emergency situations, and handling of large or potentially dangerous marine animals.
• Compassionate animal lover with a deep respect for marine life and a commitment to promoting marine conservation.

 

Aquarium Veterinarian Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the role of Aquarium Veterinarian are expected to have at least 3 to 4 years of veterinary school, coupled with some experience, usually achieved through internships or residencies in Aquatic or Marine Medicine.

Such early-stage professionals should have had hands-on experience treating a variety of aquatic animals, conducting regular health assessments, assisting with surgical procedures, and interpreting diagnostic tests.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience likely have worked as an Associate Aquarium Veterinarian or equivalent role, honing their skills in clinical procedures, aquatic animal rehabilitation, and preventative medicine.

They may also have experience in research projects related to aquatic animal health and conservation.

Those with over 10 years of experience in the field have typically developed expertise in a wide variety of aquatic species, managed complex cases, and contributed to the advancement of aquatic veterinary medicine through research and publications.

They may also have experience in training and mentoring junior staff, making them suitable for leadership roles within aquariums or conservation organizations.

Moreover, a Board Certification in Aquatic Animal Medicine from a recognized organization like the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association (WAVMA) or American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is often seen as a significant professional accomplishment, demonstrating advanced level of experience and expertise in this field.

 

Aquarium Veterinarian Education and Training Requirements

An Aquarium Veterinarian typically requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited college or university.

Before pursuing DVM, a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in biology, animal science, or a related field is needed.

Following the completion of DVM, they must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) to become licensed to practice in the United States.

Moreover, they need to obtain special certification from the American Association of Fish Veterinarians (AAFV) or the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) in Aquatic Animal Medicine.

This specialty certification requires additional years of training and experience in aquarium medicine and surgery.

Aquarium Veterinarians should also have a strong background in marine biology and knowledge of a wide variety of aquatic species, their diseases, and their treatments.

Continuing education is crucial in this field as advancements and new discoveries in aquatic animal medicine are frequently made.

Many professionals attend seminars and conferences to keep up-to-date with the latest practices and treatments.

Also, experience with aquatic animals, whether through volunteer work, internships, or employment, is highly beneficial and often required.

 

Aquarium Veterinarian Salary Expectations

An Aquarium Veterinarian can expect to earn an average salary of approximately $93,830 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the location of their employment, and the specific institution for which they work.

 

Aquarium Veterinarian Job Description FAQs

What skills does an aquarium veterinarian need?

Aquarium veterinarians need strong analytical and decision-making skills to diagnose and treat a wide range of aquatic animals.

They should be skilled in surgical procedures and have extensive knowledge about aquatic animal diseases.

Communication and interpersonal skills are essential for liaising with aquarium staff and explaining the medical conditions and treatment options.

 

What kind of education or certification do aquarium veterinarians require?

Aquarium veterinarians require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, which typically takes four years to complete after undergraduate studies.

Upon earning a DVM degree, they must be licensed by passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination.

Additionally, specialization in aquatic animal medicine requires further training and certification, often through a residency program in aquatic animal health.

 

What does an aquarium veterinarian’s daily routine look like?

An aquarium veterinarian’s day typically involves examining aquatic animals, diagnosing illnesses, administering treatment, and performing surgeries as needed.

They might also be involved in preventive healthcare, ensuring the animals are kept in optimal conditions to prevent diseases.

Additionally, they often collaborate with other aquarium staff to develop diet and exercise plans for the animals.

 

What qualities make a good aquarium veterinarian?

A good aquarium veterinarian has a deep love and understanding of aquatic animals, combined with a high level of empathy.

They need to be able to work under pressure, as the job can involve dealing with emergencies.

Attention to detail is vital in diagnosing and treating medical conditions.

They should also be excellent communicators, able to effectively share information with the aquarium team.

 

Is it challenging to hire aquarium veterinarians?

Hiring an aquarium veterinarian can be challenging as it is a highly specialized role requiring specific training and certifications.

Additionally, there are fewer qualified professionals in this field compared to other types of veterinarians.

Therefore, employers often need to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract the best candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there it is.

Today, we’ve delved into the depths of what it truly means to be an aquarium veterinarian.

Surprised?

It’s not just about treating fish.

It’s about safeguarding aquatic life, one diagnosis at a time.

With our comprehensive aquarium veterinarian job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to dive in.

But why not go further?

Plunge into our job description generator. It’s your next port of call for precise job listings or tailoring your resume to near perfection.

Don’t forget:

Every diagnosis contributes to a healthier aquatic ecosystem.

Let’s preserve that ecosystem. Together.

How to Become an Aquarium Veterinarian (Complete Guide)

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