Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of marine life, the role of an aquatic animal health veterinarian has never been more crucial.

As we explore deeper into aquatic ecosystems and their inhabitants, the demand for skilled professionals who can diagnose, treat, and protect our marine and freshwater creatures grows steadily.

But what does the job of an aquatic animal health veterinarian truly entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager mapping out the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the field of aquatic veterinary medicine,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable aquatic animal health veterinarian job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian Duties and Responsibilities

Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarians are responsible for the health and well-being of a variety of aquatic species.

Their work involves diagnosing and treating diseases, conducting research, and working on conservation efforts.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting regular health checks on aquatic animals
• Diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries, or abnormalities in aquatic animals
• Administering vaccinations to prevent common diseases in aquatic species
• Advising on feeding and habitat maintenance for optimal health conditions
• Carrying out surgical procedures on aquatic animals when necessary
• Participating in research studies related to aquatic animal health and diseases
• Collaborating with other professionals to coordinate care and conservation efforts
• Providing emergency care to sick or injured aquatic animals
• Developing and implementing quarantine and health monitoring protocols for new or transferred animals
• Communicating with the public or other stakeholders about aquatic animal health issues and conservation efforts
• Contributing to policy development related to aquatic animal health and welfare

 

Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian to provide quality healthcare to a variety of aquatic species.

The Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian will conduct medical procedures, monitor the health and wellness of the animals, respond to emergencies, and carry out disease prevention programs.

Our ideal candidate is knowledgeable about aquatic species, has a deep understanding of aquatic animal diseases, and possesses strong diagnostic skills.

The role requires a commitment to animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and public education.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform regular health checks and medical procedures on aquatic animals
• Diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, or abnormalities
• Design and implement disease prevention programs
• Respond to medical emergencies promptly and effectively
• Collaborate with aquarists, biologists, and other staff members
• Conduct research to improve aquatic animal health management strategies
• Communicate with the public about aquatic animal health and conservation issues
• Keep accurate and detailed medical records
• Follow all professional standards and ethical guidelines

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited institution
• License to practice veterinary medicine
• Specialization in aquatic animal health is preferred
• Strong knowledge of aquatic species and aquatic animal diseases
• Proven experience as a veterinarian, preferably with aquatic animals
• Excellent diagnostic and decision-making skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Physical stamina and ability to handle stressful situations
• Commitment to animal welfare and conservation

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Continuing education opportunities
• Professional association dues
• Generous paid time off
• Employee discounts at park facilities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian
• Work Environment: Aquarium or aquatic animal research facility. The role may require on-call duty for emergencies, including weekends and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Veterinary Services or equivalent.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $110,000 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian Do?

An Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian specializes in the care and treatment of aquatic animals, both in captivity and in their natural habitats.

They diagnose and treat diseases in a wide range of aquatic animals, including fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, and a variety of other marine and freshwater species.

These veterinarians often work in aquariums, zoos, marine parks, research facilities, or veterinary hospitals that specialize in aquatic animal care.

They might also work in the wild, assisting with wildlife conservation efforts and studying diseases that affect aquatic animal populations.

An Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian conducts regular health checks, administers vaccinations, performs surgeries, and treats injuries and illnesses.

They also collaborate with other scientists and researchers to monitor and maintain the health of aquatic ecosystems.

These professionals play a critical role in the prevention of diseases that can affect both aquatic wildlife and the human populations that depend on them.

They work with public health officials to monitor and control potential zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to humans.

In addition to their clinical duties, Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarians often engage in research, education, and advocacy, working to improve the understanding and treatment of aquatic animal diseases, and to promote the importance of aquatic animal health and conservation.

 

Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian Qualifications and Skills

Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarians need a unique blend of technical skills, knowledge of animal health, and soft skills to provide high-quality care for aquatic species.

These include:

• Extensive knowledge of aquatic animal biology and the common diseases that affect these species to make accurate diagnoses and offer effective treatments.
• Exemplary surgical skills, particularly in the unique conditions that arise when operating on aquatic animals, with the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with animal owners and other veterinary professionals, explaining complex veterinary concepts in an understandable way.
• Good observational skills to pick up on subtle signs of disease or discomfort in aquatic animals, many of which do not exhibit clear symptoms of illness.
• A solid understanding of the legal and ethical guidelines surrounding the treatment of aquatic animals to ensure all care provided is within these boundaries.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with other veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and animal owners, discussing treatment options and providing updates on the animal’s progress.
• Problem-solving skills to identify the cause of an animal’s illness and to develop an effective treatment plan.
• Physical stamina and dexterity for performing surgeries and other procedures, often under challenging conditions.

 

Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian Experience Requirements

To enter the field of aquatic animal health veterinary, individuals generally must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, which includes significant practical experience through internships and clinical rotations.

Often, individuals will need at least 1 to 2 years of experience working in a veterinary clinic or hospital, where they may gain experience with a variety of species and medical situations.

This could involve internships, residencies, or part-time roles at an animal clinic, zoo, or aquarium.

Many roles for aquatic animal health veterinarians also require specific experience working with aquatic animals.

This could be achieved through specialized internships, residencies, or employment at an aquarium, marine park, or similar facility.

Candidates seeking to advance in the field should ideally have 3 to 5 years of experience, including direct experience diagnosing and treating aquatic animals.

They may also benefit from additional training or certification in areas like marine biology, aquatic pathology, or aquatic animal medicine.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may be prepared for leadership roles, such as supervising a team of veterinarians or managing an aquatic animal health program.

They may also have experience in research or teaching, contributing to the advancement of aquatic animal health care.

 

Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian Education and Training Requirements

Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarians typically hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited university, which usually requires four years of study after completing an undergraduate degree.

The undergraduate degree should be in a related field such as biology, animal science, or zoology, including prerequisite coursework in the natural sciences like chemistry, physics, and biology.

Along with the DVM degree, it is recommended to have a specialty training in aquatic animal health.

This can be obtained through internships, residencies, or postgraduate programs specifically focusing on aquatic veterinary medicine.

Board certification in aquatic animal health, although not mandatory, demonstrates expertise in the field and is highly preferred by employers.

To become board certified, a veterinarian must complete a residency program and pass an extensive examination.

Besides formal education, practical experience is essential.

This can be gained through internships or volunteer work in aquariums, marine rescue centers, or other related settings.

Lastly, all veterinarians including those specializing in aquatic animal health must be licensed to practice.

Licensing requirements vary by state but generally include passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).

Continuing education is also necessary to stay updated with the latest advancements in aquatic veterinary medicine.

This could be in the form of workshops, conferences, or advanced courses in the field.

 

Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian Salary Expectations

An Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian typically earns an average salary of $93,830 (USD) per year.

The salary can vary greatly depending on factors such as the level of experience, specialization, location, and the type of practice.

 

Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian Job Description FAQs

What specific qualifications does an Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian need?

Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarians should have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited university.

Additionally, they must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) and acquire a state license to practice.

Specialization in aquatic animal medicine requires further education and experience, often through a residency program or similar training.

 

What skills are important for an Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian?

Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarians should possess excellent diagnostic and surgical skills, and a deep understanding of aquatic animal physiology and health.

They also need strong communication skills to effectively work with animal handlers and other stakeholders.

Furthermore, they should be capable of working in various conditions including underwater, in the field and in a lab.

 

What are the typical duties of an Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian?

Their tasks include diagnosing and treating diseases in aquatic animals, conducting health assessments and preventive care, performing surgery, and responding to emergencies.

They often collaborate with biologists, ecologists, and other professionals for research and conservation efforts.

Additionally, they may engage in public education about aquatic animal health and conservation.

 

What makes a good Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian?

A good Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian is passionate about aquatic animal welfare and conservation.

They demonstrate a high level of expertise in the medical treatment and preventive care of a wide range of aquatic species.

They are problem-solvers with strong decision-making skills, and have the physical stamina to work in challenging environments.

They also maintain a commitment to lifelong learning to stay updated on the latest research and treatments.

 

Is it challenging to hire an Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian?

Due to the specialized nature of this role, finding qualified candidates can be challenging.

The pool of veterinarians with specific training and experience in aquatic animal health is relatively small.

Therefore, it might require an extensive recruitment process, potentially on a national or even international scale, to find the right fit.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we dove deep into the life aquatic, exploring what it truly means to be an Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian.

Surprised?

It’s not just about veterinary practices.

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

Armed with our comprehensive Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why stop at the water’s edge?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your lifeline to creating precision-guided listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every diagnosis is a part of the larger marine ecosystem.

Let’s protect that future. Together.

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