Clinical Veterinarian

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium; Draper (UT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, Utah, seeks a full-time Clinical Veterinarian to advance health, welfare, and conservation of its diverse living collection. The role offers a substantial terrestrial caseload alongside an expansive aquatic collection and involves preventive, diagnostic, medical, surgical, and emergency care across species from big cats to large sharks.

Working with the veterinary team, animal care professionals, and senior leadership, you will contribute to animal care

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, medical, surgical, and emergency care for diverse species.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Zoological Operations, veterinary team, and animal care staff to advance animal health and welfare.
• Contribute to population health management, animal welfare initiatives, and evidence-based husbandry practices across the collection.

Job description

Position Summary:

The Clinical Veterinarian is a full-time clinical position responsible for advancing the health, welfare, and conservation of Loveland Living Planet Aquarium’s diverse living collection in support of our mission to inspire people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems.

This role offers a unique opportunity for a zoo or aquarium veterinarian seeking a substantial terrestrial caseload alongside an expansive collection of aquatic animals. The Clinical Veterinarian will provide comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, medical, surgical, and emergency care for species ranging from big cats, penguins, to large sharks and teleosts.

Working collaboratively with the Vice President of Zoological Operations, veterinary team, and animal care professionals, the Clinical Veterinarian contributes to individual animal care, population health management, animal welfare initiatives, and evidence-based husbandry practices across the collection.

The veterinary team includes a senior veterinarian, two licensed veterinary technicians, and an experienced team of animal care professionals. The collection encompasses more than 650 species, creating opportunities to practice high-quality zoological medicine while contributing to conservation, education, and the continued growth of one of the largest aquariums in the United States.

Institutional Summary:

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium provides learning opportunities for all levels, interests, and ages, with the mission to inspire people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems since 1997.

Since opening its new facility in Draper in March 2014, the Aquarium has welcomed over eight million visitors and provided more than 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to more than 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium showcases ecosystems from around the planet including kelp forests, coral reefs, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, Asian cloud forests, South American rain forests, and the waterways of our home state of Utah.

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019. With a new expansion currently under construction and slated for completion in late 2025, LLPA will soon be the largest aquarium in the Mountain West, and 5th largest aquarium overall in the continental United States.

Why Utah?

Utah is home to five national parks, world-class skiing and snowboarding, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, and stunning deserts, mountains, and lakes, all within easy driving distance. Outdoor adventure is part of everyday life. The Salt Lake Valley consistently ranks high for safety, clean communities, short commute times, and family-friendly amenities. Draper offers a balance of suburban comfort and urban access, with downtown Salt Lake City just 15 minutes away. Enjoy all four seasons without extremes—sunny summers, colorful falls, snowy winters, and mild springs, perfect for both outdoor recreation and city living. Utah’s communities are known for being engaged, supportive, and service-oriented, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home.