Husbandry Veterinary Biologist (Full-Time)

Frost Science; Miami (FL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Frost Science is seeking a Husbandry Veterinary Biologist to join our team across Frost Science and the Batchelor Environmental Center. This full-time role supports veterinary and husbandry care for the institution's living collection and coordinates with the veterinary team.

You will monitor animal health, maintain detailed records, oversee feeding and nutrition, and assist with medical treatments and quarantines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological or Environmental Science preferred.
• Minimum two years in veterinary field or equivalent; AZA experience preferred.
• Experience in animal husbandry at aquarium or zoo preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the veterinarian with medical cases and exams.
• Perform diagnostic testing and administer treatments.
• Maintain medical and behavioral records using Tracks.
• Prepare food and monitor nutrition for multiple species.
• Respond to animal care emergencies and support rotating site duties.

Skills

Wildlife handling

Veterinary care

Recordkeeping

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological or Environmental Science

Tools

Tracks software

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Husbandry Veterinary Biologist Full Time and Multi Site Role & LevelGrade P13 Department Aquarium Reports to VeterinarianCurator of Animal Husbandry Work Location This role is primarily based at Frost Science but requires scheduled rotations at BEC holding facility

SUMMARY

The Veterinary Biologist is integral to the daily function and operation of the Museums program of veterinary and husbandry care This position works closely with the Veterinarian and Husbandry team members to facilitate operations related to the husbandry and health of the Museums living collection at Frost Science and the off site holding at the Batchelor Environmental Center Provides excellent day to day care through approved husbandry practices; keeps exhibits reserve tanks support equipment and workspaces well maintained to Museum standards; is responsible for monitoring animal health water quality and accurate recordkeeping; coordinates animal health issues with supervisors and veterinarian; administers treatments and quarantine procedures; participates in the acquisitiondisposition transport and acclimation of specimens Fully accountable for animals and systems under care in assigned areas Will be responsible for providing coverage for other areas as assigned The Veterinary Biologist works collaboratively across the Museum in a creative environment and contributes to the departments efficient operation This position works a schedule set by the supervisor and may encompass non traditional days and hours and may be asked to report to work for animal care emergencies This position is assigned to both BEC holding facility and Frost Science facility

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists the veterinarian with medical cases including animal examinations restraint anesthesia diagnostic sampling and imaging medical treatments and necropsies Perform laboratory diagnostic evaluation including hematology cytology and fecal examinations as well as preparing samples for submission to outside laboratories Maintains and operates medical diagnostic and therapeutic equipment and also maintains and catalogs documentation of the proper use and maintenance of this equipment Maintains accurate and complete medical and behavioral records of patients utilizing Tracks software including images Monitors quarantine compliance through medical records and by assisting with schedulingperforming exams for animals entering and exiting quarantine Establish and maintain an environment conducive to the health and well being of all animals within the Museums collection Complete inspection rounds of specimens and reserve tanks to check the status and identify and report potential problems Resolves problems independently where possible Prepares food and feeds birds and reptiles as well as cross covers fish in accordance with dietary needs Cleans and provides daily maintenance to food preparation areas equipment and utensils Prepares diets and diet supplements according to established protocols to maintain nutrition and vitamin content to keep specimens at peak health Follows established feeding schedules and feeds appropriate amounts to maintain specimens at a healthy weight Develop strategies to get in appetent specimens to feed Monitors weights of specimens Utilizes various feeding techniques and develops new strategies to overcome the challenges of getting the correct diet to all specimens in exhibits and reserve tanks housing multiple specimens and species Observes and recognizes medical conditions that may require attention and reports observations Discusses the best course of therapy with veterinary and Curatorial staff Administers medications and implements routine quarantine procedures as needed Maintains detailed daily husbandry records and reviews records regularly to identify important trends Assists with animal physicals of specimens as needed Maintaining the holding tanks cleanliness through cleaning acrylic scrubbing algae and removing debris to meet established Museum standards Cleans backup areas including scrubbing mopping vacuuming water and pest control Participates in and presents at workshops seminars lectures member programs and tours Responds to animal related emergencies sometimes after hours Coordinates daily activities through effective communication with staff Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures Ensures that goals for an excellent visitor experience are met and maintained Candidates must be able to work at both locations BEC and Frost Science as part of their weekly schedule Other duties as assigned or required

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES

Thorough understanding of best practices in safe capture restraint and handling of wildlife species Knowledge of blood collection techniques in various species Experience with administration of medications across taxa Familiarity with normal behaviors in wildlife species under managed care and the ability to evaluate animals on exhibit and in a hospital setting Understanding of disinfection and biosecurity in veterinary workspaces and for quarantine animals or those showing signs of disease Experience in monitoring vital signs in hospitalized exotic animals and anesthetized patients during surgical procedures Knowledge of general imaging procedures especially in avian and reptile species Ability and interest to teach/train husbandry staff on basic animal handling techniques exam procedures and sample collection Knowledge of and skill in veterinary and husbandry procedures concerning fish invertebrates and other aquatic life Knowledge of water quality parameters for aquatic species Must have keen observation skills be highly detail oriented and adept at problem solving Skill in organizing resources and maintaining priorities Skill in database management Ability to work collaboratively to implement Museum and departmental goals Ability to manage and impart information to a range of clientele staff members and/or media sources Ability to follow laws and regulations relating to wildlife care in accordance with the Museum and industry best practices Ability to create compose and edit written materials using basic computer skills in Word Excel internet navigation e mail and spreadsheet programs Ability to problem solve and troubleshoot problems Ability to create compose and edit written materials Ability to decide when to act independently and when to seek the consultation of the curatorial staff Able to work well with supervisors and staff Ability to mentor and train new interns volunteers and staff Ability to develop and maintain professional business relationships with co workers volunteer staff interns and colleagues at other facilities and outside vendors Ability to work holidays weekends and a non traditional work week and respond to after hours emergencies

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree in Biological or Environmental Science is preferred Previous experience in animal husbandry at an aquarium or zoo through volunteer work internships or a full time position and a minimum of two years in the veterinary field or equivalent experience work in an AZA accredited facility is preferred Drivers license or ability to get one

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical requirements stated represent those necessary for an individual to fulfill the essential duties of this job Reasonable accommodation can be made for qualified individuals with disabilities ensuring equal employment opportunities Please let us know if you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger handle or feel objects tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop kneel crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell The employee must occasionally lift andor move from 50 to 70 pounds Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision distance vision color and peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to adjust focus Must be able to work in high and low places Work is performed both indoors and in outdoor settings Outdoor work is subject to temperatures up to 100 degrees rain humidity and sun Work will also be conducted on a boat with the same outdoor conditions already listed

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

Background clearance Drug screening as part of the Drug Free Workplace Program