Senior Veterinarian

Shedd Aquarium; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Veterinarian to lead a comprehensive medical program for its resident animals. This role involves managing clinical cases, collaborating with dedicated teams in conservation and research, and contributing to the education of future animal health professionals. The ideal candidate will be a deeply experienced veterinarian with a passion for animal care and conservation science, ready to thrive in a supportive and innovative environment. Join a team committed to advancing animal health research and making a meaningful impact in conservation efforts.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Vision and Dental Insurance

Accrued Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

401(k)

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Wellness Program

Employee Discounts

Qualifications

• Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and Illinois veterinary license required.
• Significant experience in aquatic animal medicine preferred.

Responsibilities

• Shape and implement a comprehensive medical program for resident animals.
• Manage clinical medical cases and collaborate with research teams.

Skills

Aquatic Animal Medicine

Clinical Experience with Marine Mammals

Veterinary Medicine

Team Collaboration

Scientific Research

Education

Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine

Post-doctoral Training in Zoological Medicine

Tools

Illinois Veterinary Medical License

USDA Category II Accreditation

DEA License

Job description

TITLE: Senior Veterinarian
DEPARTMENT: Animal Health
REPORTS TO: VP of Animal Health
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
SALARY:$115,000 - $130,000

As a key member of the clinical team, the Senior Veterinarian will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing a comprehensive medical program for Shedd Aquarium’s resident animals, manage clinical medical cases, collaborate with the Animal Care and Conservation Research teams, and represent the department throughout the organization and externally to partner organizations and the field.

Why Join Shedd Aquarium?

• Work in a collaborative, supportive environment with a highly competent and dedicated team
• Access to state-of-the-art hospital and research facilities
• Engage in meaningful conservation and research projects
• Be part of an organization with a prestigious legacy and unwavering commitment to advancing animal health research and conservation science

Shedd Aquarium’s Animal Health team is made up of a dedicated team of veterinarians, certified veterinary technicians, a zoological medicine resident, a hospital manager, and an operations manager. They strive to provide the best possible care and welfare for each of Shedd’s animal residents every day, to contribute meaningfully to health and conservation research, and to contribute to the education of future animal health professionals. The Animal Health team is part of the Animal Care and Science Division and works in the new Aquatic Science Labs and Animal Hospital, where professionals in animal health, water chemistry, and conservation science collaborate in a shared space, expanding their capacity to conduct applied science and amplify conservation efforts. The lab's advanced capabilities also support critical training through the Illinois Zoological and Aquatic Animal Residency program (with the University of Illinois and Brookfield Zoo Chicago). Significant private funding supports Shedd’s conservation and research efforts. In addition, the Aquarium has articulated its on-going commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion, fostering a welcoming and respectful culture for employees and guests.

The ideal candidate is a deeply experienced veterinarian who thrives in a team and is eager to support colleagues and help develop future animal health professionals. They should be generous in spirit, willing to share knowledge and insights, and driven by a shared goal of exceptional animal care and conservation science. Intellectually curious, the candidate should ideally have board certification or be actively pursuing it, and contribute to scientific research and publications.

Qualifications: Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and ability to obtain Illinois veterinary medical license required; post-doctoral training in zoological medicine or significant experience highly preferred. Significant experience in aquatic animal medicine; clinical experience with marine mammals is highly desired.

Please note that applications will also be accepted for an Associate Veterinarian role.

Certifications: USDA Category II accreditation, Illinois state veterinary license, Illinois state Controlled Substance license, DEA license required. ACZM board certification or eligibility is highly preferred.

DHR Global is assisting Shedd Aquarium with this search. For a copy of the complete position description or to apply, please contact Michele Counter, Partner at DHR Global, at [e-mail].

BENEFITS WORKING AT SHEDD:We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leaveand Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets

Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at [e-mail].

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.