Senior Veterinarian

Alaska SeaLife Center; Seward (AK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska, is searching for a Senior Veterinarian to lead the veterinary care program. This full-time role involves providing clinical oversight, managing veterinary staff, and contributing to wildlife health.

The successful candidate will need a DVM, supervisory experience, and strong skills in clinical care and research. This position also includes developing operational budgets and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4–5 years of experience in zoological medicine or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience with marine species is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality clinical and surgical care to marine mammals and birds.
• Oversee veterinary hospital facilities and equipment.
• Develop and manage the Veterinary Unit’s annual operating budget.

Skills

Clinical and surgical skills

Research interest

Communication skills

Leadership and mentorship

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Alaska veterinary license

Job description

Alaska SeaLife Center

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Senior Veterinarian

Date: January 9, 2026

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Vice President of Life Sciences

Department: Life Sciences/Veterinary

Supervises: Veterinary Staff

Summary

The Veterinarian/Senior Veterinarian provides leadership and oversight of ASLC’s comprehensive veterinary care program. This role is responsible for the clinical care of resident animals, wildlife response cases, and research animals, as well as strategic program management, regulatory compliance, and scientific research. The successful candidate will collaborate across departments and with external partners, contributing meaningfully to conservation medicine and wildlife health on a regional and global scale.

Education / Experience Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent from an accredited veterinary school.
• Alaska veterinary license (current or obtainable within six months of hire).
• Minimum 4–5 years of experience in zoological medicine or a closely related field.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong clinical and surgical skills across a wide range of species; marine species experiencestrongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience or strong interest in research.
• DEA registration (or ability to obtain) and a valid driver’s license.

Essential Duties

Clinical & Operational Excellence

• Deliver high-quality clinical and surgical care to a diverse collection of marine mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates.
• Provide emergency and after‑hours veterinary care as part of an on‑call rotation.
• Develop, implement, and oversee medical, preventive medicine, and animal transport protocols.
• Maintain accurate and thorough medical records and prepare case reports.
• Oversee veterinary hospital facilities, equipment, and supplies.
• Supervise and mentor Veterinary Unit staff.

Leadership & Administration

• Establish and manage the ASLC Program of Veterinary Care, Infection Control Plan, Pharmacy Program, and diagnostic laboratory support.
• Ensure compliance with AZA, AAZV, USDA, OSHA, DEA, and other regulatory standards.
• Review, update, and oversee implementation of veterinary and operational protocols, including biosecurity, quarantine, and emergency response.
• Contribute veterinary expertise to permits, regulatory submissions, and grant reporting.
• Develop and manage the Veterinary Unit’s annual operating budget.
• Serve on interdepartmental teams and committees, including IACUC.
• Represent ASLC’s Veterinary Unit with external collaborators, agencies, and professional partners.
• Support staff professional development and maintain training programs.
• Provide veterinary expertise for public outreach and education initiatives.

Research & Conservation

• Lead and collaborate on research in wildlife veterinary medicine, conservation medicine, and One Health.
• Support internal and external research projects through data and sample collection.
• Participate in and lead grant proposal development.
• Prepare scientific reports, peer‑reviewed publications, and professional presentations.

Other Duties

• Fosters good relations with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff members by promoting positive attitudes, goodwill, cooperation, and providing high standards of service.
• Complies with all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Highly organized, self‑motivated, and adaptable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and after‑hours as required.
• Ability to travel occasionally.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of a veterinary position in a wildlife care setting.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Full Time with Benefits

Please submit a resume, cover letter and letter of recommendation with your application.

Must be able to pass a background check.