Veterinarian

SR3 (Sealife Response, Rehabilitation, and Research) is seeking a dedicated and experienced veterinarian to join our team in Des Moines, WA. Since opening our marine animal hospital in 2021, we’ve expanded rehabilitation services and resources for marine wildlife across the Pacific Northwest. This role offers a unique opportunity to work directly with a variety of marine animals, providing daily care and advancing marine animal health and conservation. If you are passionate about marine wildlife and eager to make an impact, we encourage you to apply.

Our veterinarian will be a key leader who is involved with many facets of the organization from hospital development, expanding field research, and strategic planning to representing SR3 to the public and scientific community. There are many opportunities for growth and expansion within our young, developing organization. This is an exciting time to join the team and help shape the future of marine wildlife conservation in the Pacific Northwest.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the management of the veterinary care and husbandry program for rehabilitating marine animals, to include stranded pinnipeds, sea otters, sea turtles and cetacean

  • Ensure NMFS standards are upheld, all state and federal permits are renewed and accurate and timely reports are provided.

  • Responsible for performing general anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, endoscopic, surgical and other veterinary procedures in accordance with best practices and NOAA regulations.

  • In conjunction with other staff members, responsible for the successful management and training of veterinary support staff, animal husbandry interns, volunteers and response network partners participating in animal care.

  • Responsible for conducting necropsies, submitting tissues and reports for pathologist review and summarizing findings, as well as overseeing the sample archive

  • Responsible for ensuring all data is collected and reported per NOAA/NMFS guidelines and our Stranding Agreement. This includes data for retrospective or prospective studies, animal health surveillance, and approved NMFS research projects.

  • Communicate regularly with NOAA stranding network coordinators and work closely with response network partners regarding active stranding cases and supporting gaps in stranding coverage areas.

  • Participate in relevant, collaborative field work that advances SR3’s mission.

  • Responsible for keeping complete, accurate and up to date medical records.

  • Represent SR3 to key stakeholders, including the board of directors, donors, media, network partners, government agencies and at scientific conferences.

  • Responsible for compliance with state and federal laws and regulations relating to animal care and treatment.

  • Assist in the field with response, health assessments and remote sedation as needed.

  • Responsible for development and review of medical and husbandry protocols.

  • Participate in a rotating on -call schedule to support animal care staff and response line coverage.

  • Schedule and communicate with veterinary relief staff.

  • Manage 2 year-round animal care staff and 1-2 seasonal animal care staff to ensure a high standard of care, efficiency and organization of the facility.

  • Participate in the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of animal care staff.

  • Participate in the hospitals annual budgeting and organization strategic planning.

Core Competencies:

  • Strong leadership skills in managing projects and personnel

  • Advanced skills in oral and written communication, interpersonal communication, and networking/team building

  • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences

  • Ability to cultivate effective relationships with internal partners, volunteers, consultants, and outside collaborators

  • Must be able to participate and succeed in a team-oriented environment

  • Awareness of safety procedures for handling wild animals and working in the field

Qualifications:

  • Valid U.S. Veterinary License, possess or obtain WA Veterinary License

  • Possess or obtain a DEA license

  • Must have or obtain a valid WA state driver’s license with a clean driving record

  • 2-3 years of experience in marine mammal medicine

  • Experience with theory and application of marine mammal disease, and rehabilitation including surgery and anesthesia

  • Experience directing and empowering staff

  • Must be able to communicate clearly and respectfully with stakeholders and partners in politically charged or trying circumstances

  • Able to work within an electronics records system

  • Experience with the methodologies and equipment for safe and humane capture of wildlife, including remote sedation

  • Must have a flexible schedule with the ability to work on call and varying work hours, including evenings and weekends as needed

  • Must be able to lift, push and pull at least 50 pounds

  • Ability to perform ultrasound and endoscopy

Desired Qualifications:

  • Completion of an internship, fellowship, or residency in marine mammal or wildlife medicine

  • Remote sedation experience

  • 3+ years of experience in marine wildlife medicine

  • Working knowledge of laboratory techniques

  • Understanding of water quality and animal life support systems

Compensation:

Salary range: $90,000 – $110,000

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision. CE.

SR3 is an equal opportunity employer

To apply:

Submit your cover letter, CV and 3 references to apply@SR3.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference given to those applying before 10/10/2024.