Requisition Number

13-0119

Title

105 - Vancouver Aquarium Veterinary Fellowship

Job Family

Veterinary Services

Status

Fixed Term Contract

Work Hours

37.5 Hours / Week

Location

Stanley Park - Vancouver

City

Vancouver

Province

BC

Close Date

12/15/2013

Description

ROLE OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Staff Veterinarian, the Veterinary Intern will assist the veterinary staff in providing medical management for a large captive display collection that includes marine mammals, terrestrial mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and a large variety of native and tropical fish as well as approximately 150 live-stranded marine mammals (mostly harbour seals) which are cared for by the Vancouver Aquarium. This is a one-year position beginning in summer 2014 for a veterinarian interested in pursuing specialized training in aquatic animal medicine.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Responsible for providing medical management for the captive display collection and live stranded marine mammals by:

• Conducting veterinary duties such as examinations, blood sampling, parasite screening, diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, vaccinations and surgeries;
• Assisting in the development of the health management program, treatment regimens and emergency medical procedures;
• Taking responsibility for treatment of hospital cases;
• Keeping up to date records.

Assist the veterinary staff in providing a comprehensive animal health program to the Vancouver Aquarium by:

• Completing regular veterinary rounds;
• Conducting regular physical examinations;
• Managing and encouraging routine communication between the veterinary and staff/researchers.

Participates in post mortem examinations of stranded marine mammals under the supervision of a board-certified veterinary pathologist at the provincial Animal Health Centre.

Oversee veterinary externship program:

• Assist in the selection and scheduling of visiting externs, researchers, interns and residents;
• Mentor and teach visiting veterinary students (12-15 per year).

Complete and assist with research papers or case report by:

• Developing a research proposal;
• Taking samples for various research projects;
• Completing research paper for scientific publication.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• DVM degree or equivalent;
• Previous marine mammal or wildlife experience is a plus;
• Individuals must be eligible for licensing in the Province of British Columbia;
• At least one year of clinical veterinary experience is required and a small animal internship is preferred.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and ability to work in a complex team;
• Ability to complete tasks and make sound decisions;
• Excellent problem solving skills; ability to think quickly under pressure and high stress;
• Strong organization skills (scheduling procedures, examinations, planning logistics for off-site procedures).

Working Conditions

• Job involves constant attention while working with animals for personal safety and the safety of others;
• Exposure to animal bites, animal pathogens and chemicals;
• Requires lifting medical equipment;
• Requires ability to gain access to all animal holding areas some of which are difficult to enter and require ladders and walking on slippery surfaces;
• Requires working rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays and may be on call 24 hours per day.