Description

The Veterinary Hospital Manager’s primary duty is to oversee the medical and administrative function of the Tennessee Aquarium’s Veterinary Hospital. This role combines clinical support, staff supervision, and administrative management. Responsibilities include performing treatments, assisting with anesthetic procedures, animal handling and restraint, scheduling, overseeing student programs, general inventory, and hospital upkeep. The Veterinary Hospital Manager ensures the highest standards of health and welfare for a diverse collection, including marine and freshwater systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1.        Ensure daily organizational structure and effective scheduling for the Aquarium collection, including off-site facilities.

2.       Ensure adequate daily veterinary staff coverage.

3.       Direct and train veterinary technicians and assistants. 

4.       Inventory control of all veterinary medications, supplies, and medical products.

5.       Facilitate controlled drug monitoring and tracking.

6.       Schedule routine removal of animal remains and medical waste.

7.       Coordinate hospital cleaning routine and schedule routine maintenance of hospital equipment.

8.       Maintain safety protocols, standard operating procedures, and biosecurity practices.

9.       Ensure warranties and equipment documents are up to date and readily accessible to staff.

10.    Active participation in Aquarium functions, which may require evening attendance.

11.      Facilitate hiring/selection process for staff, interns, students, etc.

12.     Direct and manage veterinary and veterinary technician externship programs. 

13.     Administer medications and treatments to hospitalized/quarantined/exhibited animals according to established protocols and direction of veterinary staff, as needed.

14.    Assist with the movement, capture and restraint of animals as needed.

15.     Facilitate in-house animal health procedures as warranted.

16.     Assist with anesthesia, imaging, sample collection, and routine analyses. 

17.     Liaise with curators, animal care staff, aquarists, equipment and pharmaceutical representatives, and third-party diagnostic lab personnel.

18.     Assist in maintaining all animal records, in ZIMS or data systems

19.     Maintain compliance with AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums), USDA, DEA, and OSHA regulations.

Supervises
Assist with supervision of veterinary assistants/technicians, and provide oversight and instruction for veterinary assistant trainees, veterinary student externs and potential veterinary interns.

Working  Conditions
Normal office environment
Frequent wet and slippery conditions
Frequent hot or cold conditionsExposure to odors, etc.
Exposure to potentially dangerous animals
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays and evening hours.

Physical  Demands
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
Climb ladders
Work in cramped and awkward spaces requiring crouching and/or crawling

Full-time, salaried (Starting at $50,000/year, commensurate with education and experience); Schedule determined at a later date. Holiday, weekend, and evening work possible.

To apply, submit an online application, cover letter, resume, CV, and references through the Aquarium’s career site at https://bit.ly/TNAQUA-careers

All submissions must be received by June 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Requirements

Knowledge,  Skills and Abilities Required
   Strong leadership skills
   Self-motivation, ability to work independently
   Ability to work well with others and be a team player
   Excellent organizational skills
   Excellent communication skills with both medical professionals and the public 
   Strong computer skills (e.g.: Microsoft Office suite, ZIMS)
   Must be able to manage stress, endure potentially high-risk situations when treating, transferring, or restraining animals.

Educational/Experience Requirements
   5+ years of experience in the veterinary field, ideally in an AZA accredited institution preferred.
   Previous hospital management experience, ideally in a zoological or aquarium setting required.
   Previous management/supervisory experience preferred.
   Previous experience with hospital supply ordering and inventory management preferred.
   Knowledge of animal behavior, natural history, husbandry, and welfare preferred.
   Knowledge of procedures used for the proper care and handling of exotic and domestic animals preferred.
   Knowledge of zoological nomenclature and veterinary medical terminology preferred.
   Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and ZIMS software required.
   Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.

License or Certification
   CVT/LVT Certification/License preferred
   Valid  Tennessee State driver’s license required to operate Aquarium vehicles