Director of Animal Health

Texas State Aquarium

Corpus Christi, Texas
16 days ago

Highlights

The Head Veterinarian leads a dedicated Animal Health team that includes an Associate Veterinarian, Senior Veterinary Technician and Hospital Manager, and licensed veterinary technician, while working closely with Animal Care leadership and staff across the organization. The veterinary team also collaborates with universities, veterinary specialists, diagnostic laboratories, wildlife agencies, and other zoological institutions, providing opportunities to participate in research, conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and collaborative clinical work.

Numbers & Facts

Location	Corpus Christi, Texas
Website	https://www.texasstateaquarium.org

Description

Position Summary

The Texas State Aquarium is seeking an experienced and collaborative Director of Animal Health to lead our Animal Health team and veterinary medical program.

This position combines hands-on zoological medicine with departmental leadership, providing preventive, diagnostic, medical, surgical, and emergency care for a diverse collection of aquatic and terrestrial species. The Head Veterinarian leads a dedicated Animal Health team that includes an Associate Veterinarian, Senior Veterinary Technician and Hospital Manager, and licensed veterinary technician, while working closely with Animal Care leadership and staff across the organization. The position also provides veterinary oversight and support for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and emergency response.

The ideal candidate is a skilled zoological veterinarian who enjoys practicing medicine, leading and mentoring a veterinary team, collaborating across disciplines, and continuing to develop a comprehensive veterinary program.

Veterinary Program & Facilities

The Aquarium offers a diverse clinical caseload with particular depth in aquatic animal medicine. Diagnostic and treatment capabilities include digital radiography, ultrasound, flexible and rigid endoscopy, anesthesia and surgical equipment, and computed tomography (CT).

The veterinary team also collaborates with universities, veterinary specialists, diagnostic laboratories, wildlife agencies, and other zoological institutions, providing opportunities to participate in research, conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and collaborative clinical work.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the Aquarium's comprehensive veterinary medical program and Animal Health team
Provide medical and surgical care across aquatic and terrestrial taxa
Direct preventive medicine, diagnostics, anesthesia, surgery, pathology, quarantine, disease surveillance, and emergency care
Develop and maintain veterinary protocols, preventive health programs, and hospital procedures
Provide medical oversight for complex cases, animal transfers, quarantine, nutrition, and other aspects of animal health
Provide veterinary oversight and clinical support for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, release, and emergency response
Manage departmental personnel, goals, budget, pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, equipment, and hospital resources
Ensure compliance with applicable AZA standards and federal, state, and local requirements
Collaborate with Animal Care staff, veterinary specialists, universities, wildlife agencies, and other professional partners
Support mentorship, research, conservation, and professional development opportunities
Participate in after-hours emergency response and veterinary on-call coverage

Qualifications

Required

DVM, VMD, or equivalent veterinary degree from an AVMA-accredited university
Licensed or eligible for veterinary licensure in Texas
Minimum six years of professional veterinary experience with zoological, aquatic, wildlife, exotic, or other non-domestic species
Experience providing veterinary care across multiple taxa
Demonstrated veterinary leadership or program management experience
USDA Category II Accreditation and DEA registration, or ability to obtain
Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record

Preferred

Eight or more years of zoological veterinary experience
Experience within an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium
Significant aquatic animal medicine experience
Clinical experience with marine mammals and sea turtles
Wildlife rehabilitation and emergency response experience

Professional Development

The Texas State Aquarium supports continued professional growth through continuing education, conferences, collaborative work, research, specialized training, and other professional opportunities.

For veterinarians interested in pursuing American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) board certification, the Aquarium may provide additional support. Board certification is not required, and pursuing certification is not an expectation of the position.

Living & Working in Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is a mid-sized South Texas city located directly on the Gulf of Mexico. The Coastal Bend is particularly well suited for those who enjoy a coastal lifestyle, warm climate, and easy access to beaches, bays, fishing, boating, birding, and other outdoor activities.