What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Animal Health position at Texas State Aquarium?
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.