Vancouver Aquarium Veterinary Fellowship

Vancouver Aquarium one of the many properties owned by Herschend Family Entertainment prides itself on working towards bringing families closer together and to creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values greatly exceeding guest expectations serving others creating emotional connections constantly improving give us purpose and guidance.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Staff Veterinarian the Veterinary Fellow 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 July2026for a veterinarian interested in pursuing specialized training in aquatic animal medicine.

As part of the application process please apply online and upload your cover letter CV three letters of reference and veterinary transcripts.

Application deadline: January 9 2026

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.

Oversees veterinary externship program by:

• Assisting in the selection and scheduling of visiting externs researchers interns and residents;
• Mentoring and teaching visiting veterinary students (12-15 per year);

Completes and assists with research papers or case reports by:

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

Consistently improves Vancouver Aquarium and its processes by:

• Promptly aiding in Emergency protocol;
• Maintaining organizational safety standards;
• Continually improving our impact on the environment and greening of operations through support of EMS protocols;
• Actively demonstrating Vancouver Aquariums values and code of conduct;
• Performing additional duties as required.

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.

SALARY RANGE: $28 - $38 PER HOUR

Key Skills
Veterinary Experience,Animal Care,Communication skills,Veterinary Assistant,Veterinary Technician Experience,Vital Signs Experience,Animal Handling,Animal Restraint,Experience Administering Injections,Catheterization,Medication Administration,Venipuncture Experience
Employment Type : Full-Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1
Hourly Salary Salary: 28 - 38