Position: Clinical Veterinarian

Reports To: Vice President of Zoological Operations

Compensation: Starting at $90,000 per year

Position Summary:

The Clinical Veterinarian is a full-time clinical position responsible for advancing the health, welfare, and conservation of Loveland Living Planet Aquarium’s diverse living collection in support of our mission to inspire people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems.

This role offers a unique opportunity for a zoo or aquarium veterinarian seeking a substantial terrestrial caseload alongside an expansive collection of aquatic animals. The Clinical Veterinarian will provide comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, medical, surgical, and emergency care for species ranging from big cats, penguins, to large sharks and teleosts.

Working collaboratively with the Vice President of Zoological Operations, veterinary team, and animal care professionals, the Clinical Veterinarian contributes to individual animal care, population health management, animal welfare initiatives, and evidence-based husbandry practices across the collection.

The veterinary team includes a senior veterinarian, two licensed veterinary technicians, and an experienced team of animal care professionals. The collection encompasses more than 650 species, creating opportunities to practice high-quality zoological medicine while contributing to conservation, education, and the continued growth of one of the largest aquariums in the United States.

Institutional Summary:

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium provides learning opportunities for all levels, interests, and ages, with the mission to inspire people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems since 1997.

Since opening its new facility in Draper in March 2014, the Aquarium has welcomed over eight million visitors and provided more than 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to more than 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium showcases ecosystems from around the planet including kelp forests, coral reefs, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, Asian cloud forests, South American rain forests, and the waterways of our home state of Utah.

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019. With a new expansion currently under construction and slated for completion in late 2025, LLPA will soon be the largest aquarium in the Mountain West, and 5th largest aquarium overall in the continental United States.

Why Utah?

Utah is home to five national parks, world-class skiing and snowboarding, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, and stunning deserts, mountains, and lakes, all within easy driving distance. Outdoor adventure is part of everyday life. The Salt Lake Valley consistently ranks high for safety, clean communities, short commute times, and family-friendly amenities. Draper offers a balance of suburban comfort and urban access, with downtown Salt Lake City just 15 minutes away. Enjoy all four seasons without extremes—sunny summers, colorful falls, snowy winters, and mild springs, perfect for both outdoor recreation and city living. Utah’s communities are known for being engaged, supportive, and service-oriented, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home.

Essential Duties/ Responsibilities:

• Supports LLPA’s Veterinary Services Department and Zoological Operations Team through primary clinical case management utilizing best practices in medical, surgical, and diagnostic techniques.
• Provides routine and emergency veterinary medical care during regular work hours and shares on-call and weekend coverage responsibilities.
• Provides guidance and input for animal care initiative such as welfare, nutrition, enrichment, training, habitat design, and other areas of subject matter expertise.
• Supports diagnostic necropsy, sample collection, and interpretation of results.
• Meets standards and regulations for DEA, AZA, AAZV, USDA, OSHA, and other local, state, and federal regulatory agencies and associations as they apply to zoological institutions and veterinary programs/facilities (i.e. animal care, transport, treatment, and the handling of controlled substances).
• Maintains animal medical records using ZIMS (electronic, cloud-based program) and communicates with staff regarding planned and provided care.
• Contributes to and participates in on-going training for veterinary and animal husbandry staff, as well as mentorship of veterinary and veterinary technician student externs.
• Participates in internal meetings to support clinical case review, animal transactions, animal welfare, and scientific research.
• Fosters good relations with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff by promoting positive attitudes, good will, cooperation, and providing high standards of service.
• Complies with all Loveland Living Planet Aquarium policies, procedures, and programs.

Critical Skills/Competencies:

• Minimum of 2 years post-graduate clinical experience.
• Minimum 1 year of zoological or exotic animal experience or specialty internship residency training.
• Knowledge of the husbandry and veterinary needs of a wide range of mammalian, avian, reptilian, and aquatic species.
• Experience utilizing digital radiography, ultrasound, and rigid and flexible endoscopy for collection of minimally invasive diagnostic information.
• Experience with sedation and anesthesia of a wide range of species, including aquatic immersion and remote immobilization.

Qualifications:

• DVM or VMD from an AVMA-accredited institution.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid state veterinary license and controlled substance certificate, DEA controlled substance registration certificate, and USDA Category II accreditation.
• Must have or be able to obtain a State of Utah driver’s license within 3 months of starting, and be eligible to drive company vehicles.

Physical Demands of the Job:

• This position requires periods of standing and walking as well as extended periods of sitting with technology systems and reporting. The role will primarily be within an attraction environment.
• Must be able to provide veterinary care and assessments in a variety of exhibit and non-exhibit settings. This may include wading, walking on wet floors, and outdoor work under variety of conditions: cold weather, hot weather, high humidity, rain, mud.
• Considerable physical exertion, such as walking, bending, stooping and climbing of ladders may be required.
• Lifting of heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) on a frequent basis.
• Hours and availability: This is a salaried position calculated at 40 hours per week; Position will share in providing on-call support for after-hours emergencies, weekends, and holiday coverage.

Application Materials

1. A current curriculum vitae or resume
2. Three references for individuals familiar with the applicant’s clinical experience, with at least two being veterinarians.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Dr. Fustukjian at ari.f@livingplanetaquarium.org

While this job description attempts to describe the essential functions of the position, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. It does not restrict management’s right to assign or reassign duties or responsibilities to this job at any time. The overall work environment while performing this job includes exposure to weather conditions and the noise level is usually moderate. The employee is expected to adhere to all policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies.

The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status. The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process. Should you require accommodations, please contact accommodation@livingplanetaquarium.org.