Aquarium Veterinary Technician

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Aquarium Veterinary Technician

Department: Animal Health / Veterinary Services

Reports to: Full-time Veterinarian

Status: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Aquarium Veterinary Technician provides veterinary technical support to MoteSEA as part of the Veterinary Services team. The technician supports medical care, diagnostics, and treatment of aquatic animals while working collaboratively with curators and aquarists, who retain responsibility for daily husbandry, exhibit operations, and behavioral management. A strong commitment to animal welfare, clear communication, and effective teamwork within an AZA-accredited framework is essential. Success in this role requires strong veterinary technician skills, excellent attention to detail, clear communication, sound judgment, and the ability to

work collaboratively across teams. The ideal candidate is comfortable adapting their skills to a wide variety of species and working in a dynamic aquarium environment where animal care

needs can vary from day to day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Veterinary Technician Responsibilities

Clinical & Medical Support

Assist veterinarians with physical examinations, diagnostics, anesthesia, treatments, and medical procedures.

Prepare, administer, and document medications as prescribed by the veterinarian.

Perform veterinary technical procedures within scope of training and licensure, including venipuncture, fluid therapy, injections, wound care, and bandaging, under veterinary direction.

Monitor animals during procedures and recovery, recording clinical parameters and observations.

Assist with emergency medical response and triage in coordination with veterinary staff.

Diagnostics & Laboratory Support

Collect, process, and prepare biological samples (blood, fecal, cytology) for in-house or external analysis.

Perform basic laboratory procedures with training and supervision.

Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and cleanliness.

Medical Records & Regulatory Support

Maintain accurate medical records, treatment logs, and inventories.

Support compliance with AZA standards and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Follow established biosecurity, infection control, and safety protocols.

Collaboration with Curators & Aquarists

Interdepartmental Coordination

Work closely with curators and aquarists to support animal health while respecting defined roles and responsibilities.

Communicate medical findings, treatment plans, and care considerations to aquarist teams as directed by the veterinarian.

Coordinate timing of medical procedures with husbandry schedules and exhibit operations.

Supportive Participation

Provide guidance to aquarists on medical treatments or monitoring as prescribed by the veterinarian.

Assist with staff training related to medical procedures, animal health monitoring, and safety protocols, in coordination with curators and veterinary staff.

Facilities, Equipment & Hospital Support

Clean, disinfect, and maintain veterinary equipment and treatment areas.

Assist with hospital readiness and emergency response preparedness.

Support quarantine and isolation areas in collaboration with animal care teams.

Professional Development

Participate in ongoing training.

Maintain veterinary technician licensure and required continuing education.

Support AZA accreditation standards and institutional animal welfare goals.

Qualifications:

Required

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Technology.

Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT, LVT, or RVT) preferred.

A minimum of one year\s experience as a full-time Veterinary Technician is required.

A minimum of one year of aquarium, exotics, zoo, or equivalent experience is preferred.

Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary animal care team.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs with assistance.

Ability to work in wet, humid, and variable environments.

Availability for rotating weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hours response.

Requires handling, working with, or exposure to large, potentially dangerous animals,

animal diseases, and potentially hazardous chemicals.

Core Competencies:

Commitment to animal welfare and AZA standards

Clear communication and adaptability

Team-oriented mindset

Attention to detail and accountability

Willingness to learn and grow professionally

Perks

Medical, Dental, Vision, 403b match, Membership, and More.

How to Apply

Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website https://mote.org/about/employment-opportunities/.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy

Sarasota, FL 34236

Phone: 941-388-4441

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