Description

As Director of Veterinary Services, you will lead the veterinary and laboratory function within a world-class marine animal operation. Reporting to the Executive Director of Marine Animal Operations, you will be responsible for the overall health, welfare, and medical management of a diverse collection of marine mammals and aquatic species.

This role combines hands-on clinical expertise with strategic leadership. You will oversee preventative healthcare, diagnostics, treatment, quarantine protocols, and regulatory compliance, while driving continuous improvement in animal welfare standards. You will work cross-functionally with animal care, life support, and operations teams to ensure best-in-class outcomes aligned with global zoological and aquarium practices.

The role also includes responsibility for veterinary program development, applied clinical research, scientific publication, and acting as a professional spokesperson when required.

Requirements

Key Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an accredited institution
• Valid veterinary license and eligibility for registration in the UAE
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in zoological or aquarium environments, with strong exposure to marine mammal medicine
• Minimum 5 years in a leadership role managing veterinary or animal health teams
• Advanced clinical capability across diagnostics, surgery, imaging (ultrasound, radiography, endoscopy), and postmortem analysis
• Deep expertise in aquatic animal health, husbandry, population management, and welfare for diverse species
• Strong understanding of water quality analysis and life support systems
• Proven experience establishing quarantine, biosecurity, and disease prevention protocols
• Demonstrated involvement in clinical or conservation research, including publications or conference presentations
• Strong financial acumen, including budget management and operational planning
• Experience working within regulatory frameworks and maintaining compliance with international standards