SUMMARY
The Clinical Hospital Manager provides leadership to the hospital operations and veterinary technician team of Shedd Aquarium. They are responsible for management, supervision, and oversight for the daily operation of both Animal Health Department hospitals; one on-site and one at the Center for Animal Care and Sustainability. This is a responsible managerial, clinical, full-time exempt position. In addition to performing some clinical duties and providing clinical support, the Hospital Manager manages and plans for optimal veterinary technician staffing and integration of the technicians with the veterinarians to ensure quality care and support for the animals. In support of the team members and the entire hospital, the Clinical Hospital Manager provides compassionate and excellent leadership in the individual and group professional growth of the veterinary technician team. This position also supports and reflects the greater aquarium mission: sparking compassion, curiosity, and conservation.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values.

Management Responsibilities

• Provide management of and supportive guidance to the veterinary technician team. 
• ​​​​​Foster clinical and leadership development within the veterinary technician team. 
• Manage and maintain the on-site and CACS hospital and their functions. 
• Manage and plan for optimal veterinarian and veterinary technician staffing to ensure quality care and support for the animals in our collection at both locations as well as potential off-site animal care and research initiatives. 
• Help develop, execute, and monitor the department budget with the Division Operations Coordinator. 
• Establish, maintain, and implement hospital policies and procedures. 
• Ensure department compliance with applicable state and federal regulations and ensure that accreditation guidelines are met. 
• Assist team members with oversight of the Veterinary Externship Program, the Veterinary Technician Student Internship Program, hospital volunteers, and any other student or internship positions. 
• Cultivate a positive team-oriented work environment within the Animal Health Department. 
• Serve and represent the Animal Health Department on various interdepartmental teams and committees. 

Non-Management Responsibilities

• Performs duties as a clinical technician or pathology technician 25% of the time or as needed.  
• Perform other duties that support the mission, directives, and policies of the Animal Health Department and the aquarium. 

QUALIFICATIONS
Education:

• Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology and graduation from an accredited AVMA Veterinary Technology Program 

OR  

• Equivalent combination of experience or training required. 

Experience:

• At least five years of experience as staff at a veterinary practice required.  
• Two years of experience in a zoological or aquarium practice strongly preferred. 
• At least two years of experience in hospital administration and supervision of technical and support staff. 

Designations/Certifications:

•  Certified Veterinary Technician or Certified Veterinary Practice Management desirable. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English fluently. 
• Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions given from written and oral sources.  
• Ability to write professional business correspondence.  
• Ability to effectively present information to and collaborate with all levels of employees. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas. 
• Ability to understand and employ intermediate level accounting mathematics. 

REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to work with little or no supervision. 
• Ability to work within a team environment.  
• Ability to use common sense techniques in solving problems. 
• Ability to solve complex logical problems. 
• Ability to use diplomacy and tact when dealing with problems. 
• Ability to identify problems and determine the best course of action for their resolution. 
• Ability to critically evaluate information for accuracy and usefulness in solving problems. 
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in a variety of situations. 
• Ability to exemplify a high standard of work ethics. 
• Ability to display strong financial management skills.  
• Ability to show strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. 
• Knowledge of regulatory, health, and safety codes. 
• Knowledge of budget preparation, implementation, and monitoring. 

COMPUTER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to effectively utilize standard word processing applications. 
• Ability to effectively utilize standard numerical data spreadsheet applications. 
• Ability to effectively utilize standard relational database applications. 
• Knowledge of Tracks preferred. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Lift up to 50 pounds  
• Sit 
• Stand 
• Kneel 
• Stoop 
• Walk 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays   
• Ability to work at two different locations, potentially in the same day 
• Water, salt and fresh 
• Live animals, animal tissues and body fluids, some potentially hazardous 
• Smoke 
• Heat 
• Cold 
• Air particles 
• Falling materials 
• Electrical shock 
• Hazardous chemicals 
• Fire  
• Emergency vehicle traffic 
• Low noise 
• Moderate Noise 
• Loud Noise 

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).