Aquatic Veterinarian

Company Overview

Fitz's Fish Ponds is a distinguished company known for designing, constructing, and maintaining outstanding ponds, waterfalls, and other water features. We believe that each water feature should be unique and welcome creative concepts. Our teams are made up of talented and creative individuals, and as our company expands, we are constantly seeking to welcome more members to our team! 

Position Summary

As the Aquatic Veterinarian, you will work closely with the fish department to create and execute a thorough program dedicated to achieving the healthiest koi in the industry. This collaboration will emphasize the integration of innovative health management strategies. In addition to utilizing expertise in disease prevention, nutrition, and water quality management. The program aims to establish new benchmarks for koi care and set a standard of excellence within the aquaculture sector, ensuring vibrant and thriving koi populations.

Responsibilities

• Support business functions in traveling to all retail store locations to perform necessary functions, on a bi-weekly or as needed basis. 
• Prepared to travel to FFP Tennessee locations for up to five days, with a possibility of six trips per year. 
• Ensure that all necessary licenses are current in every state of operation, which includes, but is not limited to, NJ, NY, PA, CT, TN from start of the position and maintaining them over time annually; In addition to other licenses deemed necessary. As the company grows and expands, the aquatic veterinarian would need to become certified in additional states.
• Maintain thorough records and documentation of all treatments and mortality rates for Koi Fish to demonstrate the effectiveness of treatments at all FFP locations. 
• Responsible for creating and maintaining at minimum three distinct client-facing information sessions and two online courses annually, focused solely on informational content. These should include, but are not limited to, topics such as Fish Health 101 for new pond owners, which will cover essential care practices for their fish, among others. 
• Responsible for establishing and managing at least three distinct "clinics" in collaboration with other businesses, primarily centered around content. This includes, but is not limited to, providing instructions and guidance on topics such as "How to perform a scrape and view it under a microscope," among others. 
• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive koi health programs focused on disease prevention, early detection, and effective treatment. 
• Collaborate with the fish team to design and refine protocols that ensure optimal koi welfare and performance.
• Travel to the ponds and tanks of Fish Health clients for appointments up to 5 days/week during warm seasons and establish the Vet Client Patient Relationship with new clients. 
• Prioritize documentation and follow up as it pertains to all aquatic encounters including internal FFP as well as external, client appointments.
• Host virtual Fish Health Telehealth appointments with individual clients (support both clients that have a VCPR and do not). Clients are educated about the topics and practices of fish health, without giving diagnostic care in absence of a VCPR. 
• Conduct routine health assessments and diagnostic evaluations of koi populations at all Fitz’s Fish Ponds retail locations to monitor overall health status. 
• Identify and manage aquatic diseases through laboratory analysis, fieldwork, and data interpretation. 
• Recommend and oversee appropriate therapeutic treatments, including pharmacological interventions and quarantine procedures. 
• Provide guidance on koi nutrition and feeding practices to enhance immune function and growth rates. 
• Research and apply innovative aquatic animal health strategies and emerging veterinary technologies. 
• Maintain accurate records of health evaluations, treatments, and outcomes to inform continuous improvement efforts. 
• Ensure all practices comply with local, state, and federal regulations regarding aquatic animal health and welfare. 
• Represent FFP with professionalism in all work and client interactions. 
• Perform any other duties and responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an accredited institution -
• Valid veterinary license with eligibility to practice in the state or region of FFP locations of business -
• 3+ years of experience in aquatic animal medicine, preferably with ornamental fish or koi -
• In-depth knowledge of aquatic animal health, including disease diagnostics, treatment, and prevention strategies.
• Strong understanding of water quality parameters and their impact on fish health.
• Familiarity with fish nutrition and husbandry practices specific to koi.
• Demonstrated experience in performing health assessments, necropsies, and laboratory diagnostics for fish.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions in clinical and field settings.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with health, husbandry, and operations teams.
• Ability to maintain detailed records and comply with regulatory standards.
• Willingness to work in both clinical and field environments, including aquaculture facilities and outdoor ponds.
• Proficient in using veterinary tools, lab equipment, and relevant software for data recording and analysis.

Salary & Position Information

• Full-Time | Starting at $90,000/annual salary

Benefits

• 401k and company match
• Dental, Medical and Vision Insurance
• Employee company discount program
• High-growth and promotion opportunities!