Sea Turtle, Inc. is a global leader in sea turtle rehabilitation, conservation, research and education!
With the recent completion of the world’s largest fully enclosed sea turtle hospital ,we’re seeking a strategic, innovative, engaging, experienced, and mission-driven Director of Animal Care to lead and elevate our animal care operations.
This is more than a clinical leadership role—it is an opportunity to shape process excellence, mentor and lead a high-performing team, and help create an unmatched experience for patients, the public, and staff.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Health & Patient Care
Lead and manage daily operations for all animal care including diets, enrichment, medical care, and resident turtle welfare
Collaborate closely with veterinarians to execute best-in-class care plans
Collaborate across all pillars of the mission for unified mission
Perform and oversee diagnostics, including necropsies and x-rays; manage and maintain specialized medical equipment
Ensure all procedures follow high standards of safety, welfare, and effectiveness
Serve in the on-call stranding response rotation with other animal care leadership
Team & Workflow Leadership
Directly supervise and train rehabilitation specialists, aquarists, interns, and volunteers on best in class processes
Build, document and implement consistent, repeatable workflows—including opening/closing duties and task delegation—to maximize team efficiency and animal care standards
Evaluate task execution and identify process improvements
Develop a strong culture of accountability, collaboration, and growth within the animal care team
Create and document best in class workflows related to patient care, intake, electronic records etc.
Organizational Alignment
Serve as a visible ambassador of Sea Turtle Inc.’s mission across all departments—rehabilitation, conservation, research and education
Work cross-functionally to support a seamless integration of research, public engagement, and veterinary care
Contribute to grant research and resource development for enhanced patient outcomes
Operations & Compliance
Partner with the CCO on budget planning and fiscal responsibility within the animal care department
Ensure controlled substances, radiation safety, and medical records are compliant and up-to-date
Maintain clean, safe, and operationally efficient hospital and clinic facilities
Coordinate medical procedures and schedule with the veterinary team
Support accurate and timely data entry into internal and national reporting systems
Minimum Qualifications
Veterinary Technician (LVT, RVT or CVT) Required
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Marine Science, Animal Science, or related field
At least 5 years of direct experience in sea turtle care
Proven track record of people leadership and workflow/process implementation and Electronic Records Management
Experience managing animal health care teams in a clinical, wildlife, or zoological setting
Ability to lift 40+ pounds and assist in turtle rescue and transport
Strong interpersonal and communication skills across departments and audiences
Valid U.S. Driver’s License and ability to work legally in the U.S.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in wildlife grant writing or inter-agency collaboration
Familiarity with electronic record-keeping software
Working Conditions
Outdoor and variable conditions, including heat and inclement weather
Rotating on-call responsibilities, including weekends and holidays
Physical demands include standing, bending, and lifting as part of daily operations
Why Join Sea Turtle Inc.?
Full-time salaried position
Health, dental, life, and ancillary benefits
Paid vacation with tenure-based increases
Staff discounts and mission-driven workplace culture
