The National Marine Mammal Foundation is seeking applicants for a relief veterinary technician in marine mammal medicine with the primary goal of providing direct support to a U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program (MMP) satellite facility based in Silverdale, WA.
The successful applicant should have the following qualifications and characteristics:
- Proficiency in technical and laboratory skills, including but not limited to, patient assessment, anesthesia and patient monitoring, diagnostic imaging, surgical assistance, emergency response, biologic sample collection, processing, cytology and other in house analyses, sample archiving, and inventory management
- Proficiency in database management, data entry, data analysis, and word processing
- Attention to detail regarding equipment setup, use and maintenance, such as equipment used for routine laboratory analysis, endoscopy, digital radiography, and ultrasonography
- Professional, self-motivated, highly organized, and detail-oriented with excellent time management skills; able to work independently without supervision
- Strong interpersonal skills, good decision making and the ability to respond calmly and quickly to urgent matters
- Positive attitude with creative, independent thinking and the ability to successfully perform duties individually, as well as within a dynamic team environment
- Applicants for the position must also be U.S. citizens, have a valid driver’s license, and have the ability to obtain a secret clearance
- Applicants must be able to carry 50 pounds, remain on feet for extended periods of time, and be comfortable working in pier-side, boat-based, and marine environments year round in Washington State
- Preference will be given to applicants with previous marine mammal, zoo, and/or wildlife experience, registered veterinary technicians (LVT, RVT, CVT, etc), and applicants with extensive technical backgrounds.
- Applicants must be able to respond in person within 2 hours while on-call.
The veterinary technician will participate in daily animal care, hospital maintenance, and medical procedures with the veterinarian and animal care staff. Duties include collecting, analyzing, and archiving biologic samples, participating in physical exams and the MMP’s preventive medicine program, dispensing medications and prescriptions, ordering, stocking and maintaining drug and supply inventories, coordinating shipments to and from other facilities and laboratories, maintaining medical and laboratory equipment, completing medical data entry, performing water quality sampling and analysis, managing HAZMAT labeling, disposal and SDS binders, assisting with fish house, and participating in the training and development of animal care staff.
Applicants should submit the following materials:
1) A cover letter/statement outlining the applicant's goals and interests in the area of
marine mammal medicine
2) A current curriculum vitae/resume
3) Three references with email addresses and phone numbers; at least two should be veterinarians.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Salary will be determined by several factors, including: experience as a veterinary technician, experience in the marine mammal field, experience with the Navy's Marine Mammal program, and whether the candidate is licensed as a registered veterinary technician.
Preference will be given to registered technicians, but non-registered technicians are encouraged to apply.
Pay range for this position: $21-40 per hour commensurate with experience.
All application materials must be received no later than February 27th, 2026.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.