Job Title: Director, Veterinary Service
Company Name: Kerzner International
Job Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Work Mode: On-site
Job Reference/ID: 20199
Job Description / Role:
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.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the veterinary and laboratory function for marine animal operations.
- Manage overall health, welfare, and medical management of marine mammals and aquatic species.
- Oversee preventative healthcare, diagnostics, treatment, and quarantine protocols.
- Drive continuous improvement in animal welfare standards.
- Collaborate with animal care, life support, and operations teams.
- Develop veterinary programs and conduct applied clinical research.
- Manage budgets and operational planning.
- Ensure regulatory compliance and maintain international standards.
Experience Required:
- 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.
- Proven experience establishing quarantine, biosecurity, and disease prevention protocols.
- Demonstrated involvement in clinical or conservation research.
Education Qualifications:
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an accredited institution.
- Valid veterinary license and eligibility for registration in the UAE.
Skills Required:
- Advanced clinical capability across diagnostics, surgery, imaging (ultrasound, radiography, endoscopy), and postmortem analysis.
- Expertise in aquatic animal health, husbandry, and population management.
- Strong understanding of water quality analysis and life support systems.
- Strong financial acumen and budget management skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Data-driven and analytical mindset.
Employment / Job Type: Full Time
Benefits: Competitive tax-free salary, generous food and beverage privileges, exclusive discounted rates at all Kerzner properties worldwide, comprehensive health insurance with dental coverage, annual flights home, life insurance, incentive programme, and colleague wellness initiatives.
About the Company:
Dubai headquartered developer and operator of luxury resorts, hotels, and residences. Its portfolio includes Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, the ultra luxury One and Only Resorts collection, and the wellness focused SIRO brand. Kerzner is known for destination resorts combining accommodation with waterparks, marine attractions, celebrity chef restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Company Industry: Hospitality & Leisure
Department / Functional Area: Marine Animal Operations
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates may apply by submitting their resume/CV through the official Kerzner International career website.
