Veterinarian

Wildlife Surgery and Waterfowl Research

Employer: AMB

Location: Newark and Moffett Field, California

Schedule: Intermittent, on-call; up to 20 workdays per year

Anticipated term: October 26, 2026 - October 25, 2027; potential one-year option

Position Summary

AMB is seeking a veterinarian to support U.S. Geological Survey Western Ecological Research Center waterfowl research in San Francisco Bay. The veterinarian will surgically implant GPS-GSM transmitters in diving ducks and provide postoperative care.

Key Responsibilities

Complete specialized training with an expert veterinarian and independently perform diving duck transmitter implant surgeries.

Surgically implant Ornitela GPS-GSM transmitters with external antennas in after-second-year male and female diving ducks within 10 hours of capture. The project scope includes up to 100 implants.

Provide postoperative monitoring, care, and medications as needed; coordinate with the research crew during the 2- to 8-hour recovery period before birds return to their capture area.

Collect blood samples from each bird for contaminant and other analyses after receiving procedure-specific training.

Advise support personnel assisting with surgery and coordinate procedures with USGS research staff.

Remain available on designated on-call dates and perform surgeries when birds are captured; follow project animal care procedures and scientific integrity requirements.

Qualifications

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent degree and professional credentials appropriate to the veterinary services performed.

Demonstrated veterinary surgical skills and the ability to learn and independently perform specialized diving duck implant procedures.

Ability to provide postoperative care, collect blood samples, communicate clearly with research crews, and meet capture-dependent scheduling requirements.

Avian or wildlife medicine experience, especially waterfowl surgery or transmitter implantation, is preferred.

Work Locations and Conditions

Primary site: USGS offices at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Marshlands Road, Newark, CA 94560. Additional site: San Francisco Bay Estuary Field Station, 350 N. Akron Road, Moffett Field, CA 94035. USGS provides transmitters, surgical equipment, and support personnel, and maintains project permits and licenses. Workdays and hours will be coordinated after award. The veterinarian supplies their own food during on-call hours.

Application Materials

Provide a resume or CV, relevant credentials, a summary of avian or wildlife surgical experience, availability, and two professional references with contact information.

Work Location: In person