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Clinical Veterinarian

Chimp Haven

Clinical Veterinarian

Keithville, LA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Chimp Haven is hiring!

    Clinical Veterinarian

    Come change lives.

    Starting right here in Northwest Louisiana!

    As the National Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Chimp Haven is the only destination for government owned chimpanzees retired from research laboratories. It is our goal to provide a healthy, happy life for every one of the more than 300 chimpanzees at our spacious 200-acre campus.

    You are an optimistic go-getter who can get things done. You are skilled at analyzing data to build your plan and then rolling up your sleeves to make things happen. You are innovative, creative and comfortable practicing veterinary medicine outside of “the norm” as we often times are breaking new ground for chimpanzee treatment regimens. As a compassionate animal lover, you have a natural ability to treat each chimpanzee as an individual and develop relationships with your patients. And finally, you are a team player who welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with your veterinary colleagues, the behavioral team, husbandry staff and others to provide the best care possible for our residents.

    Come join our team of dedicated staff, scientists and volunteers who are committed to the well-being of chimpanzees.

    To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to careers@chimphaven.org or fax to 318-925-5600. For more information, please visit our website at www.chimphaven.org

    CLINICAL VETERINARIAN POSITION AVAILABLE

    Open: 2-25-2020 Closed: When filled

    POSITION TITLE: Clinical Veterinarian

    REPORTS TO: Director of Veterinary Care/Attending Veterinarian

    JOB CLASSIFICATION:

    Shift: Day shift; on-call availability for emergencies during nights and weekends as scheduled

    Status: Full-time

    FLSA: Exempt

    Risk Level: 3

    SUPERVISES: Will likely supervise one or more veterinary technicians in the future.

    ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: Chimp Haven serves as the National Chimpanzee Sanctuary and is located on 200 forested acres in northwest Louisiana just outside of Shreveport. Chimp Haven provides excellent care for over 300 chimpanzees retired from research or no longer used in the entertainment industry or as pets. As more retired chimpanzees make their way from research institutions to sanctuary, our population continues to grow. Chimp Haven has a well-designed facility to support the physical and emotional well-being of all animals, experienced staff and high standards for operational excellence. The organization is accredited by AAALAC and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, USDA inspected and a member of the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance. Chimp Haven offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, extensive training and an opportunity for growth. Equal Opportunity Employer.

    THE OPPORTUNITY: As a key member of the eight person veterinary team, you will provide routine and emergency medical care for the chimpanzee colony which includes infants through geriatric residents. This position affords the right candidate a unique opportunity to not only provide hands-on medical care to chimpanzees, but also learn all aspects of sanctuary medicine, share your knowledge and learnings with others in the field, and participate in colony management decisions.

    RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE:

    Medical Care and Records

    Oversees all aspects of colony health, including health surveillance

    Diagnose and treat medical conditions, diseases, and injuries; coordinate chimpanzee health care with consulting veterinarians, specialists and staff as needed

    Preparation and maintenance of medical records (written and electronic)

    Provide wound care

    Conduct physical examinations using positive reinforcement training and/or sedations

    Communicate critical cases to animal care staff and educate on possible outcomes

    Fill, distribute, and administer colony medications as needed

    Plan and implement preventive health programs to include positive reinforcement for medical behaviors

    Perform euthanasia and necropsies as required

    Perform surgeries

    Adherence to Federal, State, and local regulations governing Animal Care/Nutrition and Diet preparation

    May oversee controlled substance use and documentation

    Work with visiting scientists and supervise volunteers or interns

    May give consult to veterinarians at other institutions on chimpanzee physical examination/sedation standard operating procedures

    Train animal care staff on veterinary procedures

    Obtain further echocardiogram training in chimpanzees to allow for thorough cardiac evaluation of our chimpanzees and further collaboration with Great Ape Heart Project

    Read digital radiography

    Administration

    Actively participate in Chimp Haven staff and veterinary team meetings

    Participate in colony management meetings (i.e.: chow distribution, introductions/group dynamics, infectious disease management, or other general colony management topics)

    Take lead in escape drills and chimpanzee related adverse events

    Participate in transportation of chimpanzees from sending institutions and lead the chimpanzee unloading and introduction to quarantine facility. - ID test employees on newly arrived chimpanzees

    Participate in management of quarantine standard operating procedures

    Participate in the introduction process of newly introduced social groups along with behavior and husbandry staff

    Represent the veterinary department at Chimpanzee Discovery Days and may participate in facility tours or further media opportunities

    Attend professional meetings, during which you are expected to be a representative of Chimp Haven and our mission

    May lead accreditation and certification efforts, and assist with regulatory reports and inspections

    Monitor inventory; order and stock supplies, medication and equipment

    Participate in management of departmental budget

    May Hire, train and supervise veterinary technicians

    Write grants, proposals, manuscripts and other communications

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

    Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from accredited veterinary college

    Must be able to obtain license to practice in Louisiana

    Demonstrated record of work experience within an animal care facility, organization or veterinary practice

    Good communication and interpersonal skills

    Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks in an organized manner with minimal supervision

    PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

    Prior experience working with chimpanzees preferred, but willing to train qualified candidate.

    Completion of either a post-doctoral internship or residency program specializing in nonhuman primate medicine, laboratory animal medicine and/or emergency medicine preferred. Certification as a Diplomat of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) preferred.

    Results-driven and achievement oriented. Conveys optimism and demonstrates resilience. Recovers quickly from set-backs and overcomes obstacles.

    Organized yet flexible. Willing to pivot or adjust plan in order to respond to changing priorities or the needs of chimpanzees.

    Conveys energy and passion about Chimp Haven’s work and mission. Ability to tell the Chimp Haven story and discuss the veterinary program with visitors.

    Writes clearly and concisely.

    Collaborates with team members within the veterinary department and across the organization to discuss ideas, develop new processes and solve problems related to chimpanzee care; operates with authenticity, clarity, transparency and effectiveness.

    Willingness to readily share your knowledge with others, answer questions from staff and help others gain an understanding of your work and decisions made.

    Willingness to seek and listen to feedback from others and find the best way to incorporate feedback.

    Ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain positive interactions with colleagues, staff and volunteers even during times of stress.

    Strong technology skills; experience leading a data-driven approach to development. Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.) and Avimark software system preferred.

    Experience with IACUC activities and research protocol review/approval process, and/or consultant service to the IACUC

    Other Requirements and Working Conditions

    This work will require bending, carrying, kneeling, lifting, listening, pulling, pushing, reading, speaking, squatting, standing, stooping, stretching, walking, watching, and writing.

    Must be able to routinely lift and carry 50lbs for short distances.

    Must be able to assist in lifting chimpanzees (up to 75lbs).

    Duties may require driving Chimp Haven vehicles, and must have a valid driver’s license and meet Chimp Haven’s motor vehicle operating standards.

    Requires performing duties indoor and outdoor in all climates.

    Potential exists for animal bites and scratches.

    Potential exposure to unpleasant odors, animal wastes, animal tissues and body fluids, toxic chemicals, zoonotic diseases (tuberculosis, shigella, etc.) infectious agents (Hepatitis B, C, HIV, etc.)

    Weekend, holiday, and night work may be necessary.

    Participation in a medical monitoring and surveillance program that includes hepatitis B and other inoculations is required.

    Safety training, equipment, clothing, and supplies will be provided.

    A demonstration of effective leadership required.

    To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to careers@chimphaven.org or fax to 318-925-5600. For more information, please visit our website at www.chimphaven.org