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 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 visit our website at www.chimphaven.org
Or apply directly through our job site at https://chimphaven.apscareerportal.com/
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: May contribute to the supervision of one or more veterinary technicians in the absence of the Director of Veterinary and the Vet Tech Coordinator
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 professional advancement. Equal Opportunity Employer.
THE OPPORTUNITY: As a key member of the veterinary team, provide routine and emergency medical care for the chimpanzee colony which includes juveniles 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:
Oversees all aspects of colony health, including health surveillance-ensure proper care is given to chimpanzees at all times.
Diagnose and treat medical conditions, diseases, and injuries; coordinate chimpanzee health care with consulting veterinarians, specialists and staff as needed.
Provide visual health monitoring of sick or injured chimpanzees in conjunction with other veterinary clinical and animal care staff.
Fill, distribute, and administer colony medications as needed
Provide wound care
Conduct physical examinations using positive reinforcement training and/or sedations
Maintain proficiency in anesthesia, anesthetic monitoring and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Prescribe and dose and approve medications for individual health needs.
Perform and interpret diagnostic procedures including but not limited to radiographs, ultrasound, laboratory tests and physical exams.
Assist or perform surgical procedures, including but not limited to wound care, digital amputations, dental care, soft tissue and abdominal surgeries directly benefitting the chimpanzee.
Perform euthanasia and necropsies as required.
Provide emergency medical care as needed.
Provide weekend/holiday on-call coverage as scheduled
Provide phone consult for after-hours calls as scheduled
Possess full knowledge of and if needed provide training for all medical equipment available.
Maintain clinical records (written and electronic-Avimark)
Present weekly summary of open clinical cases and follow-up results of closed clinical cases during Animal Care meetings.
Communicate critical cases to animal care staff and educate on possible outcomes
Plan and implement preventive health programs to include positive reinforcement for medical behaviors
Take lead in escape drills and chimpanzee related adverse events
Participate in transportation of chimpanzees from sending institutions and may lead the chimpanzee unloading and introduction to quarantine facility. - ID test employees on newly arrived chimpanzees
Participate in the introduction process of newly introduced social groups along with behavior and husbandry staff
Adherence to Federal, State, and local regulations governing Animal Care/Nutrition and Diet preparation
Ensure that all procedures performed have the appropriate internal approvals prior to being performed.
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
Participate in controlled substance use and documentation
Actively participate in Chimp Haven staff and veterinary team meetings
Participate in colony management meetings (ie: chow distribution, introductions/group dynamics, infectious disease management, or other general colony management topics)
Participate in management of quarantine standard operating procedures
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 (SCCC, USDA, NIH, AAALAC, and GFAS)
Monitor inventory; order and stock supplies, medication and equipment
Participate in bi-weekly clinic walk throughs to ensure regulatory compliance
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
· Record of three years work experience within an animal care facility, organization or veterinary practice.
· Two years supervisory experience in an animal/veterinary facility and knowledge of safety and biohazard procedures required.
· Demonstrated clinical and surgical veterinary skills- 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
· Demonstrated ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain positive interactions with colleagues, staff and volunteers even during times of stress.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:
Clinical proficiency with NHPs and a high level of technical skill specific to primates and emergency veterinary experience 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 behavior preferred. Certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) preferred.
Experience with IACUC activities and research protocol review/approval process, and/or consultant service to the IACUC preferred.
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.
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
Effective leadership skill
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.
To apply, please visit https://chimphaven.apscareerportal.com. For more information, please visit our website at www.chimphaven.org