Description

Job Summary
Provide medical care for chimpanzees under Attending Veterinarian’s supervision and supervise veterinary technical staff.

Duties and Responsibilities
This job description outlines the primary responsibilities of the position but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Responsibilities and duties may evolve to meet the changing needs and priorities of the organization.

      Assist veterinarian with physical exams, treatments and procedures, including the collection of samples for testing.

      Perform routine veterinary procedures under direction of Veterinarian.

      Observe chimpanzees for detection of symptoms associated with disease.

      Dispense medication to chimpanzees under direction of veterinarian.

      Assist during surgery and necropsies, including operation of equipment and preparation of tissue samples.

      Autoclave surgical instruments.

      Maintain cleanliness of vet clinics

      Perform bi-weekly inspections of veterinary clinics

      Order and stock veterinary supplies.

      Record observations and may maintain chimpanzee medical records.

      Maintain medical equipment.

      Assist veterinarian or senior staff with sedation and recovery of chimpanzees.

      Coordinate laboratory tests and shipment.

      Assist behavioral or husbandry staff as required, including participation in colony management decisions.

      Assist with evaluation of data related to clinical cases. May assist with preparation of data for publication, presentation, or grants.

      Assist with educational programs. May lead programs.

      Work with Positive Reinforcement Training Coordinator/Vet Tech Trainer to coordinate training of chimpanzees to cooperate during medical procedures.

      Serve as Supervisor to veterinary technical staff

      Assist with the hiring of veterinary staff and coordinate and/or train staff on primary responsibilities.

      Creation of work schedules, coaching and staff performance evaluations

      Train animal care staff on veterinary techniques and procedures.

      May supervise and train volunteers.

      Perform related duties as required.

Requirements

Education and Experience Required
Education: A degree in Veterinary Technology is preferred. An associate degree in a related field, or equivalent education combined with eight years of veterinary technician experience, may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.

Experience and skills: Five years of progressively responsible veterinary/clinical experience with NHP, zoological, laboratory animal, wildlife, or exotic animal preferred. Three years working with chimpanzees preferred.  Demonstrated experience leading, training, mentoring, or supervising staff, as well as developing team members’ communication skills within and across animal care departments.

 Experience and skills preferred: Two years supervisory experience preferred.
 
 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

      Have physical strength and agility (run, jump and climb)

      Ability for physical activity with the use of PPE for long periods indoors/outdoors in potentially extreme temperatures. 

      Ability to bend, crawl, stretch, twist, reach out, kneel, squat, sit, stoop, lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects-including overhead.

      Ability to stand for long periods of time.

      Ability to consistently lift ~75 lbs. from floor to waist assisted.

      Ability to perform repetitive motions for long periods of time.

      Ability to keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position, including height and unstable ground.

      Ability to ascend/descend ramps, stairs and/or ladders.

      Manual dexterity 

o   Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

o   Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

o   Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

o   Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

o   Assist with veterinary procedures and/or surgeries

      Near and far visual acuity

      Ability to hear, understand and distinguish speech and/or other sounds.

      Ability to express or exchange ideas verbally-accurately, loudly and quickly.

      Educational multitasking

o   Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

o   Ability to quickly retain information and hear and write at the same time

      Ability to enter text or data into a computer or other machine by means of a keyboard or touchscreen.

      Ability to dart an awake and active chimpanzee with restricted vision and/or shooting range.

      Comfortability within confined spaces

OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS 

      Must be able to work both independently and within a team. Be open and receptive to embodying the Chimp Haven values of positivity and kindness, unity, adaptability, collaboration, and resiliency.

      Chimp Haven is a dangerous working environment with potential for animal bites, scratches and injury and exposure to chemical, biological, physical, environmental, infectious and psychosocial hazards including, but not limited to unpleasant odors, animal wastes, welding fumes, dust and allergens, animal tissues and body fluids, toxic chemicals, zoonotic diseases (tuberculosis, shigella etc.), and infectious agents (Hepatitis B, C, HIV, etc.).

      Weekend, holiday and night work may be necessary.

      Duties may require driving Chimp Haven’s vehicles which requires a valid driver’s license. Must also meet Chimp Haven’s motor vehicle operating standards.

      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.