Job Summary
Provide medical care for chimpanzees under Attending Veterinarian's supervision and supervise
veterinary technical staff.
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.
Two vears supervisorv experience preferred:
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.
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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 CoordinatorNet 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.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Have physical strength and agility (run, jump and climb)
Abilityfor physical activity with the use of PPE for long periods indoors/outdoors in potentially
extreme temperatures.
Abilityto 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 perlods 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
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
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