Facility

Save the Chimps

Closing Date

Description

Save the Chimps operates the largest privately funded chimpanzee sanctuary in the world. Located on over 150 acres on the Treasure Coast of Florida, the Sanctuary provides lifetime care and enrichment for chimpanzees rescued from research laboratories, entertainment, and the pet trade.

Save the Chimps was established in 1997 and is home to over 200 chimpanzees. The work of the organization is accomplished by a nonprofit board of directors, more than 60 full-time employed staff, and a number of community volunteers.

Save the Chimps is looking for a Certified Veterinary Technician to join our team. We provide high-quality clinical care to over 200 chimpanzees retired from laboratories, entertainment and the pet trade. We are looking for a compassionate employee who is able to work both as a team member and independently. Applicants must be able to work full-time which will include one weekend day.

The following is a list of the essential functions of this position. Veterinary technical proficiency is required. Primate experience, especially chimpanzee, is highly preferred.

Demonstrate proficiency in clinical procedures including:
• Phlebotomy
• IV catheter placement, IV fluid set up and monitoring
• Induction, intubation, maintenance and monitoring of anesthesia, including a detailed written anesthesia log
• Surgical prep, monitoring, recovery and post-op patient care
• Dental prophylaxis and dental surgical assistance
• Laboratory analysis of urine and feces. Sample preparation for shipping to outside laboratory
• Dose calculation, preparation and administration of medications
• Ultrasound-guided cystocentesis
• Hand-injection of chimpanzees
• Remote injection of chimpanzees using pole syringe or dart
• Set up, clean up and assist with post-mortem examination; document examinations with photographs and written records
• Prepare post-mortem tissues for shipment
• Prepare drug cocktail for capture immobilization under veterinary supervision
• Load and charge darts for immobilization, clean darts after use
• Serve as an adjunct member of the STAT team, under the direction of the veterinarian(s)

Demonstrate proficiency in hospital management duties including:
• Operate, calibrate and maintain all diagnostic, surgical and dental equipment
• Work with Pharmacy Assistant to organize and maintain inventory and develop a system for keeping it updated
• Clean, pack and sterilize surgical, dental and necropsy instruments
• Maintain, clean and stock veterinary clinic and van, lab and pharmacy
• Manage animal medical records and data entry into the Zoo Information Management System (ZIMS), including laboratory tests and results, photographs, technician’s clinical observations, authorized prescriptions and more
• Develop a system to track preventive health care (fecals and deworming, urinalyses, vaccinations, etc.)

Demonstrate Proficiency in Animal Care:
• Prepare and deliver chimpanzee medications to Care Technicians
• Maintain record of individual oral medication delivery preferences
• Maintain inventory of controlled substances with oversight by Director of Veterinary Services
• Assist veterinarian(s) during daily care and observations of chimpanzees
• Assist veterinarian(s) with medical rounds
• Become knowledgeable of resident chimpanzees’ histories and personalities

Education and Pre-requisites

• Associates degree from AVMA CVTEA Accredited school of Veterinary Technician required.
• Florida Veterinary Technician Certification.
• Proficient in veterinary technical and hospital management skills as listed above.
• VTNE or state equivalent required.
• Minimum three years of full-time clinical experience as a veterinary technician.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

Send resume and cover letter to hr@savethechimps.org