Veterinary Tech Supervisor

Chimp Haven•Keithville, LA

About The Position

Provide medical care for chimpanzees under the Attending Veterinarian’s supervision and supervise veterinary technical staff. The position supports veterinary examinations, treatments, procedures, surgeries, medical monitoring, recordkeeping, clinic operations, and coordination with animal care and behavioral staff. It also includes leading, training, and evaluating veterinary technical staff and may involve training volunteers and participating in educational programs.

Requirements

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 instead.
Five years of progressively responsible veterinary or clinical experience with nonhuman primates, zoological, laboratory, wildlife, or exotic animals is preferred.
Three years of experience working with chimpanzees is preferred.
Demonstrated experience leading, training, mentoring, or supervising staff, including developing team members’ communication skills within and across animal care departments.
Two years of supervisory experience is preferred.
Ability to work independently and within a team.
Ability to work weekends, holidays, or nights when necessary.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet Chimp Haven’s motor vehicle operating standards if driving is required.
Ability to participate in medical monitoring and surveillance, including hepatitis B and other inoculations.
Ability to perform the physical activities and meet the physical capabilities described in the posting, including lifting approximately 75 pounds from floor to waist with assistance, prolonged standing and repetitive motions, climbing, and working in confined spaces.
Ability to work for extended periods indoors and outdoors in potentially extreme temperatures while using PPE.
Ability to perform veterinary procedures and handle tools and equipment with manual dexterity.
Ability to hear, understand, distinguish, and communicate speech and other sounds; retain information; multitask; and enter data using a keyboard or touchscreen.
Ability to dart an awake, active chimpanzee with restricted vision and/or shooting range.
Ability to work in a hazardous environment with potential exposure to animal bites and scratches, injury, chemical, biological, physical, environmental, infectious, and psychosocial hazards.

Nice To Haves

Veterinary Technology degree.
Five years of progressively responsible veterinary or clinical experience with nonhuman primates, zoological, laboratory, wildlife, or exotic animals.
Three years of chimpanzee experience.
Two years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Assist the veterinarian with physical exams, treatments, and procedures, including collecting samples for testing.
Perform routine veterinary procedures under the veterinarian’s direction.
Observe chimpanzees for symptoms associated with disease and dispense medication under the veterinarian’s direction.
Assist during surgery and necropsies, including operating equipment and preparing tissue samples.
Autoclave surgical instruments, maintain clinic cleanliness, conduct bi-weekly clinic inspections, and maintain medical equipment.
Order and stock veterinary supplies.
Record observations and, as applicable, maintain chimpanzee medical records.
Assist the veterinarian or senior staff with chimpanzee sedation and recovery.
Coordinate laboratory tests and shipment of samples.
Assist behavioral or husbandry staff as required, including participating in colony management decisions.
Assist with evaluating clinical case data and may help prepare data for publications, presentations, or grants.
Assist with educational programs and may lead programs.
Coordinate with the Positive Reinforcement Training Coordinator/Net Tech Trainer on chimpanzee training for cooperation during medical procedures.
Supervise veterinary technical staff; assist with hiring and coordinate or provide training on primary responsibilities.
Create work schedules, coach staff, and conduct staff performance evaluations.
Train animal care staff on veterinary techniques and procedures.
May supervise and train volunteers.
Perform related duties as required.
Work independently and as part of a team, and embody Chimp Haven’s stated values.
As required, drive Chimp Haven vehicles while meeting its motor vehicle operating standards.
Participate in the required medical monitoring and surveillance program, including hepatitis B and other inoculations.