Associate Veterinarian for Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Nuria Rubio Saura
ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN
THE SANCTUARY
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established in 1995 by the Government of Sierra Leone, through the help of conservationist Bala Amarasekaran and the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone to rescue, care for and rehabilitate confiscated pets and orphaned or abandoned wild chimpanzees. It plays a vital role in conserving and protecting chimpanzees in the wild through education, communication and legal enforcement.
Tacugama is located 30 minutes from Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, in West Africa.
Everything we do starts with the chimps and transitions into wildlife conservation, research, environmental protection, advocacy, law enforcement, community preservation, and education and ecotourism development initiatives.
THE VACANCY
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary requires an ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN (DVM or equivalent) to support the Senior Manager of Animal Health and Welfare.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED)
· Degree in Veterinary Medicine from a recognized university.
· Fluent in English.
· Minimum one year experience working with wildlife in captive settings (sanctuaries, zoos, rescue centres) – internships and externships can be considered as experience
· Knowledge of and experience with medical equipment (radiographs, ultrasound, blood analysis, etc.), anaesthesia procedures and monitoring, basic laboratory techniques and pathology, sampling and post-mortem examination (through lectures, diploma courses, internships/externships, clinical experience)
· Proficiency with basic computer skills including Microsoft Office
· Demonstrated experience in team management and ability to inspire and motivate others
· Be willing to live in relatively basic conditions
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
· Knowledge and some experience with primates and/or great apes is highly valued.
· Previous experience working abroad, preferably in Africa.
· Enjoy working with others to develop their knowledge and skills in personal and working life.
· Be an honest, energetic person, willing to learn, to put medical knowledge into practice, to provide solutions to medical problems, and be able to effectively implement treatment plans.
· Knowledge of remote drug delivery systems is preferred.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The associate veterinarian is responsible for the daily health and welfare of the 111 resident chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus), located in the sanctuary.
The position will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the activities of the animal care staff, including organic waste management, enrichment program, health & safety, appropriate cleaning of the dens and enclosures, daily chimpanzee nutrition program, among other activities.
· Observation and general management of chimpanzee health following standard operating procedures (daily sanctuary rounds).
· Respond to identified health problems, including dispensing and/or administering medications.
· Assist in the implementation of disease prevention measures and emergency medical care.
· Assist in health checks and close monitoring of newly rescued chimpanzees in quarantine (deworming, vaccination).
· Help to perform basic pathology (post-mortem examination procedures and sample collection).
· Basic laboratory activities (fecal sampling and analysis, rapid blood tests, etc.). • Fill in and maintain daily data records (Excel documents).
· Help with the ongoing disease research based on the work of several predecessors.
· Help with weekly capacity building.
· Health and zoonotic disease prevention.
· Monitor chimpanzee diet and nutrition (quantity and ingredients offered in the diet).
· Inventory management of veterinary supplies (medicines and consumables).
· Assist with design & implementation of the chimpanzee enrichment programme, including developing new ideas and monitoring safety and efficacy.
· Monthly enrichment reports to the Senior Manager of Animal Health & Welfare.
· Support during additional sanctuary events and activities if possible.
· Care for other sanctuary species which may be present (duiker, civets).
· Monitoring the quality of the chimpanzee drinking water (water treatment).
· Monitoring the enclosures - dens and chimpanzee related facilities.
· Conduct weekly medical rounds with the resident veterinarian to discuss clinical cases, best therapeutic options and possible management activities.
· Support during events and extra activities when possible.
THE TEAM
(1) Senior Manager of Animal Health & Welfare
(1) Associate Veterinarian
(13) Care staff
(111) Resident Chimpanzees
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is offered as a 1-year contract with the possibility of renewal based on the candidate’s performance. The first 3 months are considered a probationary period.
This is a full-time, six (6) day a week position. Scheduling and public holiday vacation time can be arranged with the Senior Manager of Animal Health & Welfare on the condition that the sanctuary has daily veterinary coverage.
Early and late working hours may be required on occasion to accommodate emergencies or special circumstances.
A monthly salary of $500 USD is provided, as well as a daily local African-style lunch. A shared vehicle is available for staff use. Breakfast and dinner are not provided.
4-weeks vacation (if contract renewed), VISA fees and flight tickets are covered by TCS upon completion of the first year. Candidates must provide their own health insurance.
PLACE OF WORK
TCS is located 30 minutes from Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, in West Africa. The sanctuary will offer accommodation in a single room in a two-room house, sharing the social areas (bathroom, kitchen, living and dining room) with the associate veterinarian.
To apply, please send your CV in English as a PDF with a cover letter, two (2) letters of recommendation from veterinarians (and if possible specifying previous experience with wildlife (internal medicine, clinical, laboratory, behaviour, enrichment, etc.), and indicate the date you are available to start. Please send the application materials to: in...@tacugama.com and to v...@tacugama.com with the reference ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN in the email title.
Application date: Until the position is filled.
Position is available immediately.