Primate Sanctuary Relief Veterinarian

[Liz Tyson]

Primate Sanctuary Relief Veterinarian

Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary, Cotulla, TX 78014

 

The Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary seeks a veterinarian for a 5-month placement covering parental leave. This is an exciting opportunity to work at one of the world’s best primate sanctuaries and care for around 300 macaques, baboons, and vervets alongside an incredibly talented, compassionate, and dedicated team.

 

As the sole veterinarian on site, the Relief Veterinarian will deliver all aspects of preventative and curative animal healthcare and will work with the sanctuary’s veterinary technician and staff of primate caregivers.

 

The ideal candidate will have experience with primate care, but we are open to early career veterinarians and those with experience working with other wildlife or domesticated species.

 

Term

 

This is a temporary relief position. The term is June 1 through October 30, 2023.

 

Orientation and training under the Lead Veterinarian will be provided in the month of June.

 

Primary Responsibilities

 

The Relief Veterinarian is responsible for overseeing and administering the medical care and treatment of the sanctuary’s primate residents and a few resident domestic cats. This includes observation, wellness and illness exams, diagnosis and treatment of illness or injury, surgery, and chemical immobilization. Necropsies and euthanasia (as a means to end suffering) may also be required.

 

They will supervise a veterinary technician and an intern with expectations of guiding and overseeing their work as well as mentoring.  

 

They will also be responsible for regulatory compliance including licensing, medical waste disposal, and use of controlled substances. Other duties include maintaining patient records and transporting animals for radiology or specialist visits.

 

Qualifications

 

Applicants must have a DVM or VMD degree and be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Texas. These qualifications are immutable.

 

Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with wild animals in a sanctuary setting, ideally with primates. New graduates or early career candidates will be considered provided they have had education or volunteer or externship experience working with wildlife. Experience in chemical immobilization is also desirable.

 

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to Born Free USA’s mission and values. They will be able to perform calmly under pressure and in medical emergencies. The doctor will understand that they are a part of a team and will listen to and give credence to the experience and knowledge of other staff.

 

Salary and Benefits

 

This is a full-time, temporary, exempt position. Compensation is based on an annual salary of $55,000 to $70,000 depending on experience. Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, and a 401(K) plan with employer matching. We also offer free on-site housing (private bedroom with shared bathroom and living space) with utilities included, if desired. Living on the property is not required.

 

Hours and Location

 

Regular working hours are Monday-Friday (or other mutually agreeable days) from 7:00am-4:00pm. Evenings or weekends will be required in cases of emergency.

 

The sanctuary is located 90 miles south of San Antonio; candidates must be comfortable living in a rural area with limited amenities and entertainment or willingness to commute on a daily basis. They must also be able to work outside in all weather conditions, including daily temperatures in the 90s or higher in the summer months.

 

How to Apply

 

Send resume and cover letter to Katie Johnson-Jennings, DVM at ka...@bornfreeusa.org.

 

Your cover letter should include discussion of why you feel you are the best candidate for the position based on the stated qualifications and address how your views align with Born Free USA’s position on the keeping of animals in captivity in zoos and the exotic pet trade and their use in medical research.

 

Additional Information

 

A criminal background check will be conducted following acceptance of employment offer. All employees must provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 unless they qualify for an exemption and proof of a negative TB test taken within the last 12 months.

 

About Born Free USA

 

The Born Free Primate Sanctuary's aim is to provide nonhuman primates a lifelong home and a high standard of care without being needlessly intrusive. The 175-acre sanctuary located 90 miles south of San Antonio, Texas, is home to around 300 monkeys, many of whom were rescued from abusive or exploitative situations. The focus of animal care is to provide conditions in which the captive populations of macaques, baboons, and vervets are allowed to live out the remainder of their lives with extensive freedom of movement, choice of food, and choice of companions, in accordance with their social nature. The sanctuary is not open to the public and we do not display animals for educational or entertainment purposes.

Born Free's mission is to end the suffering of wild animals in captivity, rescue individual animals in need, protect wildlife - including endangered species - in their natural habitats, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. Inspired by the iconic film Born Free, we work locally, nationally, and internationally to end wild animal cruelty and suffering, protect threatened wildlife, and keep wildlife in the wild where they rightfully belong.