Associate Veterinarian

The Elephant Sanctuary; George; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Part time

Job summary

A premier conservation facility in George, South Africa, seeks a part-time Associate Veterinarian to provide preventative care and ensure high standards of veterinary treatment for elephants. This unique role involves maintaining veterinary records, participating in emergency response, and providing on-call coverage. Ideal candidates should have a degree in veterinary medicine, excellent communication skills, and a strong passion for elephant welfare. The position requires flexibility with scheduling and the ability to work in various weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Degree in Veterinary Medicine from accredited institution.
• Advanced degree or background in zoo or wildlife medicine is highly desirable.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the highest standards of veterinary care for all animals.
• Provide comprehensive medical care including diagnostics and treatment.
• Administer and monitor sedation or anesthesia when appropriate.

Skills

Veterinary medical knowledge

Emergency response

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Multi-tasking

Education

Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Advanced degree in zoo or wildlife medicine

Job description

To provide a natural habitat refuge developed around the needs of Asian and African elephants where elephants are provided with lifetime care; To support and promote elephant welfare and conservation; To provide and support public education regarding the complex needs of elephants and the challenges facing elephants in the wild.

Position Purpose:

The Elephant Sanctuary is looking to grow our team. We are searching for an individual who is looking for a unique part time opportunity working with elephants and wanting to practice high quality medicine. This individual would work an average of eight hours per week, be on call when the Associate Director of Elephant Health and Wellness is on PTO or traveling for work and share weekend and holiday on call coverage. There is some flexibility to the schedule that can be discussed. The Associate Veterinarian is responsible for ensuring that the highest standards of veterinary care are maintained at The Sanctuary, with a focus on preventative care . Ensure efficient communication within the veterinary department. Help manage and maintain thorough and accurate veterinary medical records entries. Participate in vet rounds and prescribe veterinary treatments, and document and record pertinent information. Play a vital role in emergency response and end of life care, including euthanasia and necropsy.

Job Responsibilities

Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Maintains highest standards of veterinary care for all animals kept at The Sanctuary
• Responsible for providing comprehensive medical care from a preventative medical approach including, but not limited to physical examinations, diagnostics, and treatment
• Respond to information requests from elephant care staff concerning potential or emergency medical care
• Administer and monitor sedation or anesthesia when appropriate, including for euthanasia, under the direction of the Associate Director
• Prescribe, administer, and evaluate results of diagnostic examinations, radiographs, and clinical pathology specimens including microbiology, blood samples, and fecal tests
• Recognize various symptoms, diagnose, and isolate causes of acute or chronic illnesses, infectious and noninfectious diseases, or injuries affecting elephants
• Perform basic, in-house laboratory work
• Help perform gross necropsies
• Remain current on elephant veterinary knowledge as well as pertinent regulations and veterinary standards
• Keep medical records up to date, ensuring they are complete and thorough
• Must be familiar with the protocols for handling Class II narcotics and all controlled substances and be able to safely and accurately use a dart gun
• Maintain a clean, safe facility
• Ensure clear communications of record between veterinary and husbandry departments
• Ensure the privacy, confidentiality, and security of elephant medical and behavioral information
• Opportunity to participate in research and veterinary medical publications
• Provide on call services weekends and holidays, select other occurrences. Must be within 45min of the Sanctuary when on call.

Qualifications

• Degree in Veterinary Medicine from accredited institution.
• Advanced degree or background in zoo or wildlife medicine is highly desirable. Strong equine medicine background may also be beneficial.
• Recognized peer reviewed publications in wildlife and/or conservation medicine and science are desirable.
• Excellent knowledge of the full Microsoft Office suite and specifically Excel database entry, management, and reporting.
• Public presentation skills, preferred
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Flexible and adaptable
• Highly collaborative and team-oriented
• Passion for The Elephant Sanctuary’s mission and genuine appreciation for elephants and conservation
• The ideal team player will:
  • be resilient, show initiative, and demonstrate a healthy commitment to going above and beyond.
  • focus on team success and define success collaboratively versus individually.

work with colleagues in mind, be a good listener, and be willing to seek information and assistance when necessary.

Special Working Conditions:

• Must have valid drivers’ license.
• Must be able to attain practicing veterinary license in the State of Tennessee
• Must have ability to perform job duties in external environments, including exposure to weather elements.

Additional Information

Salary to be discussed at screening.

How to Apply

Submit resume and cover letter to [e-mail].