Clinical Veterinarian

The Opportunity

As a key member of the veterinary team, the Chimpanzee Veterinarian provides routine and emergency medical care for Chimp Haven’s chimpanzee colony, including juveniles through geriatric residents. The role offers hands-on experience in sanctuary medicine, participation in colony management decisions, collaboration with specialists and researchers, and opportunities to share veterinary knowledge with others in the field.

Responsibilities

The veterinarian oversees colony health, health surveillance, and medical care while diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, and other medical conditions. The position involves coordinating care with consulting veterinarians and specialists, monitoring sick or injured chimpanzees, performing anesthesia and anesthetic monitoring, and maintaining proficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Responsibilities also include prescribing medications, conducting physical examinations, interpreting radiographs, ultrasound and laboratory diagnostics, and performing or assisting with surgical procedures, wound care, dental procedures, amputations, euthanasia, and necropsies.

The veterinarian maintains accurate written and electronic medical records using Avimark and communicates critical cases and treatment plans to animal care staff. The role also includes developing preventive health programs and positive reinforcement for medical behaviors. The veterinarian participates in chimpanzee transportation, quarantine, social introductions, and the integration of new groups while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local animal care, nutrition, and safety regulations.

The position involves working with visiting scientists and supervising volunteers or interns. The veterinarian may provide consultation to veterinarians at other institutions regarding chimpanzee examinations and sedation procedures, train animal care staff on veterinary procedures, and develop echocardiogram skills to support cardiac evaluations and collaboration with the Great Ape Heart Project. The role also requires maintaining a safe workplace and participating in escape drills and adverse-event responses.

Administrative responsibilities include managing controlled substances, regulatory compliance, documentation, staff and veterinary team meetings, public events, tours, and media opportunities. The veterinarian may support accreditation and certification efforts, regulatory reports and inspections involving USDA, NIH, AAALAC, GFAS, and other organizations. Additional responsibilities include monitoring inventory, ordering medications and equipment, participating in clinic compliance reviews, assisting with departmental budgeting, supervising veterinary technicians, and preparing grants, proposals, manuscripts, and other professional communications.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary college and be eligible to obtain a Louisiana veterinary license. Candidates should have at least three years of experience in an animal care facility, veterinary practice, or related organization, along with two years of supervisory experience in an animal or veterinary facility. Knowledge of safety and biohazard procedures, demonstrated clinical and surgical veterinary skills, strong communication and interpersonal abilities, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision are required. Candidates must also be able to remain calm and professional during stressful situations.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with nonhuman primates and emergency veterinary medicine is preferred, although qualified candidates may be trained. A post-doctoral internship or residency in nonhuman primate medicine, laboratory animal medicine, or behavior is preferred, as is ACLAM Diplomate certification. Experience with IACUC activities, research protocol review, or consulting services is also desirable.

Strong technology skills and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Avimark are preferred. The ideal candidate is organized, adaptable, results-driven, resilient, and able to adjust priorities based on chimpanzee care needs. Strong leadership, writing, collaboration, and communication skills are important, along with a passion for Chimp Haven’s mission and the ability to explain its veterinary program to visitors.

The successful candidate will collaborate effectively across departments, share knowledge with colleagues, mentor staff, seek and respond to feedback, and contribute to improving processes and veterinary care for the chimpanzee colony.