The Elephant Sanctuary Mission:

Provide elephants with individualized care, the companionship of a herd and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven, dedicated to their well-being.  Educate the public of the complex needs of elephants in human care and the crisis facing elephants in the wild.

Position Purpose:

The Veterinary Technician is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of veterinary care are maintained at The Sanctuary, meeting and surpassing legal requirements. Ensure efficient communication within the veterinary department. Help manage and maintain thorough and accurate veterinary medical records entries and validate the quality of recorded data. Attend vet rounds and veterinary treatments, assist with veterinary care, and document and record pertinent information. Assist with outside labs and lab sample handling and shipments. Assist with all lab work, diagnostics, medication preparation, emergency response and end of life care including euthanasia and necropsy. Help the veterinary department expand their research and data collection and documentation capabilities, including excel documents and retrospective analysis.  

Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Maintains highest standards of veterinary care for all animals kept at The Sanctuary
• Maintains a clean, safe facility
• Works with veterinarian and lead technician in creating medical records and reports
• Ensures clear communications of record between veterinary and husbandry departments
• Ensures the privacy, confidentiality, and security of elephant medical and behavioral information
• Provide edits, research, and input into veterinary medical publications
• Assist with weekly vet rounds and maintain proper medical documentation
• Provide on call services on grounds when veterinarians are not available in person but reachable by phone for all medical decisions
• Veterinary treatment skills include:
  • Elephant foot work and abscess debridement
  • Perform blood draws
  • Perform IM injections
  • Perform radiographs
  • Perform laser therapy treatments
  • Help assess emergencies and respond to those emergencies accordingly
  • Assist with necropsies and documentation of necropsy
  • In house laboratory diagnostics
    • Minimum database, blood smear evaluation, fecal analysis, cytology, urinalysis
  • Processes all relevant laboratory paperwork and ensures veterinarians review in a timely manner
  • Assist in archiving serum and tissue samples utilizing the -80 freezer

Direct Reports

None

Qualifications:

• Licensed veterinary technician
• Experience with elephants or other large animals preferred
• Excellent knowledge of the full Microsoft Office suite and specifically Excel database entry, management, and reporting
• 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 technician license in the State of Tennessee

The Sanctuary is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state or local law.