Thursday, October 21, 2021

VETERINARIAN

VETERINARIAN

The ANGKOR CENTRE FOR CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY (ACCB) is a species conservation project of the Allwetterzoo Münster, Germany, and has been established in 2003 in collaboration with the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP). It is one of the first nature conservation centers in Cambodia and is located in Phnom Kulen National Park, not far from Siem Reap and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor. The ACCB currently houses approximately 1000 individuals belonging to about 45 species of mammals, reptiles and birds native to Cambodia. Roughly 90% of the of the individuals at ACCB belong to a species classified as threatened by the IUCN.

The main focus areas of the ACCB’s work are:

Ø The rescue of selected threatened wildlife native to Cambodia, and their reintroduction after the rehabilitation process has been completed, if possible.

Ø Ex-situ conservation of threatened (e.g., ASAP) species, with a main focus on large water birds, Bengal florican and chelonians, designed to improve protection and management of some of Cambodia’s most endangered wildlife,

Ø To advance environmental education in Cambodia and present a learning venue for local communities, international visitors, and government staff.

Ø Conduct in-situ species conservation projects and endangered species research.

The ACCB is a partner of the IUCN SSC Asian Species Action Partnership (ASAP) and works closely with Cambodian government authorities, and various national and international organizations.

The ACCB currently offers an exciting opportunity for a veterinarian to join a team of passionate conservationists. The successful candidate will be working on continuing and improving existing

conservation breeding programs for threatened chelonian species native to Cambodia. Furthermore, he or she will be working with the Curators for Ex-situ Conservation on establishing conservation breeding programs for some of Cambodia’s rarest bird species such as the Giant Ibis, White-shouldered Ibis, Bengal Florican and Greater Adjutant Stork. The Veterinarian will be responsible for the overall health of ACCB’s animal collection.

In addition, she or he will have to be prepared to support a variety of other activities at ACCB as required. The Veterinarian is required to live on-site and is expected to be on call for emergencies. This is a challenging but rewarding position for a highly dedicated and motivated individual with a keen interest in contributing towards conservation in Southeast Asia.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The Veterinarian is responsible for the health of all animals at the centre. The successful candidate will work closely with the Curators for Ex-situ Conservation and animal keeping team, and reports to the Country Director. He or she makes recommendations and implements all aspects of management of captive breeding programs, animal arrivals, rehabilitation and release for all species at the centre. The Veterinarian will participate in the long-term planning for the ACCB with regards to conservation breeding programs, animal husbandry, animal facilities and staff developments in the Animal Department.

Main duties and responsibilities of the Veterinarian are

· Oversee the overall health and welfare of all the animals under ACCB’s care, carrying out all aspects of veterinary work e.g., treatments, fecal screening, health assessments, minor surgeries, etc.

· Document all veterinary procedures, cases and observations in an appropriate manner and enter records into databases (ZIMS)

· Develop and implement a disease prevention and prophylactic treatment plan

· Assist with all aspects of hand-rearing of juvenile/orphan animals

· Develop and refine veterinary protocols in close collaboration with the Curators for Ex-situ Conservation, the Country Director

· Collaborate with the Country Director, Curator for In-situ Conservation & Research, Curators for Ex-situ Conservation, and the animal keeping team in pre-release assessments of animals prior to (re)introduction to the wild

· Perform and document postmortem examinations when required

· Advise on, and assist with, improvements to animal facilities and husbandry methods particularly when they relate to animal health

· Maintain veterinary facilities in a clean and orderly manner

· Acquire and maintain necessary drug stock, veterinary equipment and supplies

· Prepare budget requests and manage the allocated veterinary budget

· Carry out animal observations with regards to health issues and behavior

· Assist with animal rescues, when required

· Assist in identifying and mitigating hazards within ACCB, especially with regards to animal health and zoonotic diseases and develop a staff health plan in collaboration with human health professionals

· Participate in the planning process for the future development of ACCB with regards to

veterinary aspects and for enhancing ACCB’s in-house laboratory capacities

· Participate in fundraising related to veterinary aspects

· Enhance ACCB’s scientific research capacities (e.g., collaboration with researchers from other institutions, publications in peer reviewed journals, etc.)

· Participate in the capacity building and training activities within and outside of ACCB, e.g., animal keepers, wildlife rangers

· Supervision of veterinarian students and volunteers

Requirements

· A degree in veterinary medicine is essential

· At least three years’ experience as a practicing veterinarian, working experience with exotic species (especially birds and chelonians) is an advantage

· Experience in clinical pathology, laboratory diagnostics and postmortem examinations

· Experience in animal nutrition is an advantage

· Experience with distance injection equipment (blowpipes) is an advantage

· Enthusiasm for disseminating scientific knowledge

· Strong interest in conservation issues in Southeast Asia, and Cambodia in particular

· Excellent communication and time management skills

· Good English communication skills, oral and written

· Self-disciplined, highly motivated personality able to work dependently as well as part of an international team

· Good improvisational and practical skills, willingness to take initiative

· Ability to live and work under basic conditions in a rural area. Some previous experience of working/living in developing countries and/or in tropical climates would be an advantage

· Computer literacy with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office. ZIMS experience would be an advantage

· Physically fit and able to work outdoors in a hot, humid climate for extended periods of time

· Be culturally sensitive

Conditions / remuneration

· Free shared accommodation (private room with access to shared bathroom, kitchen and living room), water, electricity and internet at ACCB, located at Kbal Spean, Phnom Kulen National Park

· Airfare to/from site if required, including one return flight per year (for contracts >1 year)

· A contribution towards health insurance expenses

· The position is full-time (8 hours/day) and will include working weekends, public holidays and on-call availability for emergencies

· 6 days off per month

· 30 days annual leave per calendar year

· The salary provided will be sufficient to allow for comfortable living in Cambodia

Preference will be given to candidates indicating that they are prepared to stay for longer periods (minimum 1 year).

Interested candidates are invited to send a Curriculum Vitae, a cover letter and the contact details of two references to application@accb-cambodia.org. Closing date for applications is: Sunday, November 14^th. Please note that interviews may be held prior to the stated closing date. Only short- listed candidates will be notified.