Primate-Jobs
Positions Available

Field Veterinarian, Gorilla Protection Project (Gabon)

Hiring Organization:
The Aspinall Foundation (TAF)

Date Posted:
2013-02-03

Position Description:
TAF has been working in Gabon since 1998, funding and managing a western lowland gorilla rehabilitation and reintroduction project in the Batéké Plateau National Park [Projet Protection des Gorilles (PPG]) and has been working in close collaboration with the Gabonese Government to ensure the protection of the national park since its creation in 2002. In Gabon, the main actions to achieve this objective are: 1. Law enforcement against illegal bushmeat trade; 2. Management of a gorilla introduction program in the Bateke Plateau NP; and,3. Monitoring surveys of wildlife and human pressure.

As the veterinarian for PPG Gabon the successful application will be responsible for monitoring the health of the gorillas under the project’s care and for regularly reporting to the Aspinall Foundation’s Head of Veterinary Services in the UK. You will work in conjunction with our UK based Veterinary Department to carry out preventative healthcare and veterinary procedures, with support and advice available from the UK at all times. The Field vet will report to the PPG-Gabon Field Coordinator based in BPNP and the PPG-Gabon National Director, based in Franceville. The successful candidate will be part of the conservation team and have the following responsibilities: work-planning; staff and camp management; technical reporting; gorilla health monitoring; staff capacity building; etc.

Qualifications/Experience:
The skills, experience, knowledge and personal characteristics that are essential for the job-holder to perform the role:
Must be a qualified vet with a valid internationally-recognized veterinary license;
Excellent communication skills;
Excellent verbal and written French and English Language skills;
Must have practical experience working as a qualified vet;
Have a strong interest in conservation medicine and a willingness to learn new skills and increase knowledge base;
Good IT skills using Microsoft packages, including; Word; Excel & Outlook;
Has experience in shooting /darting animals;
Exercises good leadership skills when working with a team of animal staff;
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to work unsupervised and manage own work- load effectively;
Ability to file reports on time and the willingness to report to the UK and liaise with the Head of Veterinary Services there regularly and take advice;
Excellent record keeping skills;
Must be physically fit with ability to live and to work in an isolated environment in Africa;
Ability to prioritise quickly and effectively;
Good diplomacy skills;
Able to work effectively under stressful conditions;
Has a valid driving license

Salary/funding:
Salary negotiable depending on experience

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
10.000,00 XAF per day (food rations)
Health Insurance
6 weeks of vacation per year
One economy ticket Libreville – (home country), to represent two single tickets, one for the beginning and one for the termination of this contract, and one return economy ticket Libreville – (home country) per twelve month period (annual leave)

Term of Appointment:
The position will start as soon as possible, beginning with a three month trial period which either party can terminate without notice. If the trial period is successful, then the contract will be prolonged for an additional year, with possible renewal.

Application Deadline:
15 March 2013

Contact Information:
Bryan Curran
BP 583
Franceville, none
Gabon

E-mail Address:
bkeithcurran@gmail.com