Associate Veterinarian

We are a wildlife rescue centre and conservation project based in the Peruvian Amazon jungle. We rescue; care for and rehabilitate confiscated and orphaned or abandoned wild animals. Where possible we release animals back into the wild; however; sadly this is not possible in all cases. As a result; we also provide permanent homes to animals deemed unfit for release. We protect a large area of rainforest and actively look to reforest areas previously lost to farming or logging.

Esperanza Verde was established in 2010 by Olivia Conrads and Douwe Bakker; two wildlife specialists from The Netherlands. The rescue centre is now home to around 180 animals; some resident; some awaiting release and others living in semi-captivity. These animals include different species of monkeys (woolly; capuchins; spider monkeys; squirrel monkeys; tamarin monkeys; night monkeys); other mammals (kinkajous; agoutis; capybara; otter; deer; raccoons; and peccaries); as well as an array of birds (mainly of the family Psittacidae) and reptiles (tortoises and turtles). In past years we have released over 4000 animals back into the wild.

Esperanza Verde is currently looking to recruit an associate veterinarian to join our dedicated team of permanent staff and non-permanent team of international volunteers. The work of the associate veterinarian will be mostly carried out in our well-equipped onsite clinic. Experience using gas anaesthetic is advantageous and a flexible work ethic is essential; as we often deal with unexpected animal emergencies.

Alongside the veterinary duties in the clinic; the candidate will also be required to undertake the daily tasks of caring for the animals (cleaning; preparing food and feeding). This is a vital component of the role as it is essential to work closely with all the animals; study their behaviour; and be familiar with the overall work of the rescue centre.

Under the direction of the senior management of Esperanza Verde; the associate veterinarian is responsible for the daily health and welfare of all animals under the care of Esperanza Verde.

Veterinary Responsibility for all animals under the care of Esperanza Verde

• Observation and general management of animal health following standard operating protocols (i.e.; daily rounds)
• Respond to health problems; including dispensing and/or administering medications.
• Assist in the implementation of disease prevention measures and emergency medical care
• Health checks and close monitoring of newly rescued animals in quarantine; including administering deworming treatments; vaccinations etc
• Assist in performing emergency and/or surgical procedures
• Assist in performing basic pathology; e.g.; post-mortem examinations and sample collection
• Basic laboratory activities (e.g.; faecal sampling and analysis; basic blood analysis etc.)

Managing the Veterinary Clinic

• Oversee the organisation of the clinic
• Coordinate the volunteers working at the clinic
• Keep files up to date: register all new animals and update the records of the existing animals (on Filemaker and Excel)
• Keep the inventory up to date.

Quarantine Responsibility

• Complete full health checks and implement care plans for all new arrivals.

Prophylactic Monitoring

• Plan and implement routine prophylactic procedures (such as deworming; diet adjustments etc.).

Assist with the outreach program

• Neuter domesticated animals in the local villages when required
• Assist in local campaigns (e.g.; deworming pet animals in local villages; or educational programs to create conservational awareness).

The above list of duties is not exhaustive. The candidate will be required to undertake such duties that may reasonably be expected within the scope of the role.

Learning Opportunities

• Experience handling exotic wildlife; both in captivity and in their natural environment
• Experience treating exotic wildlife
• Experience living in a jungle region
• Experience living and working in a multi-cultural team
• Experience working with and within the local community

The position is for 1 year with the possibility of renewal based on the candidate´s performance. The first 3 months of employment is a probationary period.

This is a full-time; 5 day a week position. The core working hours are from 07:30 to 17:00; with a lunch break from 12:00 to 13:00. Working outside of these hours may be required on occasion to accommodate emergencies or special circumstances; therefore any prospective candidate must have a flexible work approach.

Leave can be arranged with the senior management staff and will be granted on the basis that the centre has veterinary cover. 20 days of paid vacation is offered after a year of employment. The associate veterinarian must obtain their own health insurance.

Esperanza Verde is located 10 minutes from the village Bello Horizonte; one hour from the town Curimana; and three hours from Pucallpa (the capital of the department of Ucayali) in the northern-eastern part of Peru.

Accommodation is offered in a shared bedroom (two to three persons) in a five-room house; with shared communal areas (toilets; bathroom with shower; living room). The volunteer kitchen is in a separate building; which also includes a toilet; bathroom with shower and a living room.

You will find more information about life at Esperanza Verde (including further details on accommodation and provisions) on our website and in the volunteer guide.

To apply; please send your CV in English as a PDF with a cover letter; with at least one work reference. Please also indicate the date you are available to start. Please send your application to: info@esperanzaverdeperu.com; with “Associate Veterinarian” as the subject of the email.

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