Careers and Internships

Accounting Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the Controller, this position provides support for Accounting and Human Resources. In addition performs duties such as coordination of meetings and conferences, obtaining supplies, coordinating mail and working on special projects.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process invoices, purchase orders, packing slips and receipts for payment and enter into Quickbooks according to account and Program Service/Class. This includes obtaining proper approvals and signatures when needed
• Enter deposits into QuickBooks
• Correspond with vendors regarding invoices and payments
• Reconcile monthly bank statements
• Generate and enter payroll journal entries
• Assist with financial and annual reports
• Reconcile vendor statements
• Reconcile benefit statements
• Schedule and organize activities such as meetings, travel and conferences
• Sorts and distributes mail
• Coordinate, schedule and track staff tours
• Run queries in donor Perfect to provide reports as needed
• Assist in reconciliation between Donor Perfect and QuickBooks
• Maintain receipts and reconcile company purchasing cards
• Maintain employee clothing allowance vouchers
• Assist employees with time clock and on line check stubs
• Backup for payroll processing
• Daily trip between Darbytown and Main Street, post office as necessary
• Maintain guest waivers and tour packets
• Maintain Worker’s Compensation audit payroll tracking spreadsheet
• Assist with employee set up, verification, changes within HR software
• New employee orientation files and documents
• Assist with warehouse backup
• Assign PO’s as needed

SUCCESS FACTORS AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Team Oriented – Develop positive working relationships with other Sanctuary employees, senior management and the board. Provide recommendations to resolve issues as they arise. Interact professionally with staff, board members and volunteers.
• Good Communicator – Communicate respectfully and effectively with others. Keep management and customers informed of both internal and/or external issues and concerns. Practice good communication skills both verbal and written.
• Self-Motivated – Perform the job with minimal supervision and learn other general aspects of The Sanctuary as related to the position.
• Dependable and Reliable – Come to work and be on time. Follow procedures and ensure accurate documents are provided to Donors, managers, and the board
• Training – Identify and engage in on-going training for self and work with supervisor to identify additional training needs.
• Detail Oriented – Must be detail oriented to ensure integrity of the accounting records

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES:

• Associates Degree with 2 yeas accounting experience; or High School Diploma with 5 to 10 years
• Accounting experience
• Intermediate knowledge of accounting practices and principles
• Must have working knowledge or QuickBooks
• Knowledge of Donor perfect helpful
• Knowledge of Excel, Word and Outlook computer programs
• Detail oriented and organized
• Ability to manage changing priorities and meet deadlines
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to interact professionally with staff, board members, volunteers, vendors and
• Communicate with a diverse population

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Walking, bending,
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to lift 25 to 50 pounds routinely

To Apply, please send your resume and cover letter to

Email: humanresources@elephants.com or
Fax: 931-796-7493
No telephone calls, please. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Elephant Caregiver

The intent of the Elephant Care Program is to provide exceptional whole life care for The Sanctuary’s resident elephants. We strive to expand and improve opportunities for elephants to thrive and to support elephants as they age relevant to Sanctuary resources and infrastructure.

The Elephant Caregiver is a member of the elephant husbandry team providing quality daily care, social and herd opportunity, nutrition, and treatments using Protected Contact and Positive Reinforcement for aging African and Asian elephants housed at The Sanctuary. Caregivers play an important role in maintaining the elephant barns and habitats to provide safe and secure housing.

Position Objectives

• Actively participate with The Sanctuary team supporting all aspects of daily and year-round elephant and facility care.
• Ensure best possible wellness practices to meet the changing health and social needs of elephants as they age. Prepare for and manage end of life palliative care and ensure quality of life.
• Manage seasonal elephant care requirements to the best of our ability.
• Employ “Protected Contact” best practice elephant management through Positive Reinforcement.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Elephant Care

• Safely and efficiently work directly with elephants to effectively provide daily care in barns and habitats.
• Prepare and provide daily diets and medications in accordance with animal care protocols and related safety guidelines.
• Observe and interpret elephant behavior and diet consumption, report significant changes. Adapt with seasonal changes and elephant health status.
• Develop proficiency in implementation of treatment(s), foot care, and preventative care in collaboration with the Veterinary team.
• Promote elephant autonomy, social opportunity, and herd building dynamics.
• Assist in the procurement, preparation and delivery of browse, and other forms of enrichment.
• Provide husbandry training support for elephants to maintain and teach behaviors required to meet elephant program objectives.
• Prepare for and manage geriatric and end of life elephant care circumstances.

Facilities & Supplies

• Monitor, inspect and maintain elephant and safety infrastructure (e.g., barns, fence, gates) and report breakage/failures in a timely manner to supervisor.
• Provide daily cleaning and upkeep of elephant facilities, including barns, service areas, habitats, and other related infrastructure.
• Implement seasonal procedural changes for barn and habitat management, as directed.
• Ensure work areas, access, parking, and offices are cleaned and maintained daily in a safe, neat, and orderly fashion.
• Assist in unloading and storage of feed and hay deliveries.
• Monitor and maintain feed and husbandry supplies. Order supplies as needed and requested.
• Perform daily basic maintenance safety checks on vehicles and equipment; report as requested.

Safety

Understand and participate with all assigned safety training protocols for The Sanctuary and department.

• Safely operate ATVs, vehicles and equipment on roads, trails and in habitats, per established protocols.
• Perform elephant care tasks in accordance with existing safety guidelines; maintain constant awareness of elephants and co-worker proximity.
• Participate in elephant escape, elephant down, and other emergency training protocols as requested.

Administrative / Other

• Maintain daily animal care and observation logs and record keeping.
• Adhere to weekly schedules for both daily animal care and night feedings, as weather requires.
• Actively participate in barn meetings to ensure daily goals are understood and met.
• Monitor Ele-cam location and provide appropriate reporting.
• Represent The Elephant Sanctuary in internal and local community and public events as required.
• Provide written updates for internal newsletter (Ele-buzz) and other communications as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

SUCCESS FACTORS AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Team Oriented – Develop cooperative working relationships with other Sanctuary employees, departments, senior management.
• Good Communicator – Communicate respectfully and effectively with others. Good verbal and written communication skills. Report internal and/or external issues and concerns to supervisor.
• Self-Motivated – Perform the job responsibilities with minimal supervision, takes initiative without direction. Strong work ethic and professional demeanor. Ability to recognize and understand issues and problems, then resolve them in a practical manner.
• Dependable and Reliable – Come to work and be on time. Follow procedures and maintain accurate records related to all aspects of elephant care and all areas of responsibility.
• Training – Identify and engage in ongoing professional development. Develop self-training plan with supervisor and play a support role to help train co-workers.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES:

• Three years combined volunteer, intern or paid experience working with exotic or native wildlife. Elephant experience preferred. Significant domestic large animal experience will be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. A combination of experience and education is acceptable.
• Animal training experience working in protected contact and positive reinforcement systems is preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License, insurable to drive company vehicles, and ability to provide own transportation to/from work.
• Preferred equipment & tool operating experience including mowers, weed-eaters, chainsaws, and power tools. Heavy equipment operation a plus (skid steer loaders, farm tractors).
• Preferred vehicle operating experience including 4-wheel drive trucks, ATVs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to stand/work for 8 hours in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs repeatedly during loading/unloading supplies.
• Must be able to perform repetitive manual tasks, (cutting produce, pressure washing, raking).

To Apply, please send your resume and cover letter to

Email: humanresources@elephants.com or
Fax: 931-796-7493
No telephone calls, please. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Part-Time Educator

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Part-Time Educator position assists in day-to-day functioning of The Elephant Discovery Center/Outdoor Classroom. Includes greeting and informing visitors and delivering Sanctuary educational programming through a variety of outlets including online distance learning, and regional outreach to the widest possible audience.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Elephant Discovery Center/Outdoor Classroom

• Assist with/ Conduct standard-based school programs onsite
• Maintain exhibit and gift shop cleanliness during open hours
• Participate in special conservation education events
• Complete daily exhibit opening and closing checklists
• Manage and control elecams of property
• Provide daily support, interacting with the public-- offering education, information, and assistance, or control when necessary.
  • Engage with guests in a helpful patient manner, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere.
• Other duties as assigned

Distance Learning

• Assist with/ conduct standard-based live virtual programs
• Other duties as assigned

Other

• Maintain accurate records
• Complete special projects as directed
• Contribute to the development of education content as needed
• Observe and provide feedback about education programs and educational interpretation
• Other duties as assigned

SUCCESS FACTORS AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Team Oriented – Develop positive working relationships with other Sanctuary employees, senior management and the board. Provide recommendations to resolve issues as they arise. Interact professionally with staff, board members and volunteers.
• Creativity – Ability to prepare diverse presentations and information, observe communication and social media trends and incorporate into educational planning activities. Utilize creativity to develop marketing and communication plans.
• Good Communicator – Communicate respectfully and effectively with others. Keep management informed of both internal and/or external issues and concerns. Practice good communication skills both verbal and written.
• Self-Motivated – Perform the job with minimal supervision and learn all aspects of The Sanctuary as related to the position.
• Dependable and Reliable – Come to work and be on time. Follow procedures and ensure accurate documents are provided to Donors.
• · Training – Identify and engage in ongoing training for self and those supervised and work with supervisor to identify additional training needs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES:

• High School Diploma and some college
• Prior work experience in education, museums or equivalent setting preferred.
• Public relations skills are required
• Must be proficient public speaker
• Working knowledge of Outlook computer programs to include Word and Excel
• Experience with a non-profit is a plus
• Must be on-site 3 days a week in Hohenwald, includes Saturdays

JOB PREFERENCES

• Associate's degree in Education, Communications, or Wildlife Preservation preferred.
• Bilingual-- Spanish

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to sit / stand for 8 hours.
• Walking, bending, light lifting.

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.

To Apply, please send your resume and cover letter to

Email: humanresources@elephants.com or
Fax: 931-796-7493
No telephone calls, please. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Veterinary Technician

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.

To Apply, please send your resume and cover letter to

Email: humanresources@elephants.com or
Fax: 931-796-7493
No telephone calls, please. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Accounting Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the Controller, this position provides support for Accounting and Human Resources. In addition performs duties such as coordination of meetings and conferences, obtaining supplies, coordinating mail and working on special projects.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process invoices, purchase orders, packing slips and receipts for payment and enter into Quickbooks according to account and Program Service/Class. This includes obtaining proper approvals and signatures when needed
• Enter deposits into QuickBooks
• Correspond with vendors regarding invoices and payments
• Reconcile monthly bank statements
• Generate and enter payroll journal entries
• Assist with financial and annual reports
• Reconcile vendor statements
• Reconcile benefit statements
• Schedule and organize activities such as meetings, travel and conferences
• Sorts and distributes mail
• Coordinate, schedule and track staff tours
• Run queries in donor Perfect to provide reports as needed
• Assist in reconciliation between Donor Perfect and QuickBooks
• Maintain receipts and reconcile company purchasing cards
• Maintain employee clothing allowance vouchers
• Assist employees with time clock and on line check stubs
• Backup for payroll processing
• Daily trip between Darbytown and Main Street, post office as necessary
• Maintain guest waivers and tour packets
• Maintain Worker’s Compensation audit payroll tracking spreadsheet
• Assist with employee set up, verification, changes within HR software
• New employee orientation files and documents
• Assist with warehouse backup
• Assign PO’s as needed

SUCCESS FACTORS AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Team Oriented – Develop positive working relationships with other Sanctuary employees, senior management and the board. Provide recommendations to resolve issues as they arise. Interact professionally with staff, board members and volunteers.
• Good Communicator – Communicate respectfully and effectively with others. Keep management and customers informed of both internal and/or external issues and concerns. Practice good communication skills both verbal and written.
• Self-Motivated – Perform the job with minimal supervision and learn other general aspects of The Sanctuary as related to the position.
• Dependable and Reliable – Come to work and be on time. Follow procedures and ensure accurate documents are provided to Donors, managers, and the board
• Training – Identify and engage in on-going training for self and work with supervisor to identify additional training needs.
• Detail Oriented – Must be detail oriented to ensure integrity of the accounting records

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES:

• Associates Degree with 2 yeas accounting experience; or High School Diploma with 5 to 10 years
• Accounting experience
• Intermediate knowledge of accounting practices and principles
• Must have working knowledge or QuickBooks
• Knowledge of Donor perfect helpful
• Knowledge of Excel, Word and Outlook computer programs
• Detail oriented and organized
• Ability to manage changing priorities and meet deadlines
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to interact professionally with staff, board members, volunteers, vendors and
• Communicate with a diverse population

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Walking, bending,
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to lift 25 to 50 pounds routinely

To Apply, please send your resume and cover letter to

Email: humanresources@elephants.com or
Fax: 931-796-7493
No telephone calls, please. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Elephant Caregiver

The intent of the Elephant Care Program is to provide exceptional whole life care for The Sanctuary’s resident elephants. We strive to expand and improve opportunities for elephants to thrive and to support elephants as they age relevant to Sanctuary resources and infrastructure.

The Elephant Caregiver is a member of the elephant husbandry team providing quality daily care, social and herd opportunity, nutrition, and treatments using Protected Contact and Positive Reinforcement for aging African and Asian elephants housed at The Sanctuary. Caregivers play an important role in maintaining the elephant barns and habitats to provide safe and secure housing.

Position Objectives

• Actively participate with The Sanctuary team supporting all aspects of daily and year-round elephant and facility care.
• Ensure best possible wellness practices to meet the changing health and social needs of elephants as they age. Prepare for and manage end of life palliative care and ensure quality of life.
• Manage seasonal elephant care requirements to the best of our ability.
• Employ “Protected Contact” best practice elephant management through Positive Reinforcement.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Elephant Care

• Safely and efficiently work directly with elephants to effectively provide daily care in barns and habitats.
• Prepare and provide daily diets and medications in accordance with animal care protocols and related safety guidelines.
• Observe and interpret elephant behavior and diet consumption, report significant changes. Adapt with seasonal changes and elephant health status.
• Develop proficiency in implementation of treatment(s), foot care, and preventative care in collaboration with the Veterinary team.
• Promote elephant autonomy, social opportunity, and herd building dynamics.
• Assist in the procurement, preparation and delivery of browse, and other forms of enrichment.
• Provide husbandry training support for elephants to maintain and teach behaviors required to meet elephant program objectives.
• Prepare for and manage geriatric and end of life elephant care circumstances.

Facilities & Supplies

• Monitor, inspect and maintain elephant and safety infrastructure (e.g., barns, fence, gates) and report breakage/failures in a timely manner to supervisor.
• Provide daily cleaning and upkeep of elephant facilities, including barns, service areas, habitats, and other related infrastructure.
• Implement seasonal procedural changes for barn and habitat management, as directed.
• Ensure work areas, access, parking, and offices are cleaned and maintained daily in a safe, neat, and orderly fashion.
• Assist in unloading and storage of feed and hay deliveries.
• Monitor and maintain feed and husbandry supplies. Order supplies as needed and requested.
• Perform daily basic maintenance safety checks on vehicles and equipment; report as requested.

Safety

Understand and participate with all assigned safety training protocols for The Sanctuary and department.

• Safely operate ATVs, vehicles and equipment on roads, trails and in habitats, per established protocols.
• Perform elephant care tasks in accordance with existing safety guidelines; maintain constant awareness of elephants and co-worker proximity.
• Participate in elephant escape, elephant down, and other emergency training protocols as requested.

Administrative / Other

• Maintain daily animal care and observation logs and record keeping.
• Adhere to weekly schedules for both daily animal care and night feedings, as weather requires.
• Actively participate in barn meetings to ensure daily goals are understood and met.
• Monitor Ele-cam location and provide appropriate reporting.
• Represent The Elephant Sanctuary in internal and local community and public events as required.
• Provide written updates for internal newsletter (Ele-buzz) and other communications as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

SUCCESS FACTORS AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Team Oriented – Develop cooperative working relationships with other Sanctuary employees, departments, senior management.
• Good Communicator – Communicate respectfully and effectively with others. Good verbal and written communication skills. Report internal and/or external issues and concerns to supervisor.
• Self-Motivated – Perform the job responsibilities with minimal supervision, takes initiative without direction. Strong work ethic and professional demeanor. Ability to recognize and understand issues and problems, then resolve them in a practical manner.
• Dependable and Reliable – Come to work and be on time. Follow procedures and maintain accurate records related to all aspects of elephant care and all areas of responsibility.
• Training – Identify and engage in ongoing professional development. Develop self-training plan with supervisor and play a support role to help train co-workers.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES:

• Three years combined volunteer, intern or paid experience working with exotic or native wildlife. Elephant experience preferred. Significant domestic large animal experience will be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. A combination of experience and education is acceptable.
• Animal training experience working in protected contact and positive reinforcement systems is preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License, insurable to drive company vehicles, and ability to provide own transportation to/from work.
• Preferred equipment & tool operating experience including mowers, weed-eaters, chainsaws, and power tools. Heavy equipment operation a plus (skid steer loaders, farm tractors).
• Preferred vehicle operating experience including 4-wheel drive trucks, ATVs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to stand/work for 8 hours in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs repeatedly during loading/unloading supplies.
• Must be able to perform repetitive manual tasks, (cutting produce, pressure washing, raking).

To Apply, please send your resume and cover letter to

Email: humanresources@elephants.com or
Fax: 931-796-7493
No telephone calls, please. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Part-Time Educator

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Part-Time Educator position assists in day-to-day functioning of The Elephant Discovery Center/Outdoor Classroom. Includes greeting and informing visitors and delivering Sanctuary educational programming through a variety of outlets including online distance learning, and regional outreach to the widest possible audience.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Elephant Discovery Center/Outdoor Classroom

• Assist with/ Conduct standard-based school programs onsite
• Maintain exhibit and gift shop cleanliness during open hours
• Participate in special conservation education events
• Complete daily exhibit opening and closing checklists
• Manage and control elecams of property
• Provide daily support, interacting with the public-- offering education, information, and assistance, or control when necessary.
  • Engage with guests in a helpful patient manner, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere.
• Other duties as assigned

Distance Learning

• Assist with/ conduct standard-based live virtual programs
• Other duties as assigned

Other

• Maintain accurate records
• Complete special projects as directed
• Contribute to the development of education content as needed
• Observe and provide feedback about education programs and educational interpretation
• Other duties as assigned

SUCCESS FACTORS AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Team Oriented – Develop positive working relationships with other Sanctuary employees, senior management and the board. Provide recommendations to resolve issues as they arise. Interact professionally with staff, board members and volunteers.
• Creativity – Ability to prepare diverse presentations and information, observe communication and social media trends and incorporate into educational planning activities. Utilize creativity to develop marketing and communication plans.
• Good Communicator – Communicate respectfully and effectively with others. Keep management informed of both internal and/or external issues and concerns. Practice good communication skills both verbal and written.
• Self-Motivated – Perform the job with minimal supervision and learn all aspects of The Sanctuary as related to the position.
• Dependable and Reliable – Come to work and be on time. Follow procedures and ensure accurate documents are provided to Donors.
• · Training – Identify and engage in ongoing training for self and those supervised and work with supervisor to identify additional training needs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES:

• High School Diploma and some college
• Prior work experience in education, museums or equivalent setting preferred.
• Public relations skills are required
• Must be proficient public speaker
• Working knowledge of Outlook computer programs to include Word and Excel
• Experience with a non-profit is a plus
• Must be on-site 3 days a week in Hohenwald, includes Saturdays

JOB PREFERENCES

• Associate's degree in Education, Communications, or Wildlife Preservation preferred.
• Bilingual-- Spanish

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to sit / stand for 8 hours.
• Walking, bending, light lifting.

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.

To Apply, please send your resume and cover letter to

Email: humanresources@elephants.com or
Fax: 931-796-7493
No telephone calls, please. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Veterinary Technician

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.

To Apply, please send your resume and cover letter to

Email: humanresources@elephants.com or
Fax: 931-796-7493
No telephone calls, please. All applications will be held in strict confidence.