Great Ape Caregiver needed at Sanctuary in Wauchula, Florida

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for performing various duties related to animal husbandry and maintaining habitats for great apes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Preparing and administering feed and maintaining a prescribed diet for apes.
• Assisting in ordering and maintaining food inventory.
• Providing daily care and observation of animals including social interactions, health, appetite, and other indicators as directed.
• Maintaining logs and databases of daily care, feeding, husbandry, ape locations, and body conditions.
• Cleaning and providing daily upkeep for enclosures, habitats, and other areas.
• Safely shifting and moving apes as needed.
• Preparing and implementing behavioral management and enrichment programs.
• Applying classical conditioning and positive reinforcement techniques to train apes for feeding, sociability, and willingness to accept medical treatment.
• Dispensing prescriptions as directed.
• Providing basic first aid, therapeutic, and rehabilitative care to apes.
• Assisting the Veterinary team with procedures, animal transport, and chemical capture as appropriate.
• Assisting with overseeing interns and volunteers, including reporting and handling concerns and providing mentorship.
• Must represent The Center for Great Apes in a professional manner, and act as a role model at all times.
• Able to establish and maintain effective and professional working relations with co-workers and other department personnel, and to do so in accordance with The Center for Great Apes Employee Handbook.
• Performing other duties or responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Two years of experience in animal husbandry.
• Minimum of two years of college in a related subject.
• Have a philosophy of animal care and respect that blends with the Center’s mission.
• Willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to excellence demonstrated by the delivery of quality and timely outcomes.
• Must be able to read and follow written and verbal instructions and write legibly and accurately.
• Strong interpersonal skills are necessary.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Be able to lift 50 pounds and carry for a short distance routinely.
• Be able to climb 20 ft. ladders to clean (frequently).
• Be able to work outdoors in inclement weather, including rain, heat, and humidity, for extended periods.
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to crouch, kneel, and reach overhead (frequently).

Note: The Center for Great Apes reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required. All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that they are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

The Center for Great Apes is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.

TO APPLY:

If you would like to be considered for professional employment at the sanctuary, you are welcome to download our Employment Application [link in header] and email the completed form along with your résumé to our email address listed.