Animal Caregiver Jobs

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: At Chimp Haven we believe we’re not that different, humans and chimpanzees. Chimps have personalities, emotions and relationships, just like us, and we’re on a mission to connect them to the happy healthy lives they deserve. That’s why we’re providing and promoting personalized care for chimpanzees (most of whom were retired from biomedical research) by helping them, for their remaining years, live a good life – the chimp life. Chimp Haven serves as The National Chimpanzee Sanctuary and is located on 200 forested acres in northwest Louisiana just outside of Shreveport. Chimp Haven provides excellent care for more than 200 chimpanzees retired from research or no longer used in the entertainment industry or as pets. As more retired chimpanzees make their way from research institutions to sanctuary, our population continues to grow. Chimp Haven has a well-designed facility to support the physical and emotional well-being of all animals, experienced staff and high standards for operational excellence. Chimp Haven offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, extensive training and an opportunity for professional advancement. Equal Opportunity Employer. Chimp Haven is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions. Primary FunctionProvide care for the chimpanzees and their housing areas and improve well-being and prevent disease by close observation of chimpanzee behavior and careful cleaning procedures. Most duties performed under general supervision. Duties and Responsibilities

• Transport food, bedding, or supplies from storage areas to animal areas.
• May assist in planning and implementing special projects, including educational programs.
• May assist behavioral or veterinary staff as directed.
• Perform related duties as required.
• Observe chimpanzee behavior and appearance. Report unusual behavior or injuries.
• Maintain records of health, behavior, cleaning, etc.
• Prepare and provide food to the chimpanzees
• May maintain stock of feed, bedding, and cleaning supplies.
• Remove and replace bedding.
• Assist in training new animal care staff.
• Clean and sanitize chimpanzee housing areas, equipment, and other related areas or materials. May use cleaning equipment.
• May administer medications and treatment under supervision.
• Provide enrichment and training to chimpanzees as directed.

Supervision and Responsibility

• Exercises judgment to make recommendations for improvement.
• Assists with training new employees.
• Does not normally supervise anyone, but may serve as group leader.
• Relies on pre-established guidelines and experience to plan and accomplish goals.
• Knowledgeable about variety of field’s concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Works under general supervision of Colony Director, Supervisor, or senior animal care staff.

Education and Experience Required

• Must be able to read and follow written and verbal instructions and write legibly and accurately.
• No prior animal experience required, but must have aptitude for the care and well-being of animals.
• High School diploma or GED required.

Other Requirements and Working Conditions

• Weekend, holiday, and night work may be necessary.
• Work may involve considerable outdoor work in various weather conditions.
• Must be able to routinely lift and carry 50lbs for short distances.
• This work will require bending, carrying, kneeling, lifting, listening, pulling, pushing, reading, speaking, squatting, standing, stooping, stretching, walking, watching, and writing.
• Potential exists for animal bites and scratches.
• Duties may require driving Chimp Haven vehicles, and must have a valid driver’s license and meet Chimp Haven’s motor vehicle operating standards.
• Must be able to assist in lifting chimpanzees (up to 75lbs).
• Participation in a medical monitoring and surveillance program that includes hepatitis B and other inoculations is required.
• Safety training, equipment, clothing, and supplies will be provided
• Potential exposure to unpleasant odors, animal wastes, animal tissues and body fluids, toxic chemicals, zoonotic diseases (tuberculosis, shigella, etc.) infectious agents (Hepatitis B, C, HIV, etc.)