Great Ape Caregiver

~ Our vision is to one day see all captive great apes live in a community of care and compassion without the threat of exploitation, experimentation, abuse, or neglect …until there is no need for sanctuary rescue. ~

The Center for Great Apes’ mission is to provide a permanent sanctuary for orangutans and chimpanzees who have been rescued or retired from the entertainment industry, from research, or from the exotic pet trade; to educate the public about captive great apes and the threats to conservation of great apes in the wild; and to advocate for the end of the use of great apes as entertainers, research subjects, and pets.  The Center provides care with dignity in a safe, healthy, and enriching environment for great apes in need of lifetime care.

Position Overview

The Center for Great Apes has an opening for a paid position as a Great Ape Caregiver. The focus of this position is to provide optimal care for the health and welfare of the sanctuary orangutans and chimpanzees.

Working with the apes at the sanctuary is not just a job. Our caregivers have a commitment to our apes and love what the sanctuary stands for.

The Center for Great Apes seeks a qualified individual who is committed to our primate residents and who share the values of the Center in providing permanent care with dignity for the apes. We look for candidates who are enthusiastic, cheerful, have positive attitudes, and are supportive of other staff members.

Applicants must be able to do hard work in different situations (and hot weather) and be willing to strictly follow our safety policies and protocols.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Caregiving internship or 2 years’ experience in animal husbandry.
• At least two years of college in related subject.
• Have a philosophy of animal care and animal respect that blends with the Center's mission.
• Be able to lift 50 pounds (chow bags, hay bales, fire hose hammocks, etc.).
• Be able to climb 20 ft. ladders to clean.
• Be able to work in inclement weather.
• Be available to work any day of the week including weekends and holidays.
• Realize that all staff are part of a team whose goal is to provide the best possible care for the resident apes by supporting each staff member of the team in helping with chores and sharing duties.
• Demonstrate performance success during initial 90-day introductory period in new position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of great ape husbandry experience.
• Associate or Bachelor college degree in animal-related sciences.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your resume with an application. 
• This position will close on August 5, 2018.