Chimp Haven is hiring!

Animal Caregiver to Animal Caregiver Specialists needed immediately (Five positions)

Come share your talents and join our team of animal caregivers!

As the National Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Chimp Haven is the only destination for government owned chimpanzees retired from research laboratories. It is our goal to provide a healthy, happy life for every one of the chimpanzees at our spacious 200-acre campus.

Are you looking for a unique career opportunity? Are you an energetic and enthusiastic team player who thrives in a team environment? Do you have an exceptional aptitude for the care and well-being of animals? Are you available to work flexible shifts including weekends and holidays as needed? If you have the passion to provide ongoing care, support, and attention to the chimpanzee residents of Chimp Haven, you could be our next team member!

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to careers@chimphaven.org or fax to 318-925-5600. For more information, please visit our website at www.chimphaven.org

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 are on a mission to connect them to the happy healthy lives they deserve. That is why we are 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 300 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 learning and growth within the field of animal care. We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position, however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

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.

Job Summary

Provide excellent care for the chimpanzees and their housing areas and improve well being with careful cleaning procedures and monitoring of chimpanzee activity.

This position reports directly to the Chimpanzee Care Supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Wash produce, prepare diets, and provide diets to the chimpanzees.

Clean and sanitize chimpanzee enrichment, housing and support areas.

Transport food, bedding or supplies from storage areas to animal areas and remove and replace bedding.

Observe chimpanzee behavior and appearance and report unusual behavior or injuries.

Perform incremental animal checks (every 4-6 hours).

Maintain records of health, behavior, cleaning, etc.

Provide enrichment to chimpanzees as directed.

Participate in chimpanzee positive reinforcement training.

Participate in educational programs as directed.

May assist other departments (veterinary, behavior, education) as directed.

May maintain inventory of feed, bedding and cleaning supplies.

May administer medications and treatment as directed.

May assist in planning and implementing special projects.

May participate in the staff training program and assist in training new staff members or interns as directed.

May serve as a team leader.

Education and Experience Required

CAREGIVER:

Entry-Level: Minimum requirement of a High School diploma, GED, coursework in a relevant field is required. Intern experience is allowed. Must have an aptitude for the care and well-being of animals.

Mid-Level: Minimum requirement of an Associates’ Degree in a relevant field is required. At least 1 year working with chimpanzees. A combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

Max Level: Minimum requirement of an Associates’ Degree in a relevant field is required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. At least 3 years (paid experience) working with chimpanzees. A combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

SPECIALIST: A demonstration of effective leadership required.

Entry-Level: Associate’s Degree in a relevant field is required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. At least 4 years (paid experience) working with chimpanzees. A combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

Mid-Level: Associate’s Degree in a relevant field is required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. At least 6 years (paid experience) working with chimpanzees. A combination of 10 years relevant education and experience may be substituted for the education requirement.

Max Level: Bachelor’s degree in a related field required. At least 8 years (paid experience) working with chimpanzees. A combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

Other Requirements and Working Conditions

This work will require bending, carrying, kneeling, lifting, listening, pulling, pushing, reading, speaking, squatting, standing, stooping, stretching, walking, watching, and writing.

Must be able to routinely lift and carry 50lbs for short distances.

Must be able to assist in lifting chimpanzees (up to 75lbs).

Duties may require driving Chimp Haven vehicles, and must have a valid driver’s license and meet Chimp Haven’s motor vehicle operating standards.

Work will require carrying out duties in all climates both indoor and outdoor.

Potential exists for animal bites and scratches.

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.)

Weekend, holiday, and night work may be necessary.

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.

A demonstration of leadership is required.

Send cover letter, salary requirement and resume to: careers@chimphaven.org or fax resume to Human Resources Department @ 318-925-5600