Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Parental leave

Relocation bonus

Vision insurance

ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST

Job Classification

· Title Class: Animal Care Specialist

· Descriptive Title: Chimpanzee Caregiver; Animal Care Specialist

· Shift: Day/Night/Weekend

· FLSA: Non-exempt

· Risk Level: 3

Primary Function

Provide 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 with little direct supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Prepare and provide food to the chimpanzees

· Clean and sanitize chimpanzee housing areas, equipment, and other related areas or materials. May use cleaning equipment.

· Remove and replace bedding.

· Observe chimpanzee behavior and appearance. Report unusual behavior or injuries.

· Inspect all housing areas and bedding. Report any structural issues.

· Transport food, bedding, or supplies from storage areas to animal areas.

· Maintain records of health, behavior, cleaning, etc.

· Maintain logs of staff training, group moves, group locations, and sanitizing schedules.

· Provide assistance to Team Lead/Coordinator where needed in coordination with other departments.

· Provide enrichment and training to chimpanzees as directed.

· May administer medications and treatment under supervision.

· May maintain stock of feed, bedding, and cleaning supplies.

· May assist in planning and implementing special projects, including educational programs.

· May assist behavioral or veterinary staff as directed.

· May be designated as group leader and assist other animal caregivers as directed, including overseeing project leaders.

· Assist coordinator in leading the team through daily activities. May be appointed team lead in absence of coordinator.

· Assist in training new animal care staff.

· Perform related duties as required.

Supervision and Responsibility

· Reports to Team Lead/Coordinator, Animal Care Supervisor, Animal Care Manager and Colony Director, but expected to perform most duties with little supervision.

· Provide direction for care staff on a daily basis, sometimes as Team Lead. Check ins with supervisor on weekends.

· May oversee Project Leaders (tools, signs, locks, etc.) to ensure projects are being managed.

· Mentor care staff at all levels. Demonstrate and train proper procedures.

· Assists with training new employees.

· May supervise volunteers.

· Knowledgeable about variety of field’s concepts, practices, and procedures.

· Relies on pre-established guidelines and experience to plan and accomplish goals.

· Exercises judgment to make recommendations for improvement.

Education and Experience Required

· Bachelor’s degree in related field, veterinary technician degree, or AALAS laboratory Animal Technician certification required.

· At least 3 years’ paid experience working with chimpanzees. A combination of experience and/or education may be considered.

· Must be able to read and follow written and verbal instructions and write legibly and accurately.

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 may involve considerable outdoor work in various weather conditions.

· 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.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.chimphaven.org and follow the links to “ABOUT US / JOIN OUR TEAM.”