Animal Care Specialist

Chimp Haven

Animal Care Specialist

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.

How to Apply

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

Chimp Haven

Keithville, LA

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