What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Caregiver - NIGHT SHIFT position at Chimp Haven?
Job Classification
· Title Class: Animal Caregiver
· Descriptive Title: Chimpanzee Caregiver- Nights
· Shift: Night/Weekend 4pm-1am
· FLSA: Non-exempt
· Risk Level: 3
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 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 under general supervision.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform animal wellness checks
- Prepare and provide diets
- Distribute medications under guidance of veterinary staff
- Prepare/implement enrichment
- Sanitize enrichment items in accordance with USDA regulations and AAALAC standards
- Clean and/or sanitize bedroom and support areas (kitchen, fruit cooler, breakroom, storage, feed/bedding storage)
- Prepare / transport food, bedding and supplies
- Observe chimpanzee behavior and appearance
- Maintain records of health, behavior, cleaning, etc.
- Participate in educational programs as directed
- Participate in an intensive training program
- Provide training to chimpanzees
- Perform related duties as required
Supervision and Responsibility
- Works under general supervision of Colony Director, Supervisor, or senior animal care staff.
- Does not normally supervise anyone, but may serve as group leader.
- Assists with training new employees.
- 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
- High School diploma or GED 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.
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 work independently with minimal additional staff on site.
- 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 and holiday 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, please visit https://chimphaven.apscareerportal.com and submit your resume, application, and cover letter.
