Zoo Jobs: Primate Care Giver

Primate Care Giver

Primate Care Giver (Full time 37.5 hours pw, permanent)

Starting salary: £16,009pa, 30 days a/l leave pa, rising over 5 years, opportunities for skills secondment

The Wild Futures Sanctuary currently houses 46 primates consisting of 25 capuchin monkeys (Cebus and Sapajus sp), 15 common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), three Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) and three woolly monkeys (Lagothrix sp). The majority of the residents are victims of the exotic pet trade in the UK.

GUIDE TO JOB ROLE & MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Primate Care Giver

Reporting to: Primate Care Manager

Responsible for: Volunteers and interns.

Please note that reporting lines may change from time to time in line with organisational changes. As a small team we always anticipate change.

Summary of Role:

Members of the care team are responsible for all aspects of daily care, working together to enhance and improve the lives of the primates at the Sanctuary. All members are required to work with all primate species housed at the Sanctuary as well as help support other aspects of the charity’s work if required.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Key Responsibilities:

o PRIMATE CARE:

o all aspects of daily care for the resident primates (diet preparation, feeding, preparing and giving medication, cleaning enclosures, creating enrichment)

o monitoring the health and wellbeing of the primates in your care

o caring for special needs primates with various health conditions such as diabetes

o planning and conducting primate socializations

o conducting behavioural observations

o record keeping using a database system

o Able to work around the animals in a respectful and calm manner

TEAM & PEOPLE:

o Responsible for supervising and mentoring volunteers and interns

o Ensuring volunteers and interns are provided with clear direction and instruction, guiding activities and behaviours

o Inspiring volunteers and interns as a positive role model

EDUCATION/PR:

o Speaking to members of the public on open days in an informative, positive and respectful manner as ambassadors of the Sanctuary

ADMINISTRATION & GENERAL DUTIES:

o Stock taking and the ordering of supplier

o Supports the shift working arrangements in place and is prepared to cover shifts, when necessary staying overnight at the Sanctuary

o Supports general grounds maintenance, household duties and territory maintenance as required

HEALTH & SAFETY & HR POLICIES:

o Compliance with all relevant health and safety protocols and relevant HR materials including but limited to safeguarding. Includes, but not limited to emergency procedures, risk assessments and safe working practices. Demonstrable ability in instructing others and ability to monitor team compliance.

Team Player:  Respect for, and commitment to, the vision, mission and values of Wild Futures

 Interacts positively with the team, respects the views and opinions of others and engages positively with people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures

 Sees where support may be required and openly offers and provides it

 Works collaboratively and builds positive working relationships

 Appreciates the bigger picture – pragmatic and reasoned

 Looks for common ground and goals to support the team

 Doesn’t allow ego to undermine the success of the role

 Able to be flexible and adapt to new situations as they arise

Background & Qualifications:  Essential:

o At least two years’ experience working with primates in an animal sanctuary, rescue centre or similar environment

o Good communication skills, confident and articulate, fluent in English language

o Proven ability to multi-task and prioritise, remaining calm under pressure

o Physically fit and be able to work outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions

o Degree in zoology or related field OR equivalent on-the-job experience in lieu of degree