Experienced Big Cat Caretaker

                            Experienced Big Cat Caretaker

AAP Primadomus – Rescue centre for Exotic Mammals

The work and goals of AAP are to improve, in a professional manner, the welfare of abused or neglected primates and small to medium sized exotic mammals from all over Europe. This is achieved by providing shelter for animals from the illegal trade, circuses or private individuals. For most of the animals we find suitable homes worldwide in reserves, zoos, or in our own permanent shelter.

AAP is also actively and strategically involved in animal welfare issues by influencing European policy and decision-makers in this field and working together with professional groups at home and abroad. Furthermore, AAP is an international authoritative knowledge centre.

AAP carries out this work from their 2 locations, one located in Almere (The Netherlands) and one in Villena (Alicante, Spain).  In total, we employ about  90 paid staff and more than 150 volunteers. The Spanish department is AAP Primadomus and is located at the foot of the Sierra de Salinas, one of the most important natural protected environments of Villena. AAP distinguishes itself by having an enormous passion and a professional, open culture. Our core values, accessibility, dedication and inventiveness form important guidelines of our culture. In  April 2015 AAP Primadomus will start rescuing Big Cats. We are looking for;

Experienced Big Cat Caretaker m/f
(40 hours per week, starting March 2015)

Your role
As an experienced caretaker you are responsible for the daily care of the big cats rescued and housed in our centre. The practical work for a large part will consist of cleaning, feeding, observing, providing behavioural enrichment, assisting the work of our veterinarian during regular medical checks, animal trainings and assisting in the rehabilitation of the big cats. You will be part of a team of experienced caretakers working according to standard procedures and a hands-off policy. You will direct and guide other less experienced caretakers and number of trainees and (foreign) volunteers, undertake a number of administrative tasks and be flexible enough to work Saturdays or Sundays. The department’s team leader will direct you.

Requirements

·        Affinity with the ideals and goals of AAP

·        Minimum of 3 years of experience with the husbandry of  big cat

·        Preferably experience with big cat positive reinforcement training

·        Preferably experience with the rehabilitation of big cats and social introductions

·        Capable of writing and implement working instructions and procedures

·        In good physical shape and able to handle  stress

·        Capable of working independently but also as a team player

·        Takes the initiative

·        Prepared to share knowledge and information 

·        Competent in both oral and written English

·        Is adaptable to live in a remote place and a driving licence is acquired.

·        Capable of working with relevant computer programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)

We offer
We are offering you a very challenging job with a lot of responsibility in an open, professional and international organisation with animals and people at its heart, located in a natural environment. The commencing salary is € 1.348 gross per month (x 14 payments).

Want to know more or apply right away?
For further information send an email to Olga Bellon, olga.bellon@aap.nl, mobile +34 661 877 595– Team Leader AAP Primadomus 

Send your application letter and CV before 31^th December 2014, mentioning number 2014-14-PREDV, preferably by e-mail to working.at@aap.nl, or by mail to Stichting AAP, Kemphaanpad 1, Postbus 50313, 1305 AH Almere, Attn. Elly Koppers, Personnel Coordinator.

A practical assignment is part of the application process.