Experienced Caretaker Chimpanzees

AAP - Rescue Centre for Exotic Mammals

The goal and ideal of AAP is to improve the welfare of abused or neglected primates and small- to medium-sized exotic mammals from all over Europe in a professional manner. This is achieved by providing shelter to animals’ victim of illegal trade, circuses, animal-testing laboratories or private individuals. For most animals we will find suitable homes worldwide in reserves, zoos or in our own permanent shelter in the south of Spain.

AAP is also actively and strategically involved in animal welfare issues by influencing both Dutch and 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.

We employ about 90 paid staff and more than 200 volunteers. AAP is situated in the middle of a green area near Almere. There is nowhere else you would directly see the result of your efforts – each animal taken into our care makes a recovery. AAP distinguishes itself by having an enormous passion and a professional, open culture. Our core values, accessibility, dedication and inventiveness form important guidelines.

For the Chimpanzee Complex of our Rescue and Rehabilitation Cluster, per April 1, we are looking for an enthusiastic

Experienced Caretaker Chimpanzees (m/f)
(32 hours per week)

The Chimpanzee Complex consists of two departments:

1)        A permanent lifetime-care-centre for ex lab chimpanzees that are infected with HIV, SIV and Hepatitis C. These chimpanzees are not sick but potentially infectious and therefore require special care;

2)        A chimpanzee resocialisation unit, temporary intensive care where newly arrived chimpanzees will learn to live in a group again. When the chimpanzees live in stable social groups they will move to other permanent facilities. 

Your role
As an Experienced Caretaker, you are responsible for the daily care for our chimpanzees. In practice your work will largely include cleaning, feeding, observation, behavioural enrichment and assisting in the rehabilitation of the animals. You will be working in a team of experienced caretakers according to fixed procedures and a hands-off protocol. You will be giving directions and guidance to a number of (foreign) volunteers and interns. Your job will also include a number of administrative tasks. The teams is self directing and we therefore expect you to be a good team player as well as being able to work independently. You are hierarchically managed by the team leader of the department.

Requirements
Affinity with the goals of AAP * An accredited Animal Care qualification (education level EQF3 or higher) * minimum of 1 year experience in taking care of chimpanzees * preferably in possession an Article 12 Certificate (Law concerning Animal Experimentation in the Netherlands) * in good physical health * prepared to work during the weekends * capable of working independently as well as in a team * prepared to share knowledge and information * competent in English, both spoken and written * capable of working with relevant computer software (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 ranges between € 1.468,- and € 1.921,- gross per month (based on 32 hrs) depending on relevant work experience. Salary is expected to increase on an annual basis.

Want to know more or apply right away?
For further information call Pieter Levelink, Chimpanzee Complex Team Leader, phone number +31 (0)36 523 87 87. Check our website for further information about AAP:  www.aap.nl
Send your application letter and CV latest on the 4^th of March, using the red application button on our site of by e-mail to working.at@aap.nl, mentioning number 2015-08-OREDVCC, attn. Elly Koppers, Personnel Coordinator.

A practical assignment is part of the application process.

Please don't forget to mention you saw this advert in

 ZooNews Digest.

Thank You!