Facility
Save the Chimps – Fort Pierce, FL
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Save the Chimps (STC) operates one of the largest chimpanzee sanctuaries in the world. Located on 150 acres on the Treasure Coast of Florida, the Sanctuary provides high quality clinical and lifetime care and enrichment for over 220 chimpanzees rescued from research laboratories, the U.S. Air Force, the entertainment industry, and the pet trade. The work of the organization is accomplished by a team of over 80 full-time dedicated employees, an impassioned community of volunteers, and a committed accomplished board of directors.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Care Technician II (CT2) position is responsible for performing highly skilled physical and mentally intensive tasks in the care and well-being of the chimpanzees. This is a full-time, non-exempt position (40 hours per week). A CT2 is assigned to one of five sections within the sanctuary, and works under the direct supervision of the Section Curator. A CT2 is responsible for the safe, compassionate, and efficient operation of the care needs for the chimpanzee groups. A CT2 is responsible for feeding, medicating, and observing the chimpanzees in their assigned sections. A CT2 is also responsible for other husbandry duties such as cleaning, shifting, island access, and enrichment. A CT2 must perform regular observations of the chimpanzees in their section – both while the chimpanzees are inside the building and outside on the island. As such, the CT2 must have a working knowledge of chimpanzee behaviors and be able to respond to disputes by appropriately shifting and separating chimpanzees. A CT2 is responsible for daily record keeping in the digital database (ZIMS). A CT2 is responsible for fostering a safe working environment and the positive mentorship of CT1s in the section. Additionally, CT2s are responsible for providing a safe working environment for the maintenance department to do repairs and oversee all activities concerning the building they are working. CT2s are expected to act as friendly ambassadors of the staff to sanctuary volunteers. CT2s are expected to know and be able to utilize all radio calls. In essence, it is the responsibility of the CT2 to ensure that their assigned section is safe, functional, and clean; and that the chimpanzees are receiving consistent and exemplary care. A CT2 is required to work according to the Philosophy of Care and protocols as outlined in the Save the Chimps Chimpanzee Care Manual.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Deliver the prescribed diet to the chimpanzees.
• Maintaining and logging building “side-work”.
• Work according to written plans and protocols where they exist.
• Participating in the operant conditioning of the chimpanzees.
• Participating in the care and wellness assessments of individual chimpanzees.
• Participate in regular safety drills.
• Be ready to assist the veterinary team when needed during procedures or recoveries from procedures.
• Accurate reporting of all information to all relevant parties (as defined in the Chimpanzee Care Manual).
• Uphold and defend the Code of Conduct (as defined in the Chimpanzee Care Manual).
Education and Pre-requisites
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred
• A minimum of ten (10) months of experience with captive chimpanzees at Save the Chimps, or one (1) year at other accredited facilities with Class A animals.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to perform tasks with accuracy and attention to detail
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
• Must have a thorough knowledge of and a commitment to Save the Chimps, Inc.’s mission, safety policies and caregiver operations.
• Must have the ability to interact with individuals at all levels of the organization, (i.e. management, staff and peers).
• The ability to work as a member of a team and share ideas and thoughts.
• Be able to work well under pressure and have the ability to multitask when required.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
• Tasks are regularly performed with potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as toxic/poisonous agents, dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, animals/wildlife.
• Employees must not object to unpleasant chimpanzee behaviors include spitting of water or saliva, throwing of feces, food or other waste, and chimpanzee displays that may include banging, kicking of the fencing, and loud screams or hooting. Retaliation and/or negativity towards the chimpanzees is not tolerated.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to: stand for long periods of time; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs, step stools, ladders; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear; able to push and pull metal doors.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and team lift in excess of 25 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to run and swim in the face of danger.
Compensation and benefits
This is a full-time, non-exempt position.
Application instructions
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to hr@savethechimps.org. For more information, please visit https://savethechimps.org/job/
Save the Chimps
16891 Carole Noon Ln
Fort Pierce, FL 34945
Website: https://savethechimps.org/