Job Seekers

Chimp Haven is a non-profit, equal opportunity, diversity-committed employer. Chimp Haven employs approximately 30 individuals on a full-time basis. Full-time jobs are available in the general areas of animal husbandry, animal management, operations, maintenance, finance and general administration. All of these positions are highly competitive and generally require related experience and/or a specific educational background in the particular area.

How to Apply:
We will only accept resumes for those positions currently available. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please send a resume and a cover letter with salary requirements to:

Chimp Haven
Attn: Human Resources
13600 Chimpanzee Place
Keithville, LA 71047

Please include the appropriate job title as indicated on the posting. You may also fax your information to 318.925.5600 or e-mail to careers@chimphaven.org. No phone calls please.

Chimp Haven is a sanctuary for chimpanzees retired from medical research and the pet or entertainment industries and is located in southwest Caddo Parish 22 miles southwest of Shreveport, Louisiana. Chimp Haven employees work in a team atmosphere and enjoy competitive salary and benefits packages. Chimp Haven is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Openings

1. (6) ANIMAL CAREGIVER ASSISTANT – II POSITIONS

Open:  4/30/13
Closed:  When positions filled.

Job Classification
Shift:  Day Shift Weekdays – Full time
FLSA: Non-exempt
Risk Level: 3

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 direct supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Wash produce, prepare diets, provide diets to the chimpanzees.
  • Sanitize enrichment items in accordance with USDA regulations and AAALAC standards.
  • Clean and sanitize chimpanzee housing areas and support areas (kitchen, equipment, produce cooler, break room, storage areas, feed/bedding storage, and related areas).
  • Use cleaning equipment.
  • Remove and replace bedding.
  • Observe chimpanzee behavior and appearance.  Report unusual behavior or injuries.
  • Perform incremental animal checks (every 4 hours).
  • Prepare and transport food, bedding or supplies from storage areas to animal areas.
  • Maintain records of health, behavior, cleaning, etc.
  • Provide enrichment to chimpanzees as directed.
  • Provide training to chimpanzees as directed.
  • Participate in an intensive training program.
  • Provide positive reinforcement training to chimpanzees.
  • Participate in educational programs as directed.
  • May assist behavioral or veterinary staff as directed.
  • May administer medications and treatment under supervision.
  • May maintain inventory of feed, bedding and cleaning supplies.
  • May assist in planning and implementing special projects.
  • May be designated as group leader and assist other animal caregivers as directed.
  • Perform related duties as required.

Supervision and Responsibility

  • Works under direct supervision of colony manager and animal care supervisor or senior animal care staff.
  • Does not supervise anyone. Caregiver II may act as team or group leader.
  • Performs tasks as assigned.
  • Caregiver II may assist in training new employees.
  • Relies on pre-established guidelines and experience to plan and accomplish goals .
  • Primary job does not typically require exercising independent judgment.

Education and Experience Required

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Must have aptitude for the care and well-being of animals.
  • At least 3 years experience around animals or two years experience with nonhuman primates required for Caregiver I. A combination of four years related education and nonhuman primate/chimpanzee experience can be substituted for the education/experience requirements for Caregiver I.
  • At least 5 years experience working with animals, including 3 years working with nonhuman primates or 1 year working with chimpanzees required for Caregiver II.  A combination of six years related education and nonhuman primate or chimpanzee experience can be substituted for the education/experience requirements for Caregiver II.
  • Ability to work in a team environment, read and follow written and verbal instructions and write legibly and accurately.
  • Duties may require driving Chimp Haven vehicles, and must have a valid driver’s license and meet Chimp Haven’s motor vehicle operating standards.

 Education and Experience Preferred

  • Associates degree/Bachelors degree preferred or coursework in relevant field preferred.

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 routinely lift and carry 50 lbs for short distances.  Must be able to assist in lifting chimpanzees (up to 75 lbs.).
  • Duties may require driving Chimp Haven vehicles, and must have a valid driver’s license and meet Chimp Haven’s motor vehicle operating standards including a good driving record.
  • 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, holiday and night 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.

Passion for wildlife and conservation preferred. Send cover letter, salary requirement and resume to:  careers@chimphaven.org  or fax resume to Human Resources Department @ 318-925-5600.

2. ENRICHMENT TECHNICIAN I POSITION

Open:  6/17/13
Closed:  When positions filled.

Job Classification
Shift:  Day Shift Weekdays – Full time, Chimpanzee Discovery Days, One weekend per month. Weekend, holiday, and night work may be required.
FLSA: Non-exempt
Risk Level: 3

Primary Function

Provide enrichment and training to chimpanzees.  Most duties performed under general supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist in planning enrichment and training schedules.
  • Prepare enrichment items for chimpanzees.
  • Distribute enrichment to chimpanzees according to approved schedule.
  • Distribute enrichment for staff to provide to chimpanzees.
  • Carry out chimpanzee training objectives using positive reinforcement according to approved plans.
  • Assist other animal care staff in maintaining food preparation areas.
  • Order supplies.
  • Maintain and oversee enrichment records.
  • Assist with educational programs.
  • Conduct behavioral observations according to approved schedule.
  • Work with other animal care staff to transfer trained behaviors.
  • May concentrate on enrichment, training or behavioral observation responsibilities. May assist husbandry, veterinary or other departmental staff as directed.
  • Perform related duties as required.
  • Works under general supervision of behaviorist.
  • Does not supervise anyone.
  • Performs tasks as assigned.
  • Relies on pre-established guidelines.
  • Primary job does not typically require exercising independent judgment.
  • Associates degree in related field required.
  •  Four years experience working with nonhuman primates or exotics required.
  • Two years experience providing enrichment and/or training required.
  •  A bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years experience providing nonhuman primates with enrichment and/or training can be substituted for the education and experience requirement.

Supervision and Responsibility

  • Works under general supervision of behaviorist.
  • Does not supervise anyone.
  • Performs tasks as assigned.
  • Relies on pre-established guidelines.
  • Primary job does not typically require exercising independent judgment.

Education and Experience Required

  • Ability to work in a team environment, read and follow written and verbal instructions and write legibly and accurately.
  • Duties may require driving Chimp Haven vehicles, and must have a valid driver’s license and meet Chimp Haven’s motor vehicle operating standards.
  • Duties will include use of power tools.

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 routinely lift and carry 50 lbs for short distances.
  • 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, holiday and night 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.

Passion for wildlife and conservation preferred. Send cover letter, salary requirement and resume to:  careers@chimphaven.org  or fax resume to Human Resources Department @ 318-925-5600.

 

Internships:

1. Chimpanzee Care Giver Internship

Internship Available: Animal Care – Husbandry Internship
Date Posted: Open throughout the year

Internship Description: Chimp Haven, Inc. will provide a unique opportunity for three individuals interested in the behavioral or biological sciences to learn and participate in the care of captive chimpanzees in a sanctuary environment. This internship is designed for those individuals wishing to gain experience with chimpanzees and will focus on their basic needs such as diet, sanitation, socialization, enrichment, and security. Through the experience, interns will gain knowledge of chimpanzee behavior and animal care.

Qualifications/Experience: Please send transcripts (for students), two letters of recommendation and a cover letter which details your interests. All internships will be competitive. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply. A general understanding and concern for the well being of animals is required. Coursework in primatology, biology, or animal behavior is preferred but not required. Proof of a negative TB test and Tetanus vaccination is required. Must be over 18 to apply.

Salary/funding: The internship is on a volunteer basis and provides no stipend. Housing may be available. Personal vehicle is required.

Internship Term: Full time, 40 hours per week, available time frames throughout the year. Please request time frame in cover letter. Minimum eight week commitment. Please send application materials to ktaylor@chimphaven.org or the address above.

2. Internship Available: Chimpanzee Behavior – Behavior Department Internship

Internship Description: Chimp Haven, Inc. will provide a unique opportunity for students in the behavioral or biological sciences to study captive chimpanzees in a sanctuary environment. Interns will be introduced to chimpanzee behavior and behavioral data collection, as well as being introduced to environmental enrichment methods and practical application. Other opportunities may include data entry and summarization, learning how to conduct literature reviews and preliminary analysis.

Qualifications/Experience: Please send transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a cover letter which details research interests, dates you are available, why you are interested in this internship and any other qualifications. All internships will be competitive. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Coursework in primatology, biology, or animal behavior is preferred but not required. Proof of a negative TB test and Tetanus vaccination is required, must be 18 years old to be considered.

Salary/funding: The internship is on a volunteer basis and provides no stipend. Housing may be available on site for the term of the internship. Personal vehicle is required.

Internship Term: Full time, 40 hours per week, please request dates in cover letter. Minimum 6 week commitment, 8 weeks preferred.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted year round, but to be considered for a May or June internship, please have your applications in by March 18th. Please send application materials to: afultz@chimphaven.org or the address above.

3. Internship Available: Behavior Department – Environmental Enrichment Internship

Internship Description: Chimp Haven, Inc. will provide a unique opportunity for interns to participate in an environmental enrichment program for captive chimpanzees in a sanctuary environment. Interns will be introduced to chimpanzee behavior, as well as environmental enrichment methods and practical application. Opportunities will be provided to learn to prepare enrichment items and clean enrichment devices. Additional opportunities may involve researching, suggesting, constructing, and assisting in implementing new enrichment ideas as well. Opportunities may become available for data collection on the efficacy of enrichment.

Qualifications/Experience: Please send a resume and cover letter detailing why you are interested in this internship, your requested dates, and any other qualifications you may have. Proof of a negative TB test and Tetanus vaccination is required and applicants must be over 18 years old.

Salary/funding: The internship is on a volunteer basis and provides no stipend. Housing may be available on site for the term of the internship. Personal vehicle is required.

Internship Term: 20 – 40 hours per week, year-round, please request dates in cover letter. Minimum 6 week commitment is required.

Application Deadline: This internship position will remain available throughout the year. Please contact us to see if the position is currently filled or what future dates may be available. Please send application materials to: afultz@chimphaven.org or the address above.

4. Internship Available: Development Department – Organizational Advancement Internship

Internship Description: Chimp Haven, Inc. will provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about non-profit development and public relations in a sanctuary setting. Interns will be trained in organizational advancement, public relations, and fundraising and will work directly with Chimp Haven staff to assist in the completion of specific projects. Organizational Advancement interns can be expected to have learning opportunities in the following areas: program administration and development, public relations, special events, donor database, grant research and writing, and donor and foundation research.

Qualifications/Experience: Please send transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a cover letter which details your interests. All internships are competitive. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Coursework in non-profit management and public relations is preferred, but not required. Proof of a negative TB test and Tetanus vaccination is required, must be 18 years old to be considered.

Salary/funding: The internship is on a volunteer basis and provides no stipend. Housing may be available on site for the term of the internship. Personal vehicle is required.

Internship Term: 15- 40 hours per week.

Available timeframes are throughout the year. Please send application materials to: jwhitaker@chimphaven.org

5.  Internship Available: Chimp Haven Veterinary Medicine Intern Program

Internship Description:  Chimp Haven, Inc. will provide a unique opportunity for both veterinary and veterinary technical students in their third or final clinical year to participate in the medical care of captive chimpanzees in a sanctuary environment.  Interns will have a chance to participate in the veterinary medical care of an aging captive population of chimpanzees and the management of an AAALAC internationally accredited, USDA licensed sanctuary.  Opportunities will include performance of daily rounds, participation in sedations (knowledge of captive restraint procedures), annual physical examinations including cardiac monitoring (ECG and NIBP), tuberculosis testing, blood collection for CBC/chemistry analysis, rectal cultures and evaluation of diagnostic tests.   Training would include exposure to the physiology, natural history and behavior of chimpanzees in captive as well as wild populations.  In addition, the intern would be expected to participate in the Occupational Health and Safety Training Program including working safely with chimpanzees, blood borne pathogens, and zoonotic diseases.  The intern would be introduced to environmental enrichment methods, medical procedural training and practical application for these.  Other duties may include conducting literature reviews and treatment plans for clinical cases as they present.

Qualifications/Experience:  Please submit transcripts, one letter of interest, and two letters of reference, one from a veterinary faculty member at your institution. All internships will be competitive.

Requirements:  Requirements for internship are a current Tetanus vaccination and negative tuberculosis screening (TB negative skin test or physician’s letter) within 6 months of visit to the sanctuary.   It is highly recommended that the intern be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B.

Internship Term: Full time, 35 hours per week, January-October.  Please request dates in letter of interest.   Minimum 4 week commitment.

Salary/funding: The internship is on a volunteer basis and provides no stipend.  Housing may be available on site for the term of the internship.  Alternative housing options will be suggested.  Personal vehicle is required.

Evaluation:  After completion of the term, we ask for a written brief narrative evaluation of the experience to address the time spent within the various areas, the value of each, suggestions for change, and any other comments.  The program evaluation will serve to improve the training program for others in the future.

At the intern’s request, we will provide a brief letter regarding attendance and evaluation for use by the academic institution. Institutions with special grading criteria should submit these requirements at time of application.

Please send application materials to rjackson@chimphaven.org or to:
Chimp Haven
Attn: Human Resources
13600 Chimpanzee Place
Keithville, LA 71047