Primate-Jobs
Positions Available

Keeper

Hiring Organization:
Wildlife Care Center of Belize

Date Posted:
2008-12-08

Position Description:
Animal keeper position available at the Belize Lodge, Belize. The 13K acre resort property houses a small collection of exhibit animals including spider monkeys, jaguars and native birds. There are also several spider and howler monkeys which are off-exhibit and undergoing rehabilitation in preparation for release into the wild under the management of the Wildlife Care Center of Belize All monkeys were confiscated from the local pet trade by the Belize Forest Department which has a good working relationship with the WCCB. The lodge is still under construction and new enclosures and exhibits are planned but likely a year from completion.
Daily duties will include preparation of prescribed diets, cleaning and maintenance of enclosures, observations, record-keeping and other tasks as may be assigned. On-going behavioral behavioral observations and assessments of physical and social needs of the animals and take steps to design and implement steps to address these needs under supervision. There is not a rigid schedule and a flexible and helpful attitude is essential for any new projects needing attention. Behavioral enrichment will utilize only natural items found in the area and some fieldwork is required in regards to learning to identify and collect natural diet items for the monkeys and birds on a virtually daily basis. Bikes are provided for this purpose and applicants should be in very good physical condition as the work can be demanding and strenuous at times under difficult climatic conditions of heat and humidity and/or rain and mud and biting insects.
Informal presentations are required on occasion to guests and visiting schoolchildren and a personable manner and neat appearance are essential. This position also requires at some basic computer knowledge as one additional task is that of logging animal records into a computer system.

Qualifications/Experience:
Seeking a responsible, experienced zookeeper (prefer minimum one year paid experience in an AZA accredited facility) with a positive attitude to assist in the care and maintenance of the collection, primarily monkeys, but also cross-trained with the other animals. Applicants must possess good judgment (some of the animals are potentially very dangerous), work cooperatively and communicate well with co-workers, supervisor and other lodge staff. A comprehensive knowledge of the species involved. Understanding and practical experience with operant conditioning, familiarization with IUCN Reintroduction Guidelines, restraint techniques and a veterinary background are highly desirable.
Only female applicants will be considered and must be healthy (free of disease and negative TB test required prior to arrival), physically fit, non-smoker, no drug use, emotionally stable and mature, and able to acclimate to a tropical, jungle environment as well as exposure to biting insects, snakes and scorpions. Looking for demonstrated dedication and career-orientation in wildlife care with a professional attitude.

Salary/funding:
Starting stipend of $325.00 U.S./month.
Work hours are generally 7 a.m to 5 p.m. and schedule will be either 23 days on, five days off or two days off per week, depending on staffing and vacation schedules. 2 weeks vacation per year.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Room with shared bath is provided along with three meals/day. Meals are basic and somewhat repetitive - chicken, rice and beans are local staples, however, vegetarian diets can be accommodated. Generators are used - no A/C and limited hours of electricity including fans. Wireless internet (providing your own computer) and some phone access at the main lodge.

Term of Appointment:
Permanent

Application Deadline:
December 31, 2008

Comments:
This is an isolated location with very little in the way of entertainment aside from computer and books and something to be considered carefully. The nearest town of Punta Gorda is twenty miles away (40 minutes by bus). Applicants should be comfortable spending a lot of time alone and not in need of companionship. The workplace is multi-cultural and a tolerance and understanding of cultural differences is crucial. English is the official language, however, the lodge is located next to a Mayan village.

Contact Information:
Robin Brockett
Belize

Telephone Number:
011-501-720-2004

E-mail Address:
wildlifecarecenter@yahoo.com