Caretaker with Project Bow
Hiring Organization:
Inverted-A, Inc.
Date Posted:
2008-05-22
Position Description:
Bow is a six year old male chimpanzee who is being taught language in standard orthography in a project involving literacy. We are looking for a volunteer caretaker who will help with hygiene and safety issues, so that Bow's physical needs are always met while we concentrate on his cognitive development.
The caretaker will have a close working relationship with Bow and actively help with potty training, as well as seeing to it that everything in Bow's quarters is clean and in working order. The caretaker should be able to see that routine maintenance problems and minor mechanical mishaps are taken care of without disrupting Bow's regular schedule. (We have a handyman on call, and the caretaker will be responsible for interfacing with him.)
The caretaker will also be asked to help with the filming of play therapy sessions.
Qualifications/Experience:
Must be able to establish a warm working relationship with Bow, while maintaining one's personal autonomy and authority.
Must be physically fit and mechanically adept. The caretaker will be a team player, working closely with interns and other researchers.
A high school diploma is required. Experience working with animals would be a plus. Strong moral character is indispensible.
The applications should consist of the following:
(1) letter of application
(2) resume
(3)Letters of recommendation
(a) three character references on work ethic and/or experience with animals
AND
(b) three letters of recommendation from landlords, roommates and neighbors on how well the applicant takes care of his place of abode
(The internship comes with free housing. We don't require a deposit, but we need to know you will be a good tenant.)
(4) A medical report consisting of
(a) a physical exam
(b) a series of lab reports on tests for communicable diseases, including HIV, hepatitis and TB
(c) a medical history detailing all major illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and treatments.
Please ask for our medical report form, which should be filled out by your physician.
No application will be considered until all required documents are received. The medical report is time consuming, so allow about a month from the time you first go in for a checkup to when the report is complete.
Salary/funding:
This is a volunteer position. No salary is available, but room and board will be provided.
Our Orchard House provides a private bedroom to each volunteer and a communal kitchen. The location is rural and secluded. We are located in the beautiful Ozark region. During days off, you will have access to hiking, horseback riding, canoeing and fishing close by.
Support
provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Meals and lodging provided. There is no travel allowance.
The location is secluded. You will need a car.
Term of Appointment:
August 1, 2008 to July 31, 2009
Application Deadline:
July 1, 2008
Comments:
This is a one year volunteer position. There will be vacation days throughout the year for Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year and Easter. Bow needs time to get used to a caretaker, and we need you to stay long enough to take advantage of the trusting relationship that you have developed.
This is a good transition period for people who have not yet decided on a college major, or for those who have finished college and have not yet decided on grad school. It is a rare chance to experience a relationship with a chimpanzee first hand. However, it does require a one year commitment, lots of stamina and personal integrity. It is not right for everyone. Make sure this would be a good fit for you before applying.
Contact
Information:
Aya Katz
P.O. Box 267
Licking, MO 65542
USA
Telephone Number:
573-247-0055
Fax Number:
417-457-6652
Website:
http://www.well.com/user/amnfn/qst.html
E-mail Address:
amnfn@well.com
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