Primarily Primates, Inc. (PPI) does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
At Primarily Primates, Inc., the Animal Caretaker role is one of the most crucial. The Animal Caretaker ensures that the animals receive the highest-possible quality of care so they may flourish at the Sanctuary. The Animal Caretaker must maintain a close working relationship with the Animal Care Supervisors to complete tasks as assigned. While these tasks will vary according to the needs of the animals on any given day, it may include any combination of the following:
*Clean, organize, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters and equipment
*Examine, observe, and continually monitor animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury
*Prepare daily diets that are appropriate and ergonomic for the animal species and individual animal
*Modify habitats to allow animals the best use of their enclosures and the ability to perform natural behaviors
*Be able to provide information about individual animals, species, behavior, habitat, or facility
*Provide treatment prescribed by veterinarian or supervisor staff to sick or injured animals, and contact supervisors to secure needed veterinary treatment
*Maintain accurate animal records including information such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and also food intake
*Provide enrichment to animals to maintain their physical and mental health
*Notify supervisors when animal food must be ordered and help unload and store feed supplies
*Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and also knowledge of animal species
*Discuss with other staff any animal needs
*Be aware of safety issues in enclosures and ensure the safety of humans and animals; safely work around dangerous wild animals
*Adjust enclosures according to specified temperature protocols
*Use, care for, maintain, and repair animal caretaking equipment
*Do facility laundry and clean animal diet dishes as needed
*Assist with animal introductions, catch-ups, or any other necessary procedure
*Work well with and conduct yourself professionally with any other PPI staff, donors, vendors, or visitors
*Train and supervise volunteers when needed *Maintain general cleanliness of entire Sanctuary
*Provide new bedding where appropriate
*Monitor animals for hazardous or detrimental behaviors
*Complete daily and varied projects in addition to the basic care and cleaning
*Attend to special projects as designated by the Animal Care Supervisors and/or Executive Director
*Regularly use landscaping equipment to and ability to use landscaping equipment
Minimum Qualifications:
*Ability to work fulltime (at least 40 hours per week).
*Ability to work weekends, holidays, and additional hours as needed
*Excellent communicator who always has safety in mind and demonstrates professionalism
*One year of experience with exotics, avian and primate experience preferred
*Knowledge of animal management
*Demonstrated good judgment & decision making skills
*Degree in biological sciences preferred (Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Primatology, especially preferred)
*Proof of a COVID Vaccination
*Ability to work under challenging physical conditions and perform strenuous duties in extreme weather
*Ability to lift 50 pounds
*Possess a valid driver’s license
*Capability to demonstrate responsible behavior and work with minimal supervision
*Be team oriented and enthusiastic about work with animals
Please send resume and cover letter to: krystal@primarilyprimates.org (preferred)
Primarily Primates, Inc. Attn: Krystal Mathis Primarily Primates 26099 Dull Knife Trail San Antonio, TX 78255