Job opportunities

Deputy Section Head – Small Monkeys/Woolly Monkeys

Deputy Team Section Head – Small Monkeys/Woolly Monkeys

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

Monkey World is currently home to over 230 primates of more than 25 different species. The majority of our primates are rescued from a variety of different backgrounds. Many have suffered years of abuse or neglect. On arrival at Monkey World these primates are rehabilitated into appropriate social groupings and provided with an environment and care which encourages natural behaviours.

Monkey World is looking for an experienced primate keeper to support the Section Heads on our small monkey and woolly monkey section. The small monkey section currently cares for over 60 prosimians and monkeys of 14 different species. This is a diverse section which cares for monkeys from many different back-grounds. Monkey World works tirelessly to rescue individuals smuggled from the wild but also those that are captive bred in the UK pet trade. As a member of our Primate Care Staff, you would be working to rehabilitate these animals at Monkey World.

The woolly monkey section currently have 27 woolly monkeys managed in 4 groups. Monkey World is the only wildlife park remaining that keeps healthy, family groups of woolly monkeys outside of insitu rescue centres. However, even insitu centres struggle to keep this beautiful, but difficult, species alive and healthy. With such a small number remaining in captivity, breeding programs no longer exist and it is our intention to create a working group with insitu rescue centres in order to share our knowledge and experience. Unlike most of our monkeys and apes, many of the woolly monkeys were born at the park or have arrived from other wildlife parks as their numbers decreased.

The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of the section including animal husbandry, diets, operant conditioning, enrichment and health checks. You will also be responsible for staff training and monitoring. You will be obligated to join and train with our Firearms Team.

 

Qualifications/Experience:

• This role requires a primate keeper with at least 3 years of primate husbandry experience.
• Applicants will need to demonstrate good communication skills, be physically fit, self-motivated, and able to lead and work as part of a team.

 

Desirable:

• Experience of working with callitrichids, squirrel monkey, stump-tailed macaque, ring-tailed lemur, saki monkey, patas monkey, guenons and/or woolly monkeys.
• Enthusiasm, high standards and motivation.
• A positive outlook and excellent communication skills at all levels.
• A sound practical knowledge and skill set in animal husbandry.
• Strong observation skills.

 

Further information:

• The role is full time working an average of 36 hours per week, averaged over the year and includes working 2 out of 3 weekends, as part of the current 3 week rolling roster.
• Hours of work are 08:30 - 17:00 September to June, 08:30 - 18:00 July and August, with an unpaid one hour for lunch.
• Salary between £24,329.24 to £28,500.00 dependant on abilities and experience, paid monthly.
• 28 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays per annum.
• Staff accommodation subject to availability.
• Employee Assistance Programme provided.
• Continued Personal Development, offered and encouraged including the possibility of Educational and Travel Grants, subject to length of service.