Job opportunities

Primate Care Staff

Primate Care Staff - Small Monkeys & Woolly Monkeys Team and the Chimpanzee & Gibbons Team

About Us

Founded in 1987, Monkey World is home to over 240 primates of more than 25 different species. We assist governments around the globe to stop the smuggling, abuse, and neglect of primates. Many of our monkeys and apes have been rescued from the illegal pet trade, laboratories, and other abusive or neglectful captive pasts. At our 65-acre woodland rescue and rehabilitation centre in Dorset we provide sanctuary, expert care, and a second chance at life. Our shared vision is to provide our primates with the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry in a safe and natural environment with others of their own kind.

About the Roles

We are looking for a committed and experienced Primate Care Staff for both our Small Monkey and Woolly Monkey team and our Chimpanzee and Gibbon Team. With over 60 monkeys & prosimians of 13 different species and nearly 30 woolly monkeys this is a busy and diverse section. Rescues are frequent and require focus in the early stages of rehabilitation to meet the individuals physical and psychological needs. Primate Care Staff working on the chimpanzee and gibbon section care for 50 chimpanzees in 4 different groups and 17 gibbons.

Key Responsibilities

• You will carry out the daily care, feeding, enrichment, and health checks of primates, ensuring our high standards are met and maintained.
• Daily and strong communication with your team and section heads.
• High standards of visitor engagement including delivering keeper talks confidently and professionally.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in primate husbandry, ideally with a range of species.
• Strong working knowledge of primate behaviour, health & safety requirements for staff and animals, and the ability to implement them.
• Ability to manage priorities.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions and be physically fit due to the significant demands involving long periods of standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling etc.

Desirable:

• Experience working with prosimians, callitrichids, squirrel monkeys, stump-tailed macaques, saki monkeys, patas monkeys, guenons, and woolly monkeys.
• Experience working with chimpanzees and gibbons
• Degree or equivalent qualification in zoology, biology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Commitment to Continued Professional development.
• Knowledge and experience of operant conditioning.
• A positive outlook, enthusiasm and motivation.

Why Join Us?

• Work at one of the world’s leading primate rescue centres receiving primates in need from around the globe as well as from the UK pet trade.
• Contribute to the care of vulnerable species - 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 to share our knowledge and experience.
• Primate Care Staff starting salary from £22,851 to £24,000 dependant on ability and experience.
• Subsidised staff accommodation available.
• Employee Assistance Programme provided.
• 28 days holiday.
• Continued Professional development offered and encouraged including the possibility of Educational and Travel Grants, subject to length of service.