Facility
The Gorilla Foundation
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Gorilla Foundation is seeking an exceptional individual to join our team as a full-time Gorilla Caregiver/Researcher, in an environment where gorilla care and interspecies communication research are highly integrated. This is an opportunity for a qualified individual to make a contribution to great ape care, research, conservation and education, by using two-way communication to facilitate gorilla care and empowerment.
Job Responsibilities include providing daily care to two gorillas and their environment. This includes the monitoring, evaluation, and help in maintaining the physical and emotional health and well-being of gorillas Koko and Ndume through behavioral observations, enrichment, training, sign-language and other forms of two-way communication. Will clean and perform general maintenance of the indoor/outdoor gorilla facilities, assist with the preparation and delivery of meals to gorillas, and support and document communication-based research with gorillas, by learning American Sign Language (ASL), taking observational notes, filling out corresponding forms and participating in database entry and cataloging.Qualifications/Experience: Applicants must have a strong affinity for animals, as reflected in work and volunteer experience. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment, be hard-working, service-oriented and self-motivated, possessing a strong commitment to animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary. Applicant should have at least two years of full-time animal care experience (preferably with primates) and at least a 4-year degree in life sciences, biology, psychology, primatology, zoology, conservation or related field.
The applicant should be safety oriented and have experience in operant conditioning and training techniques. Ideally they should have some experience in performing or assisting with observational research. Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) is preferred.
California applicants preferred. A valid driver’s license is preferred.
This is an hourly full-time position from approximately 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, 5 days per week. However, work-schedule flexibility is required, including the ability to work weekend days and evenings (e.g., 12-9PM)
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications/Experience: Applicants must have a strong affinity for animals, as reflected in work and volunteer experience. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment, be hard-working, service-oriented and self-motivated, possessing a strong commitment to animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary. Applicant should have at least two years of full-time animal care experience (preferably with primates) and at least a 4-year degree in life sciences, biology, psychology, primatology, zoology, conservation or related field.
The applicant should be safety oriented and have experience in operant conditioning and training techniques. Ideally they should have some experience in performing or assisting with observational research. Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) is preferred.
California applicants preferred. A valid driver’s license is preferred.
Compensation and benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance, paid vacation time, sick/personal leave, paid holidays and a 403(b) retirement plan.
Application instructions
Please send a letter of interest, resume, 3 professional references and a brief essay on “What Koko means to me” to:
ken.gold@koko.org
Ken Gold, Ph.D.
1733 Woodside Road #330
Redwood City, CA 94061