Primate Team Lead

Overview

Peaceable Primate Sanctuary (PPS) in Winamac, Indiana is actively looking for a motivated individual with a passion for animal care to join our team. PPS is a 79-acre facility dedicated to providing enriching retirement for primates from the pet, entertainment, and research industries. With the first baboons arriving here in 2016, the sanctuary now houses over 160 primates representing 8 species, a small number of other animals and is rapidly expanding.

Primate Team Leads assist with the day-to-day management of all animals and animal caretakers.

• Monitor health, behavior, and general welfare of the primates and communicate observations to veterinary staff and supervisory team. Prepare and relay detailed reports of animal and enclosure conditions to Sanctuary Manager/Director
• Make decisions regarding animal care with the supervision of Sanctuary Manager including diet changes, habitat design, training, enrichment, and related matters
• Maintain primate enclosures and holding areas through efficient sanitization, general maintenance, and daily safety checks. Create and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Train employees, interns, and volunteers on SOPs and safety protocols
• Supervise animal care staff, interns, and volunteers and implement corrective actions as needed to maintain high standards of animal care. Manage day-to-day tasks and activities of all animal care staff.
• Develop and implement behavioral programs to train primates to voluntarily participate in daily husbandry and medical care. Train fellow animal keepers in operant conditioning and guide them to create shaping plans.
• Complete routine veterinary care including but not limited to medication administration orally or via injection, safe capture, medical observations, etc. Coordinate directly with veterinary staff and supervisors to provide high-quality veterinary care to animals.
• Educate the public and sanctuary personnel on proper husbandry and retirement of primates. Prepare sanctuary and staff for events and tours.
• Complete any additional tasks to ensure smooth sanctuary operations and high-quality animal care.

• High school diploma/GED is required
• Associate’s and/or Bachelor’s degree in associated field or equivalent animal care experience and/or relevant coursework is preferred
• Minimum 1-year professional experience with exotic animals is required
• Previous management experience is preferred
• Leadership experience and ability to supervise and inspire others
• Ability to work well within a small team environment and possess the discipline to work individually with minimal supervision
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays if needed
• Proof of negative TB test required (can be completed after hiring)
• Must be over 18 years of age to apply
• Starting pay: $41,600/year
• Health/Dental/Vision/Life insurance with 70% employer contribution
• Paid vacation time, sick leave, and holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost employee pet wellness program
• Opportunities for paid travel and networking

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Information Technology

• Zoos and Botanical Gardens
• Veterinary Services