Primate Responsible in the Amazon Jungle

Primate Responsible in the Bolivian Jungle

Do you have experience with New World primates?

We are looking for a Primate Responsible to work at our wildlife sanctuaries, caring for rescued animals.

Introduction

Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY) is a Bolivian non-governmental organization composed of a committed team of volunteers and Bolivian and international professionals. Founded in 1992, CIWY was a pioneer in Bolivia’s environmental movement and is recognized nationally and internationally. CIWY currently manages three sanctuaries: Machía (Cochabamba), Ambue Ari (Santa Cruz), and Jacj Cuisi (Rurrenabaque). Each sanctuary houses wild animals rescued from illegal trafficking, providing them with a better quality of life.

Overview

Jacj Cuisi Sanctuary, managed by CIWY, is located deep in the Amazon rainforest near Rurrenabaque, northern Bolivia. The sanctuary specializes in the care and rehabilitation of New World primates, focusing on continuously improving their welfare and providing an environment as close as possible to their natural habitat.

Currently, CIWY cares for around 100 New World primates at Jacj Cuisi, including capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella), squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis), spider monkeys (Ateles chamek), and white-fronted capuchins (Cebus albifrons). These animals live under different management systems adapted to their needs: enclosures with tunnels, runner systems (ropes that allow greater freedom of movement), and semi-free or controlled-release systems, where primates move through the forest while their health and diet are closely monitored.

Job Description

This role requires a passionate and committed individual dedicated to animal welfare, especially New World primates. The Primate Responsible must have strong observation skills, willingness to learn about the behavior of the species present in the sanctuary, and confidence handling them responsibly and ethically.

The candidate should be organized, able to work independently and as part of a team, and flexible to adapt to the training and working methods of the sanctuary. The Primate Responsible plays a key role in supervising and coordinating primate areas, ensuring animal welfare and proper sanctuary management. Responsibilities include leading and supporting coordinators and volunteers, collaborating with the veterinary and biology teams, and overseeing the general functioning of facilities.

The position requires good physical and psychological condition, as it involves constant physical effort and work under challenging environmental conditions, including transporting materials across different areas of the sanctuary. The role also requires problem-solving skills, creativity, resourcefulness, and adaptability within a context of limited financial and material resources. Strict adherence to safety and handling protocols is essential to minimize risks while working with wildlife.

Responsibilities

• Update animal files and primate management records with the supervising biologist, including observations, births, deaths, illnesses, and behavioral changes.
• Collaborate with all primate area coordinators, guiding, supporting, and supervising their daily work.
• Monitor primate welfare and infrastructure maintenance, working with coordinators, the biologist, and veterinary team.
• Supervise and adapt animal diets according to nutritional needs and food availability.
• Perform cleaning, food preparation, enrichment activities, and general maintenance of the areas as needed.
• Administer medicines and treatments under veterinary supervision, coordinating sedations and special care when necessary.
• Introduce, train, and organize activities for new coordinators, volunteers, and interns.
• Support general sanctuary management, including identifying needs, reviewing schedules, planning volunteer activities, and coordinating tasks.
• Maintain direct communication with administration and volunteer coordinator to resolve issues, doubts, or staff and volunteer needs.
• Attend sanctuary meetings with the administrator and/or park director, ensuring accurate reporting on primate areas and animals.
• Potentially participate in educational activities, talks, or workshops for visitors, volunteers, and the local community.
• Know and implement emergency protocols in cases of attacks, escapes, accidents, or fires, ensuring safety for animals, volunteers, and staff.
• Ensure volunteers comply with sanctuary rules and report violations to administration.
• Ensure proper use and return of tools and materials, controlling access to primate areas for authorized personnel only.

Experience and Skills

• Strong interest in wildlife, especially New World primates, with commitment to their care, behavior, and welfare.
• Ability to self-manage, take responsibility, and work independently.
• At least one year of experience working with animals, preferably New World primates, and experience managing and organizing work teams, including staff or volunteer coordination.
• Effective communication skills in English and Spanish, both oral and written.

Accommodation

The position is based at Jacj Cuisi Sanctuary, located in a remote area of the Amazon rainforest, within one of the world’s most biodiverse ecoregions and bordering Madidi National Park. You will live in an international community alongside volunteers and Bolivian staff from around the world, collaborating as a team and sharing daily responsibilities.

Accommodation is basic and shared, with rooms for 2 to 8 people, straw mattresses, and shared bathrooms and cold-water showers. Sheets, a pillow, and a mosquito net are provided, but bringing a sleeping bag, boots, and a personal lock is recommended.

The sanctuary has a dining area and kitchen, primarily used by kitchen staff to prepare three daily vegetarian meals adapted to the Bolivian social and cultural context (mainly carbohydrate-based). Volunteers and staff do not have personal access to the oven or cooking equipment.

Electricity is limited but available for charging devices in rooms and common areas. Wi-Fi is available in the office, and mobile data signal can be accessed in certain areas of the sanctuary.

Common areas include a hammock lounge where staff and volunteers can rest, a river running through the sanctuary, and “Laguna Verde,” where volunteers often spend their free time.

Work Schedule

The Primate Responsible manages several areas of the sanctuary and ensures their proper functioning. The regular work schedule is from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with one hour for breakfast and one and a half hours for lunch. Work is 6 days a week, with one day off.

Agreement

The position is offered under a 2-year contract, including one month of probation and training. The contract includes accommodation and meals as detailed above, and one week of vacation every six months.

The position does not include insurance or social benefits. Personal expenses, such as travel to the sanctuary and visa procedures, are the responsibility of the applicant. CIWY provides the necessary documentation for visa applications.

The base salary is USD 300 (2,100 BOB) per month, which may be adjusted based on the applicant’s experience.

Three meals a day and accommodation + training

Spanish (written and spoken fluently), English (intermediate, written and spoken).