CIWY Monkey Coordinator in the Amazon Jungle

Do you have experience with primates?

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

Introduction

Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY) is a Bolivian non-governmental organization made up of a dedicated team of volunteers and both Bolivian and international professionals. Founded in 1992, CIWY was a pioneer of the environmental movement in Bolivia and is recognized both 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

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

Currently, CIWY cares for around 100 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 tailored to their needs: enclosures with tunnels, runner systems (ropes that allow greater freedom of movement), and semi-free or controlled-release systems, where monkeys move through the forest while their health and diet are closely monitored.

Job Description

The role of Monkey Coordinator requires a passionate and committed individual dedicated to animal welfare and conservation. We are looking for someone with strong observation skills, willingness to learn about primate behavior, and confidence to responsibly and ethically manage interactions with the animals.

The coordinator must be organized, proactive, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. Good physical condition and psychological resilience are essential, as the role involves intense daily work under challenging weather conditions, including carrying backpacks with food or other materials to areas that may be far from the base.

Working with wildlife carries inherent risks; therefore, strict compliance with established safety and handling protocols is essential to ensure the well-being of both staff and animals.

Responsibilities

The Primate Coordinator will be responsible for:

• Training, introducing, and organizing the activities of new volunteers and interns.
• Implementing measures to ensure the welfare of both the animals and the volunteers.
• Maintaining direct contact and communication with the main office and volunteer coordinator to support volunteers with any issues.
• Working alongside the staff biologist to update animal records, including observations, births, deaths, illnesses, and behavioral changes.
• Planning, carrying out, and adapting daily routines according to conditions.
• Organizing the activity schedule for cleaning, feeding, enrichment, and volunteers’ days off.
• Understanding and adapting animal diets based on nutritional needs and food availability.
• Ensuring area cleanliness and primate health.
• Administering medicines and treatments under veterinary authorization and supervision, maintaining close communication with veterinarians.
• Ensuring volunteers comply with sanctuary rules and reporting any violations to the administrator.
• Overseeing the correct use and return of sanctuary tools.
• Ensuring only authorized volunteers and staff enter the area, reporting any breaches to the volunteer coordinator.
• Attending sanctuary meetings as required by the Administrator or President, maintaining good communication with them.
• Knowing and following emergency protocols in case of attacks, escapes, or accidents.
• Carrying out general repairs in the area when necessary.

Experience and Skills

• Genuine interest in animals, especially primates, their behavior, and welfare.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Prior experience working with wildlife is required, preferably with primates from the new world.
• Intermediate proficiency in English and Spanish, with the ability to speak, read, and write in both languages.

Accommodation

The role is based at Jacj Cuisi Sanctuary, in a remote area of the Amazon rainforest within one of the world’s most biodiverse ecoregions, 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 2–8 people, straw mattresses, 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 the 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 found in some areas of the sanctuary. Common areas include a hammock room, a river that crosses the sanctuary, and the “Laguna Verde,” where staff and volunteers often spend their free time.

Work Schedule

The regular work schedule is from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 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 13-month contract, including one month of training and probation. The contract includes accommodation and meals, as well as one week of vacation every six months.

The position does not include insurance or social benefits. Personal expenses, including 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 200 (1,400 BOB) per month, which may be adjusted based on the applicant’s experience.

Accommodation and meals provided, as well as training.

English and Spanish requiered