Animal caretaker - Work with rescued wildlife in the jungle

Are you passionate about wildlife? Would you like to work with rescued wildlife in the Bolivian jungle? This is your chance to use your skills to support animals rescued from illegal trafficking! Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY) is looking for an Animal caretaker to join our team as soon as possible.

Introduction

Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY) is a Bolivian NGO, made up of a team of committed professionals and volunteers from Bolivia and around the world. Founded in 1992, CIWY was the pioneer of the environmental movement in Bolivia and is recognised nationally and internationally. CIWY currently manages three wildlife sanctuaries: Machia (Cochabamba), Ambue Ari (Santa Cruz) and Jacj Cuisi (Rurrenabaque). Each sanctuary offers refuge to wild animals rescued from trafficking, offering them a better quality of life.

Description

The animal caretaker will work in one / several management areas, caring for wild animals, under the supervision of the Area Coordinator or the Director for a minimum period of 6 ½ months, 6 months under contract and 2 weeks as a volunteer. 

The role requires autonomy and organization to carry out the daily routine, which involves cleaning, preparing food, enriching and supervising the animals. The Caretaker must have a high level of teamwork, responsibility and initiative. It is essential that you follow the instructions of the Area Coordinator and that you understand the work and importance of encouraging animals to be as independent as possible from humans so that they do not lose their wild essence.

The main objective is that the animals receive the best care in the most efficient way possible.

Responsibilities

• Work under the supervision and instructions of the Area Coordinator at all times, as well as the Center Director.
• Continuously observe the animals and notify the area coordinator of any change in animal behavior.
• Comply with the daily routines and help to coordinate extra tasks during the day.
• Understand the foods they can and cannot eat. Help the coordinator to plan and prepare the daily diet. Observe the animals eating the food provided correctly and notify the coordinator of any observation in this regard. 
• Maintain good communication with the area coordinator and the volunteers assigned to the area.
• Support the maintenance and construction of the area's infrastructures.
• Be aware that the volunteers comply with the rules of the park and notify the area coordinator of any non-compliance.
• Keep the area clean and tidy and be sure to care for cleaning tools and supplies.
• Attend center meetings when required.
• Have a complete understanding of emergency procedures in the event of animal attacks, escapes, or accidents.
• Keep a proactive participation in the work routine (animal handling, cleaning, construction, enrichment and others).

Conditions at the centres

CIWY's three sanctuaries are located in remote locations in Bolivia and the level of facilities varies:

Machia: electricity, Internet and hot water are available most of the time. 10 minutes from the town of Villa Tunari, a tourist area where there are pharmacies, restaurants, hotels, banks and others.

Accommodation: Rooms and bathrooms are shared, with up to four people in each room, shared bathrooms, hot showers, kitchen and common dining room. There is also a café where breakfast (tea or coffee and bread) and vegetarian lunch are provided.

Ambue Ari: A cistern supplies the water for the center and the water for the showers is not heated. The bathrooms are ecological and do not require pipes, a good cellular signal (Entel). 45 minutes from Guarayos, where there are pharmacies, restaurants, banks, hotels and others,

Accommodation: rooms in shared dorms with bunk beds. The rooms and bathrooms are shared. There is a dining room where breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided, except on days spent outside the park (Tuesday and Saturday).

Jacj Cuisi: It has electricity destined to supply energy to the kitchen, the fridges and a space to charge electronics. Mobile phone reception is restricted, there is only reception in certain places, and only the Entel line works. The closest town is 35 minutes away.

Accommodation: The team and volunteers sleep in a large bedroom with two-story beds. There are two eco-friendly bathrooms with attached showers. A nearby stream is used for resting and bathing. Volunteers are asked to bring biodegradable soaps because the water enters the underground system directly. Common kitchen and dining room, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided, except Friday night and Saturday, since you go out to town for being the day off.

You will live alongside a community of Bolivian and foreign staff and volunteers, all of whom work exceptionally hard on a day-to-day basis. You must be patient, adaptable and prepared to face difficult conditions, often physically demanding.

Working hours

Machia: 7:00 am - 06:00 pm

Ambue Ari: 6:30 am - 05:30 pm

Jacj Cuisi: 6: 300 am - 05:30 pm

Experience and skills required

Candidates must have a strong interest in wild animals, in their behavior and well-being. Candidates must be able to walk through the jungle carrying heavy buckets of fruit and vegetables. Candidates must also have at least an intermediate level of written and spoken English and Spanish and the willingness to learn both languages.

Financial agreement

CIWY does not receive any funding from the Government; the only financial contribution comes from volunteers and donations. CIWY will be able to provide you with your meals and lodging; however, we cannot offer a salary. When applying for this position, you must take into account expenses that are borne by you, such as visa procedures and transportation costs to the center. CIWY only supports you with the required paperwork.