Biologist - Work with rescued wildlife in the Bolivian Amazon

Introduction

Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY) is a Bolivian NGO founded in 1992 and recognized nationally and internationally for its work in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, conservation, anti-trafficking efforts, animal welfare, community engagement, and wildfire prevention.

CIWY currently manages two wildlife rescue sanctuaries in Bolivia:

Ambue Ari (Santa Cruz)

Specializes in felines such as jaguars, pumas, and ocelots, as well as birds and small mammals. The sanctuary hosts approximately 15–50 volunteers throughout the year.

Jacj Cuisi (Rurrenabaque, northern La Paz)

Specializes in primates, including spider monkeys, capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and albifrons monkeys, as well as coatis and other small mammals. The sanctuary hosts approximately 2–15 volunteers.

Both sanctuaries provide refuge to animals rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking, deforestation, fires, and other threats. CIWY does not operate as a tourist center, prioritizing animal welfare and rehabilitation above all.

Overview of the Position

This position requires a responsible, autonomous and organised person, with initiative and in good physical condition. The person should be able to understand how the centre runs and be aware of the importance of the wellbeing of its residents. The candidate should know how to work well in a team, manage and coordinate groups. The work is hard, but incredibly rewarding, knowing that each animal that we house in the centre is receiving a second chance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of all species housed at the Centre and within its management areas, including their biology, dietary requirements, behaviour, social needs, and individual characteristics.
• Review, update, and improve captive management protocols for each animal care area, ensuring that they reflect current best practices and the specific needs of the animals.
• Supervise and ensure strict adherence to established management protocols, animal care standards, and daily routines across all areas of the Centre.
• Provide hands-on support within animal care areas when required, including cleaning, food preparation, environmental enrichment, animal observation, and other routine management activities.
• Conduct regular inspections of animal care areas and facilities to identify opportunities for improvement, including enclosure design, environmental conditions, equipment, husbandry practices, and overall animal management.
• Develop and implement environmental enrichment plans tailored to the needs, behaviours, and individual characteristics of the different species and animals.
• Provide training, guidance, and ongoing support to area coordinators and volunteers to ensure consistent and appropriate animal care and ethical management practices.
• Work together with Centre management to identify, develop, and plan future animal care, rehabilitation, conservation, infrastructure, and other relevant projects.
• Supervise and provide guidance and support to interns throughout their placement, ensuring that their activities are appropriate and contribute to the Centre’s objectives.
• Identify opportunities to develop and contribute to scientific articles, technical notes, case studies, reports, and other publications based on the Centre’s work.
• Identify and establish potential partnerships with researchers, institutions, organisations, and other relevant stakeholders that may contribute to the Centre’s animal care, conservation, research, education, or other strategic objectives.
• Participate in and support the Centre’s environmental education and awareness programmes, contributing technical knowledge and practical experience where appropriate.
• Receive, assess, and support the initial management of newly rescued animals in coordination with the veterinary team, including evaluating their behavioural and management needs.
• Develop release and reintroduction protocols for appropriate species and individuals, and support their implementation when release is deemed suitable.
• Assess and manage the formation of appropriate social groups for species with social requirements, including primates, coatis, parrots, and other relevant species, taking into consideration individual compatibility, behaviour, and welfare.
• Provide ongoing support to Centre management, area coordinators, volunteers, and other teams as required to ensure the effective functioning of the Centre and the appropriate care and management of the animals.

Sanctuary Conditions

CIWY’s sanctuaries are located in remote areas of Bolivia, and living conditions are basic, as most resources are directed toward animal care and sanctuary operations.

Ambue Ari

• Limited electricity available mainly for office equipment, refrigerators, and charging stations
• Compost toilets
• Running and filtered water available; showers do not have hot water
• Limited mobile signal in certain areas (mainly with Entel)
• Wi-Fi available only in office areas and may involve an additional fee
• Shared accommodation with bunk beds and basic bedding

Jacj Cuisi

• Limited electricity available in common areas and clinic
• Flush toilets
• Running and filtered water available; showers do not have hot water
• Limited mobile signal in specific points of the sanctuary
• Wi-Fi available only in office areas and may involve an additional fee
• Shared dormitory accommodation with bunk beds and basic bedding

At both sanctuaries, staff and volunteers live and work together in multicultural environments. Flexibility, patience, teamwork, and adaptability are essential.

Work Schedule and Commitment

The role requires flexibility and availability, including long working days, weekends, night shifts when necessary (for example neonatal care or emergencies), and overtime depending on workload.

Typical working days may begin around 7:00 am and continue until approximately 6:00 pm depending on operational needs.

Conditions include:

• One day off per week
• One week of vacation every six months
• Variable schedule depending on emergencies and sanctuary requirements

Contract structure:

• 1 initial month as a volunteer induction period
• 2 years work-contract as staff.

Accommodation and Meals

CIWY provides:

• Shared accommodation
• Three vegetarian meals per day
• Basic bedding / mosquito net
• Access to drinking water and common facilities

Accommodation is simple and shared with other volunteers and staff members.

Financial Conditions

CIWY is a non-profit wildlife rescue organization that does not receive government funding. Operations depend primarily on volunteer contributions and donations.

For this reason, although we cannot currently provide competitive salaries, the position includes:

• Accommodation
• Meals during the stay at the sanctuary}
• Stipend based on experience (base of around 300 USD)

Applicants should consider additional personal costs such as:

• Travel expenses to Bolivia and the sanctuary
• Visa procedures if applicable
• Personal items and insurance

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with wild animals, preferably Neotropical species.
• Experience using wildlife monitoring and data management tools, such as camera traps, data collection applications, GPS/GIS tools, and statistical software.
• Strong interest and knowledge of wildlife, animal welfare, and conservation.
• Good communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work with staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Proactive, responsible, adaptable, and willing to learn and take initiative.
• Intermediate to advanced spoken and written English and Spanish.
• A clear understanding of the role of a wildlife sanctuary and the importance of prioritising each animal’s welfare, quality of life, and individual needs.

Important Information

This position is not only an office-based and involves physically demanding daily work in remote environments with rescued wildlife.

Working at CIWY is a unique opportunity to gain direct experience in wildlife medicine, rehabilitation, conservation, and sanctuary management while contributing meaningfully to the protection of Bolivia’s wildlife.

Spanish (required) and English (communicational level)