Wildlife Veterinarian Assistant in the Bolivian Jungle (Volunteer)

Veterinary Assistant – Wildlife Sanctuary Position

Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY), Bolivia

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

We are seeking a highly motivated Veterinary Assistant to support the veterinary and animal care teams at either Ambue Ari or Jacj Cuisi, depending on organizational needs.

This position offers valuable hands-on experience in wildlife medicine, rehabilitation, animal management, and conservation work within remote wildlife sanctuaries in Bolivia.

The Veterinary Assistant works under the supervision of the Head Veterinarian, Sanctuary Director, and CIWY coordination team, supporting daily medical routines, emergency response, animal monitoring, treatments, volunteer coordination, and clinic management.

This is a physically demanding and highly dynamic role that requires adaptability, teamwork, organization, and commitment to animal welfare.

General Responsibilities

The Veterinary Assistant supports the health, care, and management of rescued wildlife within the sanctuary.

Daily responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with wildlife handling and restraint
• Supporting anesthesia procedures and basic surgeries
• Administering treatments and medications
• Monitoring hospitalized or recovering animals
• Assisting with neonatal care when necessary
• Supporting laboratory analyses (fecal, urine, cytology, etc.)
• Assisting with ultrasounds and medical examinations
• Participating in preventive medicine routines
• Supporting enclosure cleaning, disinfection, and biosecurity
• Supervising or guiding volunteers in treatment administration and animal care tasks
• Assisting with animal nutrition and diet preparation
• Monitoring animal welfare and behavioral conditions
• Supporting emergency response situations

The Veterinary Assistant may also occasionally assist with first aid for volunteers or domestic animals from neighboring communities in emergency situations.

Key Duties and Tasks

The Veterinary Assistant may accompany and/or carry out the following activities:

• Daily or routine health checks on animals in different sanctuary areas
• Monitoring animals presenting signs of illness or injury
• Implementation and follow-up of treatment plans
• Preparation of medications and vitamins for animal areas
• Management and organization of clinic supplies and meDical inventories
• Updating treatment records and clinical files
• Assisting in maintaining the sanctuary zoosanitary calendar
• Conducting coprological and basic laboratory analyses
• Supporting the maintenance and cleanliness of clinic areas
• Supervising correct cleaning and disinfection procedures in animal areas
• Supporting diet management for mammals, birds, reptiles, and primates depending on the sanctuary
• Assisting with necropsies and related reports
• Assisting with capture, transport, and containment procedures when required
• Supporting volunteer training related to treatments, hygiene, diets, and animal management
• Carrying out veterinary duties during the absence of the Head Veterinarian when necessary
• Preparing activity reports and assisting with documentation
• Supporting students or interns conducting research or internships at the sanctuary

In the event of multiple simultaneous medical emergencies, the Veterinary Assistant may be required to independently manage one of the situations under established protocols.

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)
• No Wi-Fi for volunteers
• 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 7:00 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
• Followed by 12 months as staff

Accommodation and Meals

CIWY provides:

• Shared accommodation
• Three vegetarian meals per day
• Basic bedding
• 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

Applicants should consider additional personal costs such as:

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

Requirements

Academic and Professional Requirements

• Degree in Veterinary Medicine or related veterinary studies
• Minimum 1–2 years of practical clinical experience
• Experience with wildlife and/or non-conventional animals is highly valued
• Knowledge of preventive medicine, anesthesia, nutrition, and basic surgery
• Intermediate English and Spanish (spoken and written)

Personal Requirements

• Strong interest in wildlife conservation and animal welfare
• Good physical condition and willingness to live in remote conditions
• Leadership skills and ability to work in multicultural teams
• Initiative, adaptability, and responsibility
• Ability to work under pressure and in emergency situations
• Commitment to ethical wildlife management and conservation principles

Important Information

This position is not 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.