Job Opening: Chimpanzee Caregiver

Terms: Full-time, salaried (nonexempt)

Location: Cle Elum, WA

Salary: Starting at $46,350-$52,500 DOE

Start Date: ASAP, deadline to apply is June 24, 2026

 

Role: Chimpanzee caregivers work as members of a team providing for the daily care and management of the chimpanzee and cattle residents at the sanctuary and contribute to CSNW’s education and outreach efforts

Relationship to Staff and Volunteers: Reports to the Co-Director. Trains new staff on caregiving duties. Trains and oversees Chimp House volunteers of all levels when on duty and coordinates the activities of other staff while in the rotating role of Lead Caregiver.

Position Duties

• Prepares food for each chimpanzee by following established diet protocols, serves meals to each chimpanzee, and administers medicines as instructed to promote proper nutrition and health
• Cleans chimpanzee indoor and outdoor enclosures and conducts pest control activities.
• Provides regular enrichment opportunities for the chimpanzees following established enrichment protocols
• Participates in the Positive Reinforcement Training Program to manage group dynamics and help the chimpanzees develop cooperative diagnostic, treatment, and health monitoring behaviors
• Safely shifts chimpanzees to and from various areas within the facility and unlocks enclosures for regular cleaning and maintenance
• Monitors the chimpanzees’ general health and behavior and informs veterinarian of any concerns
• Provides some aspects of routine medical care as directed by the veterinarian
• Provides effective supervision and direction to volunteers to further develop and build their skills and experience
• Prepares and updates digital records and reports and ensures thorough documentation of daily activities to enhance knowledge of the chimpanzees’ health and behavior
• Trains regularly on chimpanzee escape and emergency response procedures and participates in emergency drills
• Commits to continuing education in chimpanzee behavior and husbandry
• Assists with caring for the sanctuary’s cattle herd
  • Learns cattle behavior and welfare-centered cattle husbandry techniques
  • Feeds hay and special diets and provides fresh water
  • Provides medications and treatments as needed
  • Assists veterinarian in conducting routine visual health checks
  • Cleans barns and pastures and provides fresh bedding
• Contributes to Outreach and Education Programs
  • Shares stories, photos, and video of the chimpanzees on the CSNW blog and social media
  • Conducts guided tours for invited guests

Other Responsibilities

• Follows CSNW philosophy of care in all interactions with chimpanzees and cattle
• Establishes and promotes a friendly relationship with the chimpanzees and cattle to ensure their wellbeing
• Values a safe work environment and abides by established safety protocols at all times
• Actively engages in the growth of organizational health and workplace culture through readings, webinars, and group activities
• Maintains an annual tuberculosis test and seasonal influenza vaccine schedule and strictly follows all COVID-19 safety policies

Expectations

• Permanent employment is contingent upon successful completion of training to work with the chimpanzees directly (Caregiver I) and to operate doors and unlock enclosures (Caregiver II). This training may take 6-12 months.

Position Schedule

• Position is full-time (salaried, non-exempt)
• Regular weekly schedule with weekend shifts, holiday shifts, and occasional evening hours required
• Overnight stays at the sanctuary may occasionally be required when live-in staff are away

Compensation

• Starts at $46,350-$52,500 DOE; pay increases provided upon successful completion of Caregiver I, Caregiver II, and Senior Caregiver training
• Fully paid medical, dental and vision
• Fully paid short- and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off policy includes sick, vacation, jury duty, and bereavement time, with state-provided Paid Family and Medical Leave (all payroll contributions covered by CSNW)
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with up to 3% company match

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent educational experience
• 1-2 years’ volunteer or intern experience caring for chimpanzees in a sanctuary, zoo, or related setting
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and handle the physical requirements of cleaning enclosures
• Computer and internet proficiency
• Ability to communicate professionally and persuasively both in writing and in person
• The right candidate must work well with others, have a positive attitude, and be fully dedicated to the care of the chimpanzees and cattle
• Must be authorized to work in the United States

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education in primate behavior or related field
• Professional experience in chimpanzee care
• Experience with positive reinforcement training

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Finalists will be required to submit contact information for at least two professional references with knowledge of the candidate’s work performance.