Curator of Animal Care

International Primate Protection League

Position:

The Curator of Animal Care plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being and welfare of the animals at IPPL’s sanctuary. This position requires a deep understanding of animal behavior, a passion for animal welfare, and the ability to provide exceptional care and enrichment for two diverse species.

Responsibilities:

• Animal care and welfare: Lead a team in providing expert animal care, ensuring the overall well-being of the animals at the sanctuary. This includes monitoring their health, nutrition, and behavior, and implementing appropriate enrichment programs, as well as operant conditioning plans, to promote their physical and mental stimulation.
• Staff supervision and training: Provide guidance and supervision to animal care staff, ensuring that they are trained in proper animal handling techniques, safety protocols, and sanctuary policies. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment by demonstrating and enforcing the sanctuary’s code of conduct.
• Veterinary care coordination: Work closely with the sanctuary's attending veterinarian and sanctuary director to coordinate and oversee the medical care and treatment of the animals. This includes scheduling routine check-ups, vaccinations, and any necessary medical procedures.
• Animal behavior and operant conditioning: Observe and assess animal behavior to identify any signs of distress or health issues. Manage operant conditioning (training) programs to facilitate positive reinforcement and enhance the animals' well‑being.
• Record‑keeping and documentation: Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of each animal's health, behavior, and any significant events or changes through the sanctuary’s digital records‑keeping platform. Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to animal care documentation.
• Develop and maintain enrichment program: Manage and maintain enrichment programs that promote the animals' positive interactions with their environments, natural behaviors, and cognitive abilities.
• Communication with the Sanctuary Director: Attend regular meetings with the Sanctuary Director. Communicate all relevant information regarding animal care and animal care staff to the Sanctuary Director. Follow and promote the appropriate chain of command as defined by the sanctuary’s organizational chart.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., zoology, animal science, wildlife biology) or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in animal care and management, preferably in a sanctuary or similar environment.
• In‑depth knowledge of animal behavior, welfare, and enrichment principles.
• Strong observational and analytical skills to assess animal health and behavior.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse team and interact with visitors and stakeholders.
• Ability to handle and work with a variety of animal species safely and confidently.
• Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements related to animal care and sanctuary operations.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Passion for animal welfare and a deep understanding of the ethical considerations involved in sanctuary operations.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Apply by sending your resume to Jennifer Buchanan at jennifer

International Primate Protection League

Summerville, SC 29484