Coordinator for the Howler Monkey Area in the Bolivian Jungle

Are you passionate about working with primates? We are looking for a Howler Monkey Coordinator to join our wildlife sanctuaries, helping care for rescued animals.

Introduction:

The Community Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY) is a Bolivian non-governmental organization (NGO) that consists of a dedicated team of both Bolivian and international volunteers and professionals. Established in 1992, CIWY was a pioneer in Bolivia’s environmental movement and is recognized both nationally and internationally. The organization currently manages three wildlife sanctuaries: Machía (Cochabamba), Ambue Ari (Santa Cruz), and Jacj Cuisi (Rurrenabaque). These sanctuaries provide a better quality of life to rescued wildlife from trafficking.

Summary:

The Howler Monkey area is one of CIWY's most successful programs, operating under a semi-free system. The monkeys have the freedom to roam in the jungle while being monitored for their health, behavior, diet, and overall well-being. Currently, there is a focus on rehabilitating young howler monkeys that have been rescued from forest fires and illegal trafficking, with the aim of reintegrating them into their natural habitat.

Responsibilities:

The Howler Monkey Coordinator will oversee the following duties:

• Rehabilitating new individuals and integrating them into existing groups ("Squad" and "Baby Squad").
• Training, introducing, and organizing activities for new volunteers and interns.
• Implementing measures to ensure the welfare of both animals and volunteers.
• Maintaining regular contact with the main office and volunteer coordinators to assist volunteers with any issues.
• Collaborating with the biologist in charge to update animal records, documenting observations, births, deaths, illnesses, and behavioral changes.
• Planning, executing, and adapting daily routines based on conditions.
• Organizing cleaning, feeding, and volunteer schedules.
• Understanding and adjusting diets according to the animals' nutritional needs.
• Ensuring cleanliness of the area and monitoring the monkeys' health, administering medication when necessary in coordination with veterinarians.
• Enforcing rules and ensuring that only authorized personnel enter the area.
• Attending sanctuary meetings and maintaining communication with the sanctuary's administration.
• Being knowledgeable about emergency protocols for attacks, escapes, or accidents.
• Assisting with general repairs when needed.

Required Experience and Skills:

Candidates must have a strong interest in animals, particularly primates, and their behavior and welfare. Management skills and the ability to work in teams are essential. Additionally, intermediate English and Spanish skills, both written and spoken, are required. Candidates should be physically and mentally prepared for demanding work conditions, including carrying heavy materials and food over long distances in challenging climates. Working with wildlife presents certain risks, such as bites or accidents, if proper safety protocols are not followed.

Conditions:

Applicants must commit to a minimum of one year, following a one-month trial and training period. CIWY provides accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Volunteers are responsible for their visa processing and travel costs to the sanctuary. CIWY assists with the necessary documentation for visa processing.

The Howler Monkey area is located in Ambue Ari Sanctuary, Ascensión de Guarayos, Santa Cruz. Ambue Ari is remote, offering basic amenities: electricity is available for charging devices, but there is no Wi-Fi. Internet access is limited to certain areas via the local ENTEL service. Shared accommodations (2-3 people per room) are provided, and cold water showers are available.

By joining the CIWY family, you will live within an international community of volunteers and staff from around the world. You will have the privilege of participating in the process of giving a second chance to wildlife rescued from illegal trafficking and forest fires, improving their well-being and quality of life as they reintegrate into the wild.