Cheetah Keeper – Cheetah Conservation Fund

The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is currently seeking to fill a full-time Cheetah Keeper position for

its Somaliland rehabilitation facilities. Since the cats under CCF’s care in Somaliland are confiscated

from the Illegal Wildlife Trade the total census of individuals fluctuates (approximately 40 at this time).

Hours of work can be irregular due to the nature of the individuals confiscated and long hours can be

expected to assist with the care of animals brought in from confiscations. The individual must function

as a part of a small, dynamic team made up of a mixture of local and international staff and volunteers.

Food and housing at the CCF facility will be provided for the position. Duties will include but are not

limited to all aspects of the daily management of the cheetahs including daily cleaning, feeding,

enrichment, detailed record keeping, behavioral observations, diet preparation, general maintenance,

husbandry training, assisting with veterinary care.

Responsibilities and Duties (include but not limited to)

General exhibit and holding area cleaning and maintenance
Planning, implementing and evaluating behavior-based enrichment
Detailed record keeping
Daily husbandry training utilizing positive reinforcement
Behavioral observations
Preparing diets and following feeding guidelines
Maintain and manage meat stocks effectively
Cleaning and maintaining work areas
Assisting with veterinary care – cleaning of wounds, administering medication, injections and fluid therapy under the direction of the staff veterinarian
Regular team meetings – on sight and international conference calls
When necessary assist with the care and recovery of confiscated cheetahs and perform critical care – may extend past regularly scheduled work hours/shifts
Other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Work Skills

The ability to work well as part of a team, by listening and contributing
An understanding of environmental enrichment and how it impacts animal wellness
The ability to follow all protocols and standard operating procedures to assure the highest level of animal welfare.
A thorough understanding of and strict adherence to Safety Guidelines.
Be able to give/receive constructive criticism regardless of prior experience
Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, both with their peers and all other organization personnel
An ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
Great attention to detail in all aspects of their work and record keeping
An excellent safety record
A strong work ethic
Basic computer skills for data entry utilizing Microsoft programs

Experience

Qualified candidates will possess at least 3 years of paid experience in carnivore husbandry. Preference will be given to candidates free contact cheetah and neonate experience.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will have demonstrable experience with operant conditioning techniques utilizing positive reinforcement.
Preference will be given to candidates with cheetah experience, however, candidates with applicable experience with other felids will also be considered.
Experience working with felids in a rehabilitation setting is a plus.
Successful candidates will also be familiar with or capable of learning the safe use of various power tools and a manual (standard) transmission vehicle.
Must be able to manage their time very well, be highly motivated, accurate and efficient under pressure, physically fit, confident and positive.
Must be incredibly flexible with working hours and days off.
Effective written and verbal communication skills (must be fluent in written and spoken English).

All candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check and possess a valid driver’s

license. Hours may vary and successful candidates must be able to work weekends and holidays.

Education

Minimum requirements for this position are a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, Biology, or related field.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, bend, twist, reach above head, pull, and climb stairs and ladders.
Must be able to lift 50 lbs. routinely and work outdoors for prolonged periods in the weather and temperature extremes common to Hargeisa, Somaliland.
The position involves working within both rehabilitation facilities, both indoors and outdoors.

How to Apply

If you meet the qualifications and wish to apply, forward a pdf of your CV and cover letter to:

[email protected] with “Somaliland Cheetah Keeper” in the subject line. Email applications

only – all others will be excluded