Wildlife Nursery Assistant
Some of the main patients received at the KSTR wildlife clinic are the Hoffman’s two-toed and Brown-throated three-toed sloths. In addition to working with these species, KSTR also receives other mammals and birds in need of help, including the endangered Grey-crowned Central American Squirrel Monkey which is found nowhere else on the planet.
Position Description:
Kids Saving the Rainforest (KSTR) is looking for a Wildlife Nursery Assistant
to support our Nursery Manager in daily rehab activities at the KSTR Wildlife Rescue Center, located just outside of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. We are looking for an active, passionate individual to help us elevate our rehabilitation program of the wild animals in our care.
The Wildlife Nursery Assistant must have the ability to work long days
(12+ hours). This person must be extremely dedicated to animal conservation and willing to forgo personal comfort for the benefit of the animals. You're going to be hot, sweaty, eaten by mosquitos, sleepy, sore, and tired but you'll still feel that there is no other place in the world that you would rather be than helping sloths and monkeys get better so they can return to the jungle. The ideal person will eat, sleep, breathe and dream about rainforest animals!
Reporting to and in partnership with the Nursery Manager of KSTR, the Wildlife Nursery Assistant will have an opportunity to participate in the following activities:
●Administer fluids, give IM injections, oral fluids and medications, wound treatment,health checks, weights checks
●Syringe feeding babies
●Observe behaviors and monitor changes
●Prepare food
● Enrich enclosures
●Gather wild foods
● Cleaning of nursery and rehabilitation enclosures
●Oversee animal exercise time
●Communicate with Nursery Manager and Wildlife Vet, follow treatment plans set by them, etc.
● Assist research team as necessary
●Record keeping and other administrative duties
Qualifications/Experience:
All applicants must have some experience in a veterinary setting, have excellent
communication skills, a strong interest in animal welfare and conservation.
Coursework in veterinary studies, primatology, zoology, environmental education, wildlife ecology or a related field is required. Experience traveling to a tropical country, living in remote conditions are preferred. Must complete required vaccinations and purchase current international health insurance while in Costa Rica. Spanish language skills is a plus.
***To apply, please send a 1 page cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references to
Salary/Funding:
This is a voluntary self funded position. You will be responsible for all travel expenses/flights and immigration expenses. Room and Board will be $800 per month. The KSTR volunteer facility is comfortable, with electricity and internet provided. We are located roughly 20 minutes from Quepos/Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
The ideal candidate will work for 6 months (exceptional 3 month candidates may be considered).