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Job 1:  Evening Monitor / Research Assistant

The Gorilla Foundation, home of Project Koko, the interspecies communication study, is seeking a highly alert, intelligent and responsible person to serve as the facility’s evening monitor and assist with the Foundation’s operations and research.

Great opportunity for a dedicated, centered, and enlightened individual (cultivating loving-kindness for all life forms) who wishes to make a contribution to saving, caring for and learning from the great apes. This is an hourly part-time position from 5:30 PM-9:30 PM, five days a week with a possibility of becoming full-time.
Flexibility required, including the ability to work weekends.

Major Responsibilities:
• Tending to Research Office grounds
• General cleaning of research office and kitchen
• Database entry and annotation of text and multimedia content associated with ape language research
• Other projects as needed

Minimum Qualifications:
• Excellent hearing and night vision
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent employment history (on time, responsible, etc.)
• Computer literate (Mac and/or PC)
• Confident around dogs
• Comfortable working alone
• Superior Work Ethic:
— Ability to give focused attention to the task at hand (presence)
— Hard-working — service oriented and self motivated
— Positive attitude with sense of humor
— Self reliant — able to learn by asking questions
— Self-assured — able to advance by acknowledging mistakes
— Well organized / efficient
— Able to follow defined protocols
— Calm with good common sense

Desirable Qualifications:
• Carpentry and fix-it skills, equipment repairs, troubleshooting, etc.
• Data base entry experience
• College degree(s) in field related to Gorilla Foundation mission
• Practice of self-observation as a tool for growth
• Free of compulsive thinking

Special Requirements:
• We are focusing on candidates who live in the Peninsula or Silicon Valley region of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Please note: This is a drug and smoking-free environment; background checks are a part of the hiring process.

Contact Us:
To be considered for an interview, please send cover letter (including directed personal statement), resume, salary requirements and contact information for three professional references to:

   jobs_monitor@koko.org

Please do NOT send attachments; paste everything into email body.

The Gorilla Foundation is a smoke-free and drug-free environment. Åll applicants will be subject to a criminal background check and vertification that they are free of wildlife violations.

Job 2:   Gorilla Caregiver / Research Assistant


The Gorilla Foundation, home of Project Koko, the interspecies communication study, is seeking a highly alert, intelligent and responsible person to serve as a gorilla caregiver and research assistant. Responsibilities include performing gorilla enrichment, nutrition, and husbandry duties, as well as participating in behavioral research projects, including sign language communication.

Great opportunity for a dedicated, centered, and enlightened individual who is cultivating loving-kindness for all life forms and who wishes to make a contribution to saving, caring for and learning from the great apes. This is a full-time position from 8:30 AM-5:30 PM. Flexibility required, including the ability to work weekends and some evenings (12:30-9:30pm).

For those with management experience, see “Management Opportunity” below.

Major Responsibilities
• Prepare and deliver meals
• Monitor the health and well-being of gorillas through behavioral observations and biological samples
• Gather and analyze behavioral, communication and medical data
• Prepare and implement environmental enrichment
• Clean and perform general maintenance in gorilla facilities
• Support communication-based research with gorillas (via American Sign Language and natural gorilla gestures)
• Collaborate with research and business staff on Foundation-related projects

Minimum Qualifications
• 3 years of full-time, paid work experience ­ preferably in animal care
• College degree(s) in a relevant field such as: animal behavior, anthropology, biology, ethology, linguistics, primatology, psychology, or zoology
• Affinity for animals, reflected in experience, volunteerism, etc.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent employment history (on time, responsible, etc.)
• Commitment to learn American Sign Language at an accelerated pace (must pass an ASL proficiency test within 3 months of hire)
• Computer literate (Mac and/or PC)
• Superior Work Ethic:
-- Ability to give focused attention to the task at hand (presence)
-- Service oriented and self motivated
-- Positive attitude with sense of humor
-- Self reliant — able to learn by asking questions
-- Self-assured — able to advance by acknowledging mistakes
-- Well organized / efficient
-- Able to follow defined protocols
-- Calm with good common sense

Desirable Qualifications
• Experience performing observational research and publishing results
• Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and/or Linguistics
• Veterinary Technician/EMT experience or training
• Practice of self-observation as a tool for growth
• Free of compulsive thinking

Special Requirements:
• Desire to make a long-term commitment— the gorillas value long-term relationships
• An initial evaluation period to establish compatibility with the gorillas
• Must be able to work full-time (40 hrs/wk) including weekends, holidays, and possibly evening shifts.
• We are focusing on candidates who live in the Peninsula or Silicon Valley region of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Please note: This is a drug and smoking-free environment; background checks are a part of the hiring process.

Compensation
• Salary range begins in the $30ks and is commensurate with experience.
• Benefits include health insurance, vacation, sick/personal leave, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

Management Opportunity
For candidates who satisfy the above requirements and also have at least 3 years of personnel management experience, there is an opportunity to advance from Caregiver to Caregiver Manager.

How to Apply
To be considered for an interview, please send cover letter (including directed personal statement), resume, salary requirements and contact information for 3 professional references to:

    jobs-care-tgf@koko.org

Please do NOT send attachments; paste everything into email body.

Job 3:   Lead Caregiver (Caregiver III)

The Gorilla Foundation, home of Project Koko, the interspecies communication study, is seeking a highly alert, intelligent and responsible person to serve as a lead gorilla caregiver. Responsibilities include performing and managing gorilla enrichment, nutrition, and husbandry duties, as well as participating in behavioral research projects, including sign language communication.

Great opportunity for a dedicated, centered, and enlightened individual who is cultivating loving-kindness for all life forms and who wishes to make a contribution to saving, caring for and learning from the great apes. This is a full-time position from 8:30 AM-5:30 PM. Flexibility required, including the ability to work weekends and some evenings (12:30-9:30pm).

Major Responsibilities
• Lead a team of caregivers in all aspects of husbandry in collaboration with the President and Director of Research
• Prepare and deliver meals
• Monitor the health and well-being of gorillas through behavioral observations and biological samples
• Gather and analyze behavioral, communication and medical data
• Prepare and implement environmental enrichment
• Clean and perform general maintenance in gorilla facilities
• Support communication-based research with gorillas (via American Sign Language and natural gorilla gestures)
• Collaborate with research and business staff on Foundation-related projects

Minimum Qualifications
• 4 years of full-time, paid work experience ­ preferably in animal care
• 3 years of full-time, paid supervisory or personnel management experience
• College degree(s) in a relevant field such as: animal behavior, anthropology, biology, ethology, linguistics, primatology, psychology, or zoology
• Affinity for animals, reflected in experience, volunteerism, etc.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent employment history (on time, responsible, etc.)
• Commitment to learn American Sign Language at an accelerated pace (must pass an ASL proficiency test within 3 months of hire)
• Computer literate (Mac and/or PC)
• Superior Work Ethic:
-- Ability to give focused attention to the task at hand (presence)
-- Service oriented and self motivated
-- Positive attitude with sense of humor
-- Self reliant — able to learn by asking questions
-- Self-assured — able to advance by acknowledging mistakes
-- Well organized / efficient
-- Able to follow defined protocols
-- Calm with good common sense

Desirable Qualifications
• Experience performing observational research and publishing results
• Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and/or Linguistics
• Veterinary Technician/EMT experience or training
• Practice of self-observation as a tool for growth
• Free of compulsive thinking

Special Requirements:
• Desire to make a long-term commitment— the gorillas value long-term relationships
• An initial evaluation period to establish compatibility with the gorillas
• Must be able to work full-time including weekends, holidays, and possibly evening shifts.
• We are focusing on candidates who live in the Peninsula or Silicon Valley region of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Please note: This is a drug and smoking-free environment; background checks are a part of the hiring process.

Compensation
• Salary range begins in the mid $30ks and is commensurate with experience.
• Benefits include health insurance, vacation, sick/personal leave, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

How to Apply
To be considered for an interview, please send cover letter (including directed personal statement), resume, salary requirements and contact information for 3 professional references to:

    jobs-caremgr-tgf@koko.org

Please do NOT send attachments; paste everything into email body.

Volunteer Position 1:   Assistant Gorilla Caregiver

The Gorilla Foundation, home of Project Koko, the interspecies communication study, is seeking outstanding volunteers to assist our dedicated gorilla caregiver staff, on either a part-time or more full-time basis, with ability to commit to one year or more of service

This volunteer position entails a flexible schedule of 4-8 hours per day, on 1-5 days per week.

Responsibilities:

Help prepare and deliver gorilla meals

Help clean and perform general maintenance of gorilla facilities

Help monitor the health and well being of the gorillas

Help prepare and implement enrichment for the gorillas

Learn basic ASL signs to assist with gorilla care

Qualifications:

Life experience with animals and their care

College degree

Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)

Attention to detail

Calm, good-humored, caring personality

Fast learner

Resonance with the Gorilla Foundation’s Mission (see Koko.org)

Special Requirements:

1-year commitment at either part- or full-time level

How to Apply:
Please send cover letter, resume and 3 references to:

      vol-care-tgf@koko.org

Please do NOT email attachments; paste everything into email body.

Meals are always exciting events throughout a gorilla's day, and Koko and Ndume are no exception. Eating a combined 24 pounds a day, there is a lot of food preparation involved before the gorillas can enjoy their meals. We are always interested in hearing from potential volunteers in the event that we have an open position.

Qualifications:
• Experience cooking and preparing meals
• Love of cooking
• Knowledgable of vegetables and fruits
• Can sort, wash, and cook produce thoroughly and efficiently
• Love gorillas, dogs, and cats
• Are happy to put up with the heat of summer and the cold and rain of winter

Requirements:
• Minimum commitment of one year
• Complete an initial volunteer period in the Business Office
• Are available one day a week from 8:30am to 12:30pm
• Provide a copy of a negative TB test annually
• Provide a copy of a flu shot report/receipt annually
• Must be at least 18 years old

Because the gorillas are very sensitive to any change in their environment, especially new people, we ask that volunteers make a long-term commitment. If you are willing to commit to a regular volunteer schedule, we would be happy to keep your application on file in the event that we have an open position. To find out more about the position and how to apply, tell us a little about your self and your interest in the position in an email to volunteer@Koko.org.

Please note that we do NOT have any volunteer opportunities that involve direct contact with the gorillas.

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Volunteer Position 2:   Assistant Gorilla Caregiver

The Gorilla Foundation, home of Project Koko, the interspecies communication study, is seeking outstanding volunteers to assist our dedicated gorilla caregiver staff, on either a part-time or more full-time basis, with ability to commit to one year or more of service

This volunteer position entails a flexible schedule of 4-8 hours per day, on 1-5 days per week.

Responsibilities:

Help prepare and deliver gorilla meals

Help clean and perform general maintenance of gorilla facilities

Help monitor the health and well being of the gorillas

Help prepare and implement enrichment for the gorillas

Learn basic ASL signs to assist with gorilla care

Qualifications:

Life experience with animals and their care

College degree

Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)

Attention to detail

Calm, good-humored, caring personality

Fast learner

Resonance with the Gorilla Foundation’s Mission (see Koko.org)

Special Requirements:

1-year commitment at either part- or full-time level

How to Apply:
Please send cover letter, resume and 3 references to:

      vol-care-crg@koko.org

Please do NOT email attachments; paste everything into email body.

Volunteer Position 4: Web Volunteer for Koko.Org

We need the assistance of an experienced web developer who is an expert with some or all of the following technologies:
1) php
2) mysql
3) javascript
4) Flash

If you're a good communicator who is focused, energetic and able to commit at least 2-3 hours per week, remotely, but on a regular basis, please email your resume, with sample web links, to:

volunteer_web@Koko.org