Experienced Animal Caretaker (Almere, 3 positions in different teams, 32 hours/week)
- Almere, Netherlands
Experienced Animal Caretaker (Almere, 3 positions in different teams, 32 hours/week)
AAP Animal Advocacy and Protection is a European animal welfare organisation dedicated to the welfare of exotic animals. It is our mission to end their suffering by rescuing animals in need and advocate for better laws and regulations.
For AAP Almere, we are urgently looking for motivated and experienced Animal Caretakers for a position in three of our Animal Care Teams; Primates, Quarantine and the Chimpanzee. Each team is different and every position has it’s own characteristics. They do have in common that this role allows you to specialize in certain animal groups, to focus in depth and specialize in certain aspects of animal care. This vacancy allows you to express your preference for one of the teams. New year, new job? We invite you to apply!
The teams are:
Chimpanzee team (around 9 paid staff), consists of two sections:
1. A permanent lifetime-care unit for former laboratory chimpanzees that are infected with HIV, SIV and Hepatitis C. These aging chimpanzees are not sick but potentially infectious and therefore require special care;
2. A chimpanzee resocialization unit, temporary intensive care where newly arrived chimpanzees ae rehabilitated and learn to live in a group again. When the chimpanzees live in stable social groups, they will be outplaced to other permanent facilities.
What are you going to do?
• You are responsible for the daily care of the animals that your team cares for.
• Your job will largely include cleaning, feeding, observing, providing enrichment, assisting in the rehabilitation of the animals and guiding and training a number of volunteers and students.
• Depending on your team and you own interest and experience, you will be trained to perform social introductions, animal training and/ or veterinary care. You monitor food and water intake and the general behavior and health of the animals.
• Administrative tasks are part of your daily routine.
• You will be personally responsible for some team projects.
• You carry out easy maintenance work according to agreements and instructions.
• The team is partly self-coordinating. You will work closely with the other Animal Caretakers.
• You will be supervised by the Team Leader
What do we offer?
• An opportunity to develop yourself in the field of animal care and specialize in different aspects of animal care and/or behaviour.
• A position with social value and relevance within an international animal welfare organisation with animals and people at its heart.
• A challenging job with a lot of responsibility and development opportunities.
• A professional work place that encourages and supports dedication, accessibility and vigorousness.
• An inspiring working environment situated in the green heart of Almere. Within easy reach of the cities Amsterdam and Utrecht.
• A contract for 32 hours per week for 12 months with the possibility for a permanent contract after 2 years (2 contracts of 12 months).
• Your salary will be between € 2,536 and € 3,257 gross per month (based on 40 hours per week) dependent on relevant work experience, with room for growth within the function.
• 8% holiday allowance on the gross annual salary and a personal benefits budget of 2,75% of your gross salary.
• 24 vacation days per year on a full time basis.
• A good, sustainable pension arrangement.
What do you bring?
• Affinity with the goals of AAP.
• An accredited animal care or animal related qualification (MBO or education level EQF3 or higher) is required.
• Minimum of 1 year experience in working with any of our animal groups in captivity is needed.
• An Article 12 or 13 Certificate (Law concerning Animal Experimentation in the Netherlands), which allows you to work with laboratory animals, is highly appreciated for the work with former laboratory chimpanzees.
• Good physical condition and ability to work under stress.
• Prepared to work on weekend days and public holidays.
• Capable of working with relevant computer software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc).
• Competencies for this job: Flexibility, accuracy, initiative, collaboration, planning, and organisation.
• Capable of working independently as well as being a team player.
• Discipline to work with protocols and work ethics.
• Prepared to share knowledge and information.
• Competent in English (B1 level), both oral and written.
For more information or to apply directly
Enthusiastic, but still have some questions? Please call +31 (0)36 523 87 and, depending on your question, ask for:
• Pieter Levelink, Team Leader Chimpanzee team and All-round Caretaker Team
• Marianne Versloot, Team Leader Mammal Team, Central Kitchen and Quarantine
• Jon Klein Hofmeijer, Team Leader Primate Team.
Please apply by using the application button before 12 January 2026. Clearly state in your motivation letter for which team(s) you are applying.
A practical assignment can be part of the application process.
Please note that only people with the right to work within Europe will be considered for this application. In addition, the current housing shortage in The Netherlands, requires candidates to be able to provide a residential address where they are or can be officially registered to obtain a BSN number. AAP will not be able to facilitate housing for staff.
Why Stichting AAP?
AAP (Animal Advocacy and Protection) is a European animal welfare organization dedicated to the welfare of exotic animals. It is our mission to end their suffering by rescuing animals in need and advocate for better laws and regulations.
AAP operates two rescue and rehabilitation facilities, one in Almere (the Netherlands) and one in Villena (Spain). We rescue animals from illegal trade, circuses or private owners and help them recover both mentally and physically. When they are rehabilitated and ready to move on, we find a good place for them with one of our outplacement partners, such as a sanctuary or suitable zoo.
In Almere we have about 100 employees and more than 200 volunteers. We work in a spacious and modern location, in the middle of the green heart of Almere. Our office and facility center are located on the same grounds as our rescued animals. Nowhere else can you see the result of your work so directly!
In Villena we have 24 employees and 16 volunteers. Our office and facility center are located on the same grounds as our rescued animals. Nowhere else can you see the result of your work so directly!
Check out our website www.aap.eu and follow our stories on social media!