At AAP (Animal Advocacy and Protection) we give shape to an ideal in a professional manner: to improve the welfare of abused or neglected exotic mammals from all over Europe. We advocate for better laws and are an internationally renowned expert. Our commitment demonstrably makes the difference.
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 them good forever homes in reserves or zoos.
In Almere we have 93 employees and more than 200 volunteers. We work in a spacious and modern location, in the middle of greenery near 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. Check out our website www.aap.eu and follow our stories on social media!
What are you going to do?
* You are responsible for the daily care of our chimpanzees.
* In practice your job will largely include cleaning, feeding, observing, providing behavioral enrichment and assisting in the rehabilitation of the animals.
* You will be guiding and training a number of volunteers and students.
* 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 department wide projects.
* You carry out easy maintenance work according to agreements and instructions.
* The team is international and self-coordinating. You will work closely with other animal caretakers, forming part of a team of 10 people.
* You will work according to standard (safety) procedures, protocols and a hands-off policy.
* The Team Leader of the department will manage you.
What do you bring?
* Affinity with the goals of AAP.
* An accredited Animal Care or animal related qualification (education level EQF3 or higher) is required.
* Minimum 1 year experience in working with primates in captivity is essential.
* An Article 12 or 13 Certificate (Law concerning Animal Experimentation in the Netherlands), which allows you to work with laboratory animals, is preferred.
* Good physical condition and ability to work under stress.
* Capable of working independently as well as being a good team player.
* Discipline to work according to protocols and work ethics.
* Good at taking initiative and capable of setting priorities.
* Prepared to share knowledge and information.
* Competent in English, both oral and written (English Common European Framework level B1).
* Prepared to work 1 weekend day per week and some public holidays.
* Capable of working with relevant computer software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc).
* Competencies for this job: Flexibility, accuracy, collaboration and planning and organization.
What do we offer?
* An opportunity to develop yourself in the field of animal care.
* An inspiring working environment situated in the green heart of Almere. Within easy reach of the cities Amsterdam and Utrecht.
* A position with social value and relevance, within an international company.
* A professional work place that encourages and supports dedication, accessibility and vigorousness.
* 32 hour contract for a year with the possibility for extension for 12 months and then possibly for an indefinite contract.
* Salary between € 2.656 and € 3.277 gross per month (fulltime) depending on relevant work experience, with room for growth within the function.
* 8% Holiday allowance on the gross annual salary.
* A Personal Benefit Budget of 3,5% of the gross annual salary.
* 24 days holiday per year (based on a full-time contract).
* A good and sustainable pension arrangement.
For more information or to apply directly?
Enthusiastic, but still have some questions? Please call Pieter Levelink, Team Leader Chimpanzee Complex on +31 (0)36 523 87 87. Please apply by using this link before 12 May 2026.
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.
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