Employment at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary

Make a Difference. Build a Career That Saves Lives.

At Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary (JFPS), every day is an opportunity to change the lives of New World monkeys released from research, relinquished from the pet trade, state and federal confiscations, and rescued from other harmful environments. Our team is driven by compassion, respect, and the unwavering belief that every monkey deserves safety, dignity, and the freedom to live as naturally as possible.

If you aren’t afraid of hard work, thrive in a mission-driven setting, and want a career that truly matters, we invite you to explore employment opportunities at Jungle Friends and Do Something Amazing. 

Why Work at Jungle Friends?  A Mission That Matters
Your work directly contributes to the health, happiness, and lifelong care of nearly 200 monkeys living in our “Almost Wild” habitats.

A Team Built on Compassion
Prior primate experience is helpful, but not required. What matters most is dedication, integrity, and a willingness to learn.

Unique Sanctuary Environment
Our Gainesville, Florida sanctuary offers a rare chance to work closely with rescued monkeys in a natural, enriching setting unlike any traditional animal-care facility. 

Values-Driven Workplace at Jungle Friends
At Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary, our work culture is shaped by compassion, respect, integrity, and the belief that every being deserves dignity. These core values guide how we care for the monkeys — and how we care for one another. Every team member plays a vital role in creating a safe, ethical, and uplifting environment.

Compassion & Non-Violence
We maintain a vegan workplace that reflects our commitment to non-violence. No cooking, consuming, or storing animal products is permitted on-site. This practice aligns with our mission to protect animals and reduce harm in all forms.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Jungle Friends is a diverse community, and we believe our differences strengthen both our mission and our team. We actively welcome people of all backgrounds, including diverse races, ethnicities, cultures, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, and life experiences. Every staff member contributes unique strengths, and we value a workplace where all voices are respected.

Health, Safety & Well-Being
The sanctuary is a smoke-free environment, and we require adherence to strict safety protocols to protect both humans and monkeys. Emotional maturity, calm decision-making, and respect for all living beings are essential to maintaining a safe sanctuary.

Community & Commitment to the Mission
Some positions include on-site housing, supporting a collaborative, mission-centered lifestyle. Team members who live on the sanctuary grounds share a deeper connection to the rhythms of daily care and the responsibility of protecting our monkeys around the clock.

Active, Outdoor, Purpose-Driven Work
Working at Jungle Friends means being outdoors, engaging in physical, hands-on tasks, and responding to the needs of nearly 200 monkeys who depend on us. The work can be demanding, but it is incredibly fulfilling. Every cleaned habitat, prepared diet, repaired section of runway, and enrichment activity directly improves a monkey’s quality of life. 

Current Career Opportunities 

We hire year-round as positions become available. Below are the primary roles at Jungle Friends. Each includes the heart of the job and expectations so applicants can understand the work and commitment involved. 

On-Site Area Managers (needed for our squirrel monkeys and our capuchin & spider monkeys' areas)

Responsible for the daily care and wellbeing of our monkey residents, plus oversight of caregiving staff. Duties include habitat cleaning and maintenance, food preparation and delivery, monitoring health and behavior, assisting in medical procedures, enrichment and socialization planning, habitat construction and repair, grounds care, and maintaining records. Work is physically demanding and conducted in all weather conditions. Must have 3 years of animal experience and 5 years experience in management.

Full-Time Monkey Caregiver
Provides hands-on care for our monkey residents through habitat cleaning, diet preparation and serving, health monitoring, special-needs care, enrichment activities, and accurate record-keeping. Must be reliable, physically strong, detail-oriented, and comfortable working outdoors. A compassionate, steady temperament is essential for working around monkeys. Must have 3 years of animal experience.

Veterinary Technician
Works directly with the Veterinary Team and Veterinary Technician Manager to support routine and specialized care. Responsibilities include assisting with medical procedures, physical exams, treatment plans, medication administration, record-keeping, lab work, safe restraint when needed, and coordination of veterinary supplies. Must have 3 years animal experience in a veterinary hospital or nursing experience and be a certified vet tech, or willing to become certified.

All Care-giving roles include:

• Active, hands-on work and requires physical stamina. 
• Must be able to engage in daily physical tasks essential to animal care.
• Comfort with lifting, carrying, bending, climbing ladders, and working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Social Media Coordinator (Part-Time)

Transforms the spirit of Jungle Friends into compelling online content. Responsible for photography, video, storytelling, engagement strategies, social campaigns, and building measurable growth across platforms. Ideal candidates have strong writing skills, creativity, understanding of analytics, and passion for primate protection and animal welfare.

Director of Development
Leads fundraising initiatives and donor relations to support sanctuary operations. Oversees major gifts, planned giving, grants, campaigns, donor cultivation, events, and strategic development planning. Works closely with the Executive Director and staff. Bachelor’s degree and development experience required with a proven track record.

Office Manager
Ensures smooth office operations including scheduling, communications, document management, donor support, and administrative coordination. Requires excellent organizational skills, computer proficiency, and an ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Office Assistant
Supports the Office Manager and staff with administrative tasks such as correspondence, filing, data entry, donor follow-up, and general office support. Must be detail-focused, dependable, and comfortable in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.