CIKANANGA WILDLIFE CENTER JOB VACANCIES 2026
ANIMAL WELFARE MANAGER
Cikananga Wildlife Center (CWC – Yayasan Cikananga Konservasi Terpadu) is seeking a passionate Animal Welfare Manager to join our dedicated team in Sukabumi Regency, West Java, Indonesia. CWC is a non-profit organization committed to the conservation of Indonesian wildlife and operates two main animal programs: the Cikananga Wildlife Rescue Center (PPSC) and the Cikananga Conservation Breeding Center (CCBC).
This position focuses on PPSC, which currently cares for around 250 animals from 57 species. PPSC primarily receives animals confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade by the Indonesian Forestry Ministry. Many arrive in poor condition and require medical care and rehabilitation. Animals are then assessed for rehabilitation, release, or transfer to other institutions. This is a challenging but highly rewarding role for a motivated individual who wants to make a meaningful contribution to animal welfare and conservation.
JOB DESCRIPTION ANIMAL WELFARE MANAGER
The Animal Welfare Manager is a senior management role contributing to the oversight and coordination of PPSC operations. Reporting directly to the Directorate of Yayasan Cikananga Konservasi Terpadu (YCKT), the role holder works in close collaboration with Animal Keepers, Veterinarians, the Volunteer and Enrichment Coordinators, and Senior Management Team personnel. The role supports long-term strategic planning of the wildlife rescue center and associated foundation activities. Key components include the continuous improvement of animal welfare standards, animal husbandry, facilities and staff development. This role additionally plays a central part in shaping rehabilitation and animal exit strategies, in close collaboration with the animal husbandry and in situ conservation teams, to support the design and implementation of conservation programs.
KEY ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This includes, but is not limited to:
Supervisory:
- Supervise and support the Animal Keeper team to ensure the highest standards of animal care, welfare, rehabilitation procedures, and biosecurity are consistently maintained, regularly reviewed, and effectively implemented in line with current international best practices.
- Supervise the intake and care procedures for newly arrived animals, including quarantine management, housing arrangements, dietary planning, and the implementation of appropriate care and welfare protocols.
- Supervise or oversee facility improvements.
- Supervise and support the Enrichment Coordinator in the implementation and daily management of the full-time enrichment program.
- Ensure the enrichment program is regularly evaluated and continuously improved.
- Supervise and support the Volunteer Coordinator in managing interns and volunteers, with an emphasis on animal-related projects and ensuring animal welfare.
- Support and guide staff through clearly established and effective work structures, defined task allocations, and efficient communication channels to promote teamwork and operational effectiveness.
- Provide guidance, support, and supervision to staff under your management (Animal Keepers, the Enrichment Coordinator, and the Volunteer Coordinator). This includes conducting regular team meetings, maintaining clear communication, monitoring progress and challenges, setting upcoming priorities, carrying out staff evaluations and performance reviews, and supporting and arranging staff development opportunities.
- Support, mentor, and train new employees as required, and assist in the recruitment and onboarding of new staff members. Participate in staff performance management processes, including disciplinary actions and termination procedures, when necessary, in coordination with and subject to approval from the Directorate.
Captive Husbandry:
- Oversee and contribute to all aspects of animal husbandry, including environmental, dietary, and enrichment programs, animal introductions and movements, and accurate animal record keeping.
- Conduct behavioural observations and animal welfare assessments to support best animal welfare practice, effective captive management, including monitoring health and behavioural conditions. Promptly report suspected illness or injury to the Veterinary team and collaborate with the relevant staff to develop and implement improvement plans for behavioural or welfare-related concerns.
- Collaborate closely with the Veterinary team in all aspects of hand-rearing rescued juveniles and orphaned animals across various taxa when required. Provide support in the intensive care of sick or injured animals requiring continuous or round-the-clock monitoring and care.
- Collaborate closely with the Conservation Manager, Animal Keeper team, and Veterinary team to improve, update, and develop rehabilitation protocols as required, and assist in conducting pre-release assessments to evaluate animal suitability prior to reintroduction into the wild.
- Design, organize, and implement modifications to, and construction of, enclosures in collaboration with the Senior Management Team and Directorate.
Administrative:
- Collaborate with external organizations to develop appropriate exit strategies for animals.
- Advise and communicate with the YCKT Directorate on the most appropriate exit strategies
for PPSC animals, following the Animal Exit Strategy Scoring System, while ensuring all
actions comply with national legislation, CITES guidelines, IUCN recommendations, and
international animal welfare standards. - Develop, recommend, implement, and regularly update protocols, standards, and guidelines
related to animal husbandry, welfare, rehabilitation, and biosecurity to ensure continuous
improvement and compliance with international standards. - Maintain accurate and up-to-date animal records and databases, including but not limited to
Data Satwa, Biodata records, animal exit strategy documents, and ZIMS. - Assist in the production of reports for relevant government departments, YCKT Core Partners,
and other supporters. - Assist in the production of budgets, proposals, and manage the allocated budget for PPSC.
- Work closely with the Directorate and Senior Management Team on strategising,
overcoming challenges and identifying opportunities related to the wider foundation (YCKT). - Assist the Education team in organizing and implementing elements of the education and eco-tourism program, including on-site planning and supervision.
- Assist in the development and production of social media and press content as required to support organizational communication and public awareness initiatives.
- Support the implementation and enforcement of center regulations, as well as health, safety, and security measures, to ensure a safe and compliant working environment for staff,
volunteers, visitors, and animals. - When required, attend meetings, conferences and summits to raise the profile of PPSC and represent YCKT.
KEY PERSONAL QUALITIES FOR SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE
- We’re seeking someone who brings:
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Clear and confident communication
- A collaborative mindset that is open to input from others perspectives
- Adaptable and not easily overwhelmed by dynamic situations
- Physically fit, energetic and able to work in a hot and humid climate
- Willingness to help where required on aspects that may fall outside of the job description
- Motivation to learn and grow
REQUIREMENTS
- A degree in zoology, biology and conservation, animal behavior or a related field; or equivalent proven work experience.
- Proven experience working with a variety of species in a zoo, rescue center or similar environment.
- A strong interest in animal welfare and conservation, guided by high ethical standards and responsible animal management.
- Excellent administrative and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of wildlife and habitat conservation, particularly relating to Southeast Asian conservation issues.
- Understanding of Indonesian regulations regarding wildlife rescue and conservation is advantageous.
- Good command of the English language (spoken and written); Indonesian language is an advantage.
- Flexibility and the ability to cope with a heavy workload, including weekend work and possible nightshifts, and to multitask in a demanding environment.
- Ability to live and work under simple conditions in a rural area. Previous experience living and/or working in low- and middle-income countries and/or tropical climates is an advantage.
- Strong teamwork skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.
CONTRACT DETAILS
- Full time position based at Cikananga Wildlife Center, West Java, Indonesia.
- Preferred start date: as soon as possible.
CONDITIONS
- Housing: Shared house with private room provided. Located in Cikananga.
- Work schedule: 07.00 – 11.30 and 13.00 – 16.00. Six days per week, with flexibility as required and on-call availability for emergencies.
- Probation period: Three-month probation period. After the probation period, either party can choose to continue or terminate the employment without providing any specific reason.
- Salary: From IDR 4.000.000 up to IDR 6.000.000. per month depending on experience (Salary is reduced by 20% during the probation period); Visa costs, and once-a-year a flight ticket will be covered.
HOW TO APPLY
Does this sound like your dream job? If you are passionate about helping us conserve and rescue wildlife, please send your CV and cover letter to jessie.vonk@cikananga.org, cc: admin@cikananga.org please include ‘’Animal Welfare Manager_Your name’’ in the email subject line.
Suitable candidates will initially be contacted for an online interview. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Application Deadline: 15th June 2026