PT Kitchen Assistant

About the Role

Do you take pride in organized, meaningful work and want to support exceptional animal care? Project Chimps is seeking a part time Kitchen Assistant to help prepare daily meals and enrichment for resident chimpanzees. You will follow care-team menus, keep the kitchen clean and well stocked, monitor inventory, and collaborate with husbandry staff and volunteers. This role reports to the Manager of Husbandry and may offer opportunities to move into full-time work as positions become available.

What You’ll Do

· Prepare daily chimpanzee diets and enrichment items accurately and on schedule.

· Follow approved menus and confirm substitutions with management.

· Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen that meets applicable USDA standards.

· Assist with weekly menu planning using seasonal and available produce.

· Monitor food and supply levels and help ensure timely ordering.

· Follow safety procedures and contribute ideas for practical improvements.

· Work respectfully and professionally with staff members and volunteers.

What You Bring

· You are at least 18 years old.

· You can follow detailed instructions, adapt to changing priorities, and use sound judgment.

· You work safely and efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

· You communicate clearly and can speak, write, and understand English sufficiently for workplace safety and emergency response.

· You are comfortable working near chimpanzees. They are intelligent, loud, and potentially dangerous great apes; direct physical contact is not permitted.

Physical and Work Requirements

· Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and complete strenuous physical work.

· Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and to reach, bend, kneel, crawl, and run as needed.

· Ability to work outdoors in temperatures from approximately 15°F to 110°F and in wind, rain, hail, and intense sunlight.

· Comfort working around strong natural odors, animal waste, and moderate noise.

· Ability to meet required medical screening and vaccination requirements.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $17.53 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person