Key Skills

Job Description

For the Specialists Team, AAP is looking for a Behavioural and Research Specialist (32 hours). Would you enjoy using your analytical skills to support the Specialists Team to carry out their work? Are you methodical, independent and do you have excellent written communication skills? Then this may be the job for you. Within the cluster Rescue and Rehabilitation, the Specialists Team is responsible for the quality of the veterinary and behavioural rehabilitation of rescued animals in both Almere (the Netherlands) and Villena (Spain). The team currently consists of four veterinarians, four veterinary technicians, two behavioural biologists, and one behavioural assistant. The Specialists Team provides advice on behavioural and veterinary related topics and is involved in the rescue, rehabilitation, and outplacement of the animals. The team has an advisory and educational role towards management, the team leaders and animal care staff. As a Behavioural and Research employee you are responsible for supporting these processes within the department. What you will do: • You will get a challenging and unique position in AAP’s Specialist team, with members in Almere and Villena. • Support the Behavioural Biologists, who are responsible for the rehabilitation of animals rescued by AAP. • Coordinate the behavioural observation system. • Analyse behavioural data collected by both animal caretakers and students. • You are an advanced Excel user, you easily organize and analyse existing data, and you create reports, from which you quickly identify risks and opportunities. • You easily understand new systems and software, and you help others navigate said systems, troubleshooting whenever is necessary. You supervise students, including the reviewing of their study plans, reports, and presentations. • Participate in the preparation of (scientific) publications and treatment plans of animals. • Guide the animal caretakers in learning to observe animals or in initiating social introductions. • Prepare reports for the behavioural biologists and assist them where needed. What we offer! • A unique workplace in the green heart of Almere, within a short travelling distance of Amsterdam, Zwolle and Utrecht. • Work on site where AAP shelters animals. • A role with social relevance in an international working environment. • An inspiring and professional working environment that encourages dedication, accessibility and decisiveness. • Initial one-year contract, renewable and leading to a second year contract and possibly converted in a permanent contract, subject to mutual satisfaction. • A salary between €3.700 and €4.718 gross per month (based on 40 hours per week), depending on relevant work experience. • A Personal Benefit Budget of 11.5% of the gross annual salary. (Including holiday allowance) • A good and sustainable pension scheme. • A holiday entitlement of 24 days per year on a full-time basis. • Full reimbursement of public transport travel costs and a generous travel allowance for private transport. What are we looking for? • An affinity with the objectives of AAP. • HBO/WO (Academic or higher professional education) level of working and thinking. Completed studies in animal behaviour, animal management, biology or comparable education. • Preferably at least 2 to 3 years of relevant work experience. • Experienced at working with and analysing data sets (R Studio). • Experience with scientific writing, which is shown by publications that you authored or co-authored. • You are a master of Excel and Office in general and are excited to learn about new systems. • Good communication skills in Dutch and English. Strong analytical and social skills. • Objective, honest and independent, with a good sense of humour and empathy. • Professional and a practical, result-oriented attitude. Are you excited about the role, but don't match every requirement? Submit your cv anyway! For more info you can contact Team Manager Julie Fialova directly at [email protected]. Click on the application button to apply and upload your cv and motivation letter before November 30th. 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. About 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 advocating 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. The team in Almere consists of about a 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 centre are located on the same grounds as our rescued animals. Nowhere else can you see the result of your work so directly! Our team in Villena consists of about 24 employees and 16 volunteers. Our office and facility centre 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!

Core Responsibilities

Support behavioural biologists with animal rehabilitation, coordinate behavioural observations, and analyse data collected by animal caretakers and students. Supervise students, prepare reports and scientific publications, contribute to animal treatment plans, and guide caretakers in observation and social introductions.

Requirements

Applicants should have HBO/WO-level education in animal behaviour, animal management, biology, or a comparable field, preferably with 2–3 years of relevant experience. They should have experience analysing datasets using R Studio, scientific writing experience demonstrated through publications, advanced Excel and Office skills, and strong Dutch and English communication skills.

Benefits

• Personal Benefit Budget Of 11.5% Of Gross Annual Salary, Including Holiday Allowance
• Sustainable Pension Scheme
• 24 Days Of Annual Leave On A Full-Time Basis
• Full Reimbursement Of Public Transport Costs
• Travel Allowance For Private Transport