Applications are sought from suitable individuals to fill the role of Animal Manager with Free the Bears in Vietnam.
Reporting to: Regional Animal Care Manager
About Free the Bears work in Vietnam
Working in close partnership with Cat Tien National Park (CTNP), Free the Bears is working towards the elimination of the illegal trade in bear bile through development and operation of Cat Tien Bear Sanctuary (CTBS) in order to house Asiatic black bears and sun bears rescued or rehomed from the bile farming industry and private ownership. The Cat Tien Bear Sanctuary is home to 44 rescued bears. A veterinary hospital was completed in 2019 and a Visitor Education Centre will become operational in 2026 in order to promote improved attitudes towards bears and support long-term sustainability of the sanctuary.
Job Description
The Animal Manager will work under Free the Bears’ Regional Animal Care Manager, based in Laos, to manage the team of bear keepers in Cat Tien to deliver high standards of care to the resident bears, working toward agreed-upon goals and objectives. Ideally the applicant will hold formal qualifications in animal husbandry, zoology, or similar subject, and have several years of relevant experience in animal management and people management. In addition, veterinary nursing or technical experience would be held in high regard.
The Animal Manager will be responsible for providing managerial oversight for the daily care and behavioural enrichment for large numbers of rescued bears. The Animal Manager will regularly brief the Vietnam Programme Manager and Free the Bears’ Regional team on sanctuary matters. Under the guidance of the Regional Animal Care Manager, the Animal Manager is responsible for setting daily work, and for the recruitment, training and performance management of the Animal Care Team in Cat Tien Bear Sanctuary. This position is also responsible for ensuring maintenance of sanctuary facilities and animal care equipment, ensuring that husbandry practices are developed and delivered to meet gold standard levels of care.
This is a full-time position (40 hours/week) based at Free the Bears’ Cat Tien Bear Sanctuary in Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai Province. The applicant should consider their ability to live and work in the remote area of Cat Tien National Park.
This role is subject to a 2-month probation period.
Experience
Essential
- Practical experience of working with captive wild animals.
- Strong communication, organization skills, and teamwork
- Strong, demonstrable management and leadership skills
- Vietnamese language proficiency (written and spoken), good command of English language
- Minimum 2-years’ experience working within an environmental government agency, NGO, zoo or similar wildlife field
- Demonstrated ability to assess, report and communicate on observations of animal behaviour, health and welfare
- Effective contribution to building and leading a positive team environment
- Flexibility, ability to multi-task and the ability to cope with changes in work priorities at short notice
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work autonomously, assess tasks and set priorities
- Proficient computer skills, with the use of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word and Teams
- Sound knowledge of the illegal wildlife trade and conservation issues
- Ability to work weekends and public holidays as required, with time off in lieu
Desirable
- Experience working with large carnivores, especially bears
- Experience working in close collaboration with government counterparts
- Ability to manage a budget and handle finances
- Car driver’s license, ability to ride a motorbike
- Working knowledge of Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS)
- Knowledge of and experience in using database record-keeping systems
Benefits and Terms
- Full-time two-year contract with potential to extend
- Competitive starting salary 17,500,000 – 23,000,000 VND net per month, based on qualifications and experience
- 3,000,0000VND/month accommodation allowance
- 13th Month salary according to Free the Bears policy
- Social & health insurance, unemployment insurance of the employee will be paid in accordance with the regulations on insurance after passing probation period
- Medical insurance
- Paid holidays (15 days Annual leave and National Holidays as prescribed in the labour code of Vietnam)
- Opportunities for international travel following probationary period
- A rare opportunity to develop new skills and improve existing skillsets in a unique and exciting environment
- Be part of an international organization driving change in the fields of wildlife conservation and animal welfare
Applications
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume here: https://freethebears.bamboohr.com/careers/46
Closing date for applications: 12th September 2026
Start Date: November 2026, or as soon after as possible.