Assistant Primate Keeper (Research Animal Resources)

The Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 21,215 - 32,029; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Baltimore is seeking an Assistant Primate Keeper to provide comprehensive care for a breeding colony of monkeys. Responsibilities include daily feeding, cleaning, and monitoring animal health. The ideal candidate must have a high school diploma, at least one year of experience, and the ability to lift 40 lbs. This position offers a full-time schedule with a starting salary range of $15.40 - $23.25 per hour, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• One year of work experience with animals or related field.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to work under various environmental conditions and use safety equipment.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care to primates, including feeding and cleaning.
• Monitor and report on the health and behavior of primates.
• Perform routine maintenance and inspections of facilities.

Skills

Animal care

Observational skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

We are seeking an Assistant Primate Keeper who will provide animal care for a breeding colony of group‑housed monkeys in an indoor/outdoor facility. Required training will be provided to new staff at all experience levels concerning safety, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for husbandry and care, animal behavior, and other related topics. This role assists the Animal Care Assistant Manager and/or Primate Keepers in the overall care of primates and maintenance of the facility.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in providing daily care to primates, including feeding, cleaning animal enclosures, and preparing and distributing enrichment.
• Clean indoor and outdoor animal enclosures and other associated areas, ensuring safe use of cleaning solutions and sufficient disinfection of surfaces according to facility SOPs.
• Perform routine enclosure maintenance, including raking, minor repairs, and other routine maintenance activities.
• Complete daily census of animals.
• Observe and report on the physical condition and health of animals.
• Monitor and report on animal behavior and social interactions.
• Inspect facilities and animal enclosure elements to ensure safety and security.
• Shift, capture, restrain animals as needed.
• Provide daily occupational environmental enrichments and inspect, clean, and replace physical enrichments.
• Perform routine maintenance and make minor repairs to equipment and facilities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and SOPs.
• Maintain records, inventory, and other information.
• Assist with receiving and shipping non‑human primates.
• Other duties as assigned.
• This role will never be required to work at the facility alone and must always report daily to the Animal Care Assistant Manager or their delegate.
• Able to work a rotating weekend and holiday schedule.

Specific Physical Requirements For The Job

• Ability to lift, carry or otherwise move and position objects and materials weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to work under environmental conditions that require the use of safety equipment.
• Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions, with frequent exposure to and contact with animals that can carry the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.
• Specialty Occupational Health requirements up to date and complete required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or graduation equivalent.
• One year of work experience.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with animals.
• Prior experience working in an outdoor setting.

Classified Title: Assistant Primate Keeper
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CB
Starting Salary Range: $15.40 - $23.25 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F / 7am-3:30pm
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: Research Animal Resources
Personnel area: University Administration