Curator of Primates

Indianapolis Zoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a Curator of Primates to lead care, management, and long-term planning of our primate collection. You will supervise Assistant Curators and animal care staff, ensuring high welfare, sound husbandry, and responsible population management.

Working with veterinary services, conservation, and research teams, you will advance species-appropriate care, coordinate introductions and breeding, and help guide the future direction of the primate program while upholding

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field; graduate degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of direct or related zoo/professional experience, including at least 4 years in personnel management.
• Experience with primates (chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, baboons, tamarins) preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development for Assistant Curators and animal care staff, establishing clear expectations and promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain direct accountability for the health, welfare, behavioral management, and husbandry standards of the primate collection.
• Oversee animal introductions, social group management, breeding recommendations, animal transfers, and collection planning in collaboration with appropriate partners.
• Develop, evaluate, and improve animal care practices, behavioral enrichment, training programs, and welfare assessment procedures.
• Collaborate with veterinary services on animal health, preventive care, treatment plans, cooperative medical training, and ongoing welfare assessments.
• Establish departmental goals, manage operating plans and budgets, and identify priorities for staffing, equipment, animal care, and facility improvements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, institutional policies, animal care standards, safety procedures, and documentation requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Decision making

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Graduate degree preferred

Job description

The Indianapolis Zoo is looking for a Curator of Primates to lead the care, management, and long-term planning of our primate collection. This position provides leadership and direction to animal care staff while maintaining direct accountability for animal welfare, husbandry, behavioral management, and collection health.

Working closely with veterinary services, conservation, research, facilities, and other Zoo teams, the Curator of Primates helps advance species-appropriate care, support responsible population management, and contribute to the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development for Assistant Curators and animal care staff, establishing clear expectations and promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain direct accountability for the health, welfare, behavioral management, and husbandry standards of the primate collection.
• Oversee animal introductions, social group management, breeding recommendations, animal transfers, and collection planning in collaboration with appropriate partners.
• Develop, evaluate, and improve animal care practices, behavioral enrichment, training programs, and welfare assessment procedures.
• Collaborate with veterinary services on animal health, preventive care, treatment plans, cooperative medical training, and ongoing welfare assessments.
• Establish departmental goals, manage operating plans and budgets, and identify priorities for staffing, equipment, animal care, and facility improvements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, institutional policies, animal care standards, safety procedures, and documentation requirements.

What We're Looking For

• A bachelor's degree in Biology or a related field from an accredited college or university. A graduate degree in a related field preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of direct or related experience in a zoo or similar professional setting, including at least four years of demonstrated personnel management.
• Experience working with primates, such as chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, baboons, or tamarins, preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to make sound decisions, manage competing priorities, and lead teams in a dynamic animal care environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external professional partners.
• The ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and overtime as needed, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Why Join Us?

At the Indianapolis Zoo, your work contributes to something bigger. Join a team dedicated to exceptional animal care, wildlife conservation and inspiring people to care for our world. As Curator of Primates, you'll have the opportunity to lead a talented animal care team, help shape the future of the primate collection, and make a meaningful impact on animal welfare and conservation.