Great Ape Keeper

Gulf Breeze Zoo; Gulf Breeze (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance including vision and dental

Paid sick/vacation time

401k options

Job summary

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is seeking a motivated Great Ape Keeper to work with gorillas, orangutans, and lemurs. Responsibilities include animal care, training, and maintaining accurate records. Candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in an animal-related field and experience working with primates.

This position requires physical fitness, the ability to lift heavy weights, and compliance with workplace standards including a non-smoking environment. Competitive salary and benefits including insurance and 401k options are offered.

Qualifications

• 6 months – 1 year experience working with primates, lesser apes and/or great apes.
• Must be physically fit and able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and welfare for assigned animals.
• Observe animals for behavioral and health issues.
• Prepare and distribute animal enrichment.
• Assist veterinary staff in medical procedures.

Skills

Animal care

Positive reinforcement training

Record keeping

Physical fitness

Education

Bachelor's degree in an animal relevant field

Job description

Description: The Gulf Breeze Zoo is looking for motivated individuals to join the Great Ape team. Great Ape Keepers work with gorillas, orangutans, and ring-tailed lemurs. Daily tasks include animal care, training, behavioral enrichment, assist with medical needs, records and help with habitat maintenance.

Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide for the care and welfare (husbandry) of assigned animals in the department, such as following prescribed diets and feeding procedures and protocols for cleaning/disinfecting of animal enclosures and holding areas.
• Observe animals in the department daily for reproductive behavior, abnormal behavior, compatibility issues, or potential health problems, reporting these to the supervisor(s).
• Prepare, distribute, and keep records of animal enrichment as outlined by the enrichment protocol.
• Keep track of quarterly deworming program and draw up medications for each section and ensure animals are being dewormed properly
• Train animals using positive reinforcement, with the supervision of an experienced trainer.
• Maintain daily reports, logs, research, medical and reproductive records and work orders.
• Provide assistance to the veterinary staff by administering medications as prescribed and participating in related medical procedures as requested.

Education and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in an animal relevant field is strongly desired.
• Preferred applicants will have 6 months – 1 year experience working with primates, lesser apes and/or great apes.

Prerequisites:

• Must be able to complete daily tasks in a timely fashion with minimal supervision once trained and keep accurate daily records.
• Must be physically fit and active, able to lift 50 pounds comfortably and be able to work in all types of weather.
• Must possess a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a valid driver’s license.
• Must maintain a non-smoking/vaping work environment.
• Weekends and holidays are required.

Compensation and Benefits

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is a Drug-Free and Smoke-Free work environment. Competitive salary, insurance including vision and dental coverage, paid sick/vacation time and 401k options available.

Work Location: Gulf Breeze, FL 32563: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for two references to the Gulf Breeze Zoo Assistant Curator.