Great Apes Lead Keeper

Gulf Breeze Zoo; Gulf Breeze (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gulf Breeze Zoo in Gulf Breeze, Florida, is seeking a Great Apes Lead Keeper to join the animal care team. This role leads the daily operations of the ape department, supervising Animal Care Specialists and ensuring top-notch husbandry and welfare for gorillas, orangutans, and other primates.

You will work with the Curator to implement goals, maintain records, and train staff while adhering to USDA, ZAA and OSHA standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum two years of professional zoological experience.
• At least three years of supervisory experience.
• Experience training or mentoring staff preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience with record keeping and modern zoological management practices.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications and safely operate departmental equipment.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to Animal Care Specialists within the assigned department.
• Oversee the daily care and management of assigned animal collections.
• Coordinate daily work assignments and ensure completion of all husbandry, exhibit maintenance and operational tasks.
• Monitor animal behavior and health, promptly communicating concerns to the Curator while assisting with medical treatments, preventative care and conditioning programs as needed.
• Ensure departmental compliance with all zoo policies, USDA regulations, ZAA standards, OSHA requirements and established safety procedures.
• Maintain accurate records including behavioral observations, inventories, maintenance requests and departmental communication logs.
• Train, mentor and develop Animal Care Specialists by providing daily coaching, constructive feedback and technical guidance.
• Monitor departmental supply inventories of equipment, feed, enrichment materials and husbandry supplies.
• Identify facility maintenance needs and coordinate repairs with the appropriate departments.
• Serve as the acting department supervisor during the Curator’s absence and communicate operational updates, concerns and recommendations to leadership.
• Participate in emergency response procedures, animal escapes, severe weather events and other emergency situations as required.
• Lead by example by maintaining a professional attitude, demonstrating exceptional husbandry skills and promoting continuous improvement throughout the department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Communication

Organization

Record keeping

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Zoology or related field

Two years zoological experience

Three years supervisory experience

Job description

Position: Full-Time The Gulf Breeze Zoo is seeking a Great Apes Lead Keeper to join the animal care team. This ZAA-Accredited facility is home to a diverse collection of animals, with the collection consisting of Nile and Pygmy hippos, white rhinos, giraffe, hoofed stock species, as well as gorillas, orangutans, myriad species of smaller primates, large cats and bears, petting area, and a wide assortment of birds and reptiles.

Description: The Animal Care Lead is responsible for the daily operation, supervision, and animal care standards of an assigned animal department within the Gulf Breeze Zoo. This position serves as the first-line supervisor for Animal Care Specialists, providing leadership and operational oversight while actively participating in daily husbandry and animal management.

The Animal Care Lead ensures that departmental operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established animal care standards. This position works closely with the assigned Curator to implement departmental goals, maintain animal welfare, and support staff development.

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to Animal Care Specialists within the assigned department
• Oversee the daily care and management of assigned animal collections
• Coordinate daily work assignments and ensure completion of all husbandry, exhibit maintenance and operational tasks
• Monitor animal behavior and health, promptly communicating concerns to the Curator while assisting with medical treatments, preventative care and conditioning programs as needed
• Ensure departmental compliance with all zoo policies, USDA regulations, ZAA standards, OSHA requirements and established safety procedures
• Maintain accurate records including behavioral observations, inventories, maintenance requests and departmental communication logs
• Train, mentor and develop Animal Care Specialists by providing daily coaching, constructive feedback and technical guidance
• Monitor departmental supply inventories of equipment, feed, enrichment materials and husbandry supplies
• Identify facility maintenance needs and coordinate repairs with the appropriate departments
• Serve as the acting department supervisor during the Curator’s absence and communicate operational updates, concerns and recommendations to leadership
• Participate in emergency response procedures, animal escapes, severe weather events and other emergency situations as required
• Lead by example by maintaining a professional attitude, demonstrating exceptional husbandry skills and promoting continuous improvement throughout the department
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum two years of professional zoological experience.
• At least three years of supervisory experience.
• Previous experience training or mentoring staff preferred
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Experience with record keeping and modern zoological management practices
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications and safely operate departmental equipment

Requirements:

• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Must be professional, in both demeanor and appearance
• 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 and a willingness to learn
• Must maintain a non-smoking/vaping work environment
• Must be able to work an 8-hour shift
• Weekend 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.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Work Location: Gulf Breeze, Florida. Relocate before starting work (Required)