Lead Keeper, Great Apes & Primate Care

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

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.