Mammal Keeper (Gorilla/Small Mammals)

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden; Riverbanks (SC, GA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in South Carolina is seeking a Mammal Keeper (Gorilla/Small Mammals) to join our animal care team. You will be responsible for the proper care of mammals in our collection, focusing on gorillas, small primates, small felids, and other small mammals.

The role reports to the Gorilla/Small Mammals Supervisor and Curator of Mammals, and involves enrichment, health monitoring with the Veterinary Team, and collaboration with Maintenance, Horticulture, Education, and Events.

Qualifications

• Associate degree (biology/zoology/wildlife management) or equivalent.
• 1–2 years’ experience with zoo/exotic animals in a professional setting.
• Experience with gorillas and other primates preferred.
• Must possess or qualify for a valid SC driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Conducts husbandry duties, including feeding animals, cleaning, maintaining, designing, and constructing exhibits.
• Monitors animal health with Veterinary Team and treats health concerns.
• Works cooperatively with Maintenance, Horticulture, Education, and Events.
• May participate in AZA, conservation, and other professional activities.
• Interacts with Riverbanks guests and cooperates within a team to provide top quality animal care.
• Maintains detailed behavioral, reproductive, and medical records and reports.
• Takes proper measures to ensure security of animal enclosures.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Behavior monitoring

Enrichment

Record keeping

Team collaboration

Safety compliance

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Biology

Zoology

Wildlife management

Job description

We are currently seeking a Mammal Keeper (Gorilla/Small Mammals) to join our team! In this role, you’ll be responsible for the proper care of mammals in Riverbanks’ animal collection. Works primarily with gorillas, various small primates, small felids, and other small mammals. This position reports directly to the Gorilla/Small Mammals Supervisor and Curator of Mammals.

Essential Functions:

• Conducts husbandry duties, according to departmental guidelines, including feeding animals, cleaning, maintaining, designing, and constructing exhibits.
• Works closely with the Veterinary Team to monitor health and treat animal health concerns.
• Works cooperatively with other departments including Maintenance, Horticulture, Education, and Events.
• May be involved in various AZA, conservation, and other professional activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Monitors animal behavior and provides enrichment and training.
• Maintains detailed behavioral, reproductive, and medical records and reports.
• Take proper measures to ensure the security of animal enclosures.
• Interacts with Riverbanks guests and cooperates within a team to provide top quality animal care.

Education and Experience: Associate degree, Bachelors preferred, in biology, zoology or wildlife management and one to two years’ experience working with zoo/exotic animals in a professional setting, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Experience working directly with gorillas and other primates preferred. Must possess or qualify for a valid SC driver's license.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about animal conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.