Primate Care & Enrichment Specialist

Indianapolis Zoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indianapolis Zoo's Primates team seeks a devoted Primate Keeper to care for chimpanzees, orangutans, baboons, gibbons, macaques and tamarins while building relationships with animals through daily husbandry, enrichment, behavioral observation and positive reinforcement training.

This full‑time position blends hands‑on animal care with observation, training, enrichment, habitat maintenance, recordkeeping and guest engagement.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in animal care or related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Zoology, Animal Psychology, or related field.
• Proficiency with Outlook, ZIMS, and Word; beginner with Excel.
• Valid driver's license and insurable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates patience, gentleness, respect, and consistency with animals in their care.
• Assists with developing and implementing area chats, feeds, demonstrations and behind the scenes tours.
• Completes daily husbandry tasks and recordkeeping.
• Respond appropriately to animal, visitor, and staff safety and security situations.
• Assists with exhibit modifications and repairs; experience with tools is desirable.
• Transport and move items, up to 100 pounds occasionally and 50 pounds frequently.
• Assist with training and directing volunteers, interns, and seasonal staff.

Skills

Observational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences

Tools

Outlook

ZIMS

Word

Excel

Job description

The Indianapolis Zoo's Primates team seeks a devoted Primate Keeper to care for chimpanzees, orangutans, baboons, gibbons, macaques and tamarins while building relationships with animals through daily husbandry, enrichment, behavioral observation and positive reinforcement training.

This full‑time position blends hands‑on animal care with observation, training, enrichment, habitat maintenance, recordkeeping and guest engagement.