Primate Care & Enrichment Specialist

indianapoliszoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a Primate Keeper to join the Primates team. You will care for chimpanzees, orangutans, baboons, gibbons, macaques, and tamarins, performing daily husbandry, enrichment, and behavioral observation with positive reinforcement training.

Responsibilities include developing area chats, feeds, tours, and maintaining records while upholding safety and animal welfare standards. Weekend/holiday overtime is required; prior zoological experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in animal care or related field; zoological experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Zoology, Animal Psychology, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates patience, gentleness, respect, and consistency with animals in their care.
• Assist with area chats, feeds, demonstrations and behind the scenes tours.
• Complete daily husbandry tasks and recordkeeping.
• Respond to animal, visitor, and staff safety and security situations.
• Assist with exhibit modifications and repairs; experience with tools is desirable.
• Move items with the ability to lift up to 100 pounds occasionally and 50 pounds frequently.
• Assist with training and directing volunteers, interns, and seasonal staff as assigned.
• Ascend/descend ladders, steps and uneven terrain and operate a scissor lift as needed.
• Communicate effectively using two-way radio and telephone.

Skills

Observational skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences/Zoology/Animal Psychology

Tools

Outlook

ZIMS

Word

Excel

Job description

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a Primate Keeper to join the Primates team. You will care for chimpanzees, orangutans, baboons, gibbons, macaques, and tamarins, performing daily husbandry, enrichment, and behavioral observation with positive reinforcement training.

Responsibilities include developing area chats, feeds, tours, and maintaining records while upholding safety and animal welfare standards. Weekend/holiday overtime is required; prior zoological experience is preferred.