Primate Care Keeper I/II — Enrichment & Public Programs

The Phoenix Zoo; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Phoenix Zoo is seeking Keeper I and Keeper II professionals to safeguard animal welfare and deliver engaging guest experiences in the Living Collections department. Responsibilities include daily husbandry, enrichment, training, and participation in health and safety protocols with a focus on primates.

Keeper I emphasizes introductory care, SOPs, and guest interaction, while Keeper II adds expanded diet oversight, health monitoring, reproduction program components, and staff training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or equivalent experience preferred.
• High school diploma required.
• Behavioral enrichment experience preferred.
• Minimum six months paid or one-year volunteer experience in work relevant to exotic animal husbandry.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test and TB test.

Responsibilities

• Provide quality guest service with a professional attitude.
• Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets; report health or behavioral abnormalities.
• Assist in developing protocols for restraint, introduction/breeding, and husbandry care.
• Perform enrichment activities and animal training procedures.
• Participate in non-routine health and husbandry activities; transports and medication of specimens.
• Respond to animal emergencies following approved protocols.
• Perform minor exhibit repairs and coordinate with maintenance.
• Collaborate with staff to support public experiences and events.
• Keeper II: advise on nutrition, assist veterinary staff, manage reproduction program components.
• Keeper II: monitor health, supervise SOPs, train new staff, maintain facilities, aging & safety tasks.
• Monitor the public for safety; initiate interactive guest programs.
• Support facility planning and cross-department communications for events.

Skills

Behavioral enrichment

Exotic animal husbandry

Lift up to 50 pounds

Driver's license

Background check / drug test

Team collaboration

Public guest engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Science

High school diploma

Volunteer / work experience in animal care

Job description

The Phoenix Zoo is seeking Keeper I and Keeper II professionals to safeguard animal welfare and deliver engaging guest experiences in the Living Collections department. Responsibilities include daily husbandry, enrichment, training, and participation in health and safety protocols with a focus on primates.

Keeper I emphasizes introductory care, SOPs, and guest interaction, while Keeper II adds expanded diet oversight, health monitoring, reproduction program components, and staff training.