Primates Keeper

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Idaho Falls Zoo is seeking a full-time Zoo Keeper responsible for the daily care and enrichment of various animals, ensuring the well-being of the zoo's collection and enhancing guest experiences. The role requires strong commitment, specific qualifications in animal care, and the ability to work with multiple species, particularly primates.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a 4-year college with a degree in Zoology, Biology, or related field.
• Three years of experience in captive wildlife care.
• Ability to lift/carry/push/pull up to 75 lbs unassisted.

Responsibilities

• Daily care, feeding, and enrichment of animals.
• Maintain cleanliness of animal enclosures.
• Interact with Zoo guests and answer questions.

Skills

Animal care

Communication

Training and conditioning

Education

Degree in Zoology, Biology, or Animal Behavior

Training in First Aid and CPR

Tools

Firearms

Tranquilizers

Job description

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners, and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings.

How to post a job

Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center.

Idaho Falls Zoo

The City of Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park is currently seeking a skilled and energetic individual to join the Animal Care team and is accepting applications for a full-time Zoo Keeper. This position is responsible for the daily care, feeding, and enrichment of animals in the assigned collection or section. Duties include maintaining cleanliness of animal enclosures, ensuring Zoo policies and protocols are followed, and interacting with Zoo guests to answer questions, provide animal information, and ensure an excellent guest experience. This position will serve as the lead primate keeper within the zoo. The current collection includes gibbons, guenons, lemurs, colobus, tamarins, and other smaller mammals and birds. The position will primarily be assigned to a specific section of the Zoo but may be reassigned or requested to work in other sections as needed at the discretion of the General Curator.

Essential Functions:

• Monitor health and behavior of all animals within assigned area daily.
• Prepare animal feed and feed animals according to specified diets.
• Clean and disinfect animal enclosures and exhibits.
• Prepare exhibits to present animals in natural settings, including props, location of feeding stations, and lighting. Provide input on exhibit design or modifications.
• Inspect exhibits daily for condition and safety; perform minor maintenance as needed. Follow all safety and security protocols.
• Under veterinarian supervision, administer medications to animals.
• Develop and implement enrichment activities for different species; train and condition animals to improve management and visitor education.
• Maintain detailed records on animal behavior, feeding, health, treatments, enrichment, and training.
• Assist in animal capture, restraint, and transportation.
• Participate in emergency drills; maintain proficiency with darting equipment and firearms; serve on firearms and emergency response teams.
• Monitor zoo facilities for safety; assist with maintenance projects.
• Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education and Experience: Graduation from a 4-year college with a degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Behavior, or related field; AND three (3) years of experience in captive wildlife care, preferably in an AZA institution; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Working knowledge of animal care, biology, behavior, operation of basic equipment, and safety protocols. Ability to follow instructions, perform physical labor, operate firearms and tranquilizers, communicate effectively, and develop good working relationships.

Additional Qualifications:

• Valid Idaho driver’s license or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to lift/carry/push/pull up to 75 lbs unassisted.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Maintain First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Complete training in firearms and chemical immobilization.
• Pass a criminal background check.

Preferred Attributes:

• Extensive experience with primates.
• Experience developing and providing animal enrichment.
• Experience with positive reinforcement training.
• Knowledge of USDA and AZA standards.

Physical activities involve walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, lifting, and exposure to weather and hazards from working with dangerous animals and equipment. Tasks require good sensory perception and creative problem-solving skills.

Salary: $19.51-$21.18 per hour

How to Apply

Apply on the City of Idaho Falls website using the provided link, including a cover letter and resume.