Primates Keeper

Job Description

Job Description

The Indianapolis Zoo's Primates team is looking for a passionate keeper to join a team dedicated to exceptional animal care, meaningful guest experiences and conservation. In this role, you'll care for a diverse collection of chimpanzees, orangutans, baboons, gibbons, macaques, and tamarins while building relationships with animals through daily husbandry, enrichment, behavioral observation, and positive reinforcement training.

As a Primate Keeper, you'll be directly responsible for supporting the health and well-being of the animals in your care while working closely with the Primates team and following established animal care protocols. This position combines hands-on animal care with observation, training, enrichment, habitat maintenance, recordkeeping, and guest engagement. The ideal candidate is committed to advancing the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. Prior experience in the animal care profession, preferably a zoological setting, is required. Prior experience working with Primates is highly desired. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position that requires availability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. Strong observational and communication skills (both verbal and written), as well as a team-oriented attitude are essential.

Key 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. Previous experience with tools is desirable.
• Ability to transport and move items, exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
• Assist with training and directing volunteers, interns, and seasonal staff as assigned.
• Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium to perform various jobs.
• Ability to work comfortably at heights and operate a scissor lift as necessary.
• Ability to detect, assess, identify, and observe surroundings to make sound judgments, along with the ability to communicate verbally, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio and telephone.

What We're Looking For

• At least one (1) year of experience in animal care or a related field; zoological experience is preferred.
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Life Sciences, Zoology, Animal Psychology, or a related field.
• Intermediate proficiency with Outlook, ZIMS, and Word, and beginner proficiency with Excel.
• Valid driver's license and driving record that is insurable by our carrier.

At the Indianapolis Zoo, your work goes beyond daily animal care. You'll be part of a team working to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world while creating meaningful experiences for guests while providing exceptional care for animals and supporting conservation efforts.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.