Facility

Indianapolis Zoo

Closing Date

Description

From developing and implementing enrichment activities, to maintaining and caring for our Primates and their exhibits, to researching special projects, our Primates Keepers are always on the go! The Indianapolis Zoo is currently on the hunt to add an experienced Primates Keeper to our troop! Don’t swing past this exciting opportunity!

The ideal candidate is committed to advancing the Zoo’s mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. This position will work primarily with Orangutans but has the potential to cross-train with Lemurs, Gibbons, Macaques, and Baboons. Prior experience in the animal care profession, preferably a zoological setting, is required, prior experience working with Great Apes is highly desired. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, position that requires availability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. A team-oriented personality that is temperamentally suited to work with animals is a requirement to be a Primates Keeper. Strong observational and communicative (both verbal and written) skills are a must.

The Indianapolis Zoo is proud to be a Drug-Free/ Smoke-Free/ Child Safe/ Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Work Environment.

Education and Pre-requisites

Working with Primates requires special skills set and strenuous physical responsibilities that include but are not limited to:

One (1) year of prior related work experience.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/ university in Life Sciences, Zoology, or a related field is required.
Willingness to develop relationships with primates by treating them as equal partners in the relationship.
Demonstrates patience, gentleness, respect, and consistency with animals in their care.
Assists with developing and implementing area chats, feeds, demonstrations and behind the scene tours.
Completes area daily and weekly duties, including reports.
Assists with research projects and exhibit modifications.
Displays a professional attitude and appearance to visitors, volunteers, and co-workers.
Physical strength and stamina with the ability to perform very heavy work, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
Ability to transport and move items, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium to perform various jobs.
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.
Valid driver’s license and driving record that is insurable by our carrier.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a criminal history and driving record check, and a drug test.

Compensation and benefits

The Indianapolis Zoo offers a competitive benefits package to all eligible (full-time/ 40 hr./ week) employees. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; 403(b) Retirement Plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Immediate Paid Holidays, and a complimentary Zoo membership for employees.

Application instructions

To apply:

Interested candidates must complete an online Zoo application on the Indianapolis Zoo’s website (https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/jobs-volunteer/available-positions/)by the March 23, 2021 application deadline.
Attach a resumé and cover letter to your application to increase your chances.