From developing and implementing enrichment activities, to maintaining and caring for our Primates and their exhibits, to researching special projects, our Primates Keepers enjoy the challenging pace of caring for the members of our Ape and Forest departments! 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 Chimpanzees, Gibbons, Macaques, and Baboons with the potential for some cross training with Orangutans. 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. 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.

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. Must be comfortable working at heights.
• Must have the ability to learn how to use and operate a scissor lift.
• 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.

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.

To apply:

• Interested candidates must complete an online Zoo application by the May 31, 2023 application deadline.
• Interested candidates must include a resumé, cover letter, and salary requirements to be considered.
• Please note, the Zoo reserves the right to remove a job posting at any time, even prior to the application deadline stated above.

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