Head Keeper - Jungle Trails

Head Keeper – Jungle Trails Team

Full‑time (40 hours per week) Union keeper position. Subject to successful completion of a probationary trial period and deduction of union dues. Regular off‑days Monday‑Tuesday.

Schedule:

five 8‑hour days.

This leadership role supports the Jungle Trails Keeper Team. The position encompasses skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures, and related facilities in the Jungle Trails Department. Animals within the area include prosimians, monkeys, and apes.

• Union‑negotiated pay rates, starting at $32.75 per hour.
• Highly competitive benefits package: medical, dental, vision (starting first day of month following hire); free mental‑health counseling and coaching; 401(k) with match; flexible spending accounts; 200 PTO hours accrued over first year (80 loaded at hire); company‑paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes.
• Organizational culture highlighting core values:
  Collaborative Relationships;
  Pride, Passion, and a Sense of Ownership;
  Positivity & Energy;
  Accountability, Mutual Trust, and Respect;
  Progressive Thinking.
• Intentional professional development opportunities for animal care and people skills.

• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills with good judgment.
• Knowledge and experience in animal husbandry, operant conditioning, and modern zoological practices.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with coworkers, interns, students, and volunteers.
• Degree in biological sciences or related field.
• 3+ years primate husbandry experience in an AZA institution (preferred).
  
  Preferred experience:
  
  chimpanzees/bonobos with fission/fusion management; new‑world primates and mixed species habitat management.
• Operant conditioning experience with blood draw, cardiac ultrasound, and blood pressure behaviors for great apes.
• Critical thinking and innovation within the team.
• Knowledge of animal training theory and application.
• Leadership adaptability and emotional intelligence.
• Resilience and growth mindset; adaptability to changing departmental needs.
• Experience with outdoor habitat maintenance (preferred).

• Perform daily keeper assignments per area SOPs.
• Develop area schedules for the team.
• Support keeper staff with positive, developmental feedback.
• Maintain records of health, safety, enrichment, and operant conditioning programs.
• Identify area needs and submit work/purchase orders.
• Collaborate with nutritionist to adjust diets based on observations.
• Assist Zoological Manager and Curator with hiring and training of new personnel, interns, volunteers.
• Implement animal management strategies with health and curatorial staff.
• Make decisions aligned with core values.
• Foster communication, development, and team goals.
• Delegate tasks for professional development.
• Seek opportunities to improve animal welfare and job satisfaction.
• Maintain positive relationships with other departments.
• Encourage open communication and perspective sharing among team.
• Synthesize team interests into collective vision with management.
• Hold team accountable to SOPs, goals, and positive culture.
• Think holistically about short‑ and long‑term animal management plans.

Requires standing, walking, bending, climbing, balancing; lifting, grasping. Must negotiate stairs and ladders. May be exposed to zoonosis, chemicals, and outdoor weather conditions. Must lift 50 lb without mechanical assistance and possess a valid driver’s license (eligible to drive zoo vehicle).

Submit cover letter and résumé through the online application. Include required documents.