Senior Zoologist - Apes​/Primates

Senior Zoologist - Great Apes/Primates

JOB SUMMARY

This is a senior-level position in animal care, following established protocols to provide outstanding animal care for species in the section: food preparation, feeding, exhibit maintenance, pest control, and reproductive management. Zoologists participate in operant conditioning and husbandry programs, provide approved environmental enrichment, work collaboratively to improve animal exhibits, and prepare and conduct educational presentations and tours for zoo. Senior Zoologists may act as team leaders on specific projects, as assigned, and provide crucial guidance and training to less senior staff.

The Primate team cares for a wide array of small-to-large primates, ranging from emperor tamarins to two great ape species (gorillas and chimpanzees). Animal care staff on this team have a strong understanding of both natural and individual behaviors of each primate species and incorporate that information into outstanding animal welfare at all levels, including but not limited to training and enrichment.

• Provide overall daily care of assigned animals and exhibits to ensure animal health, safety, and welfare, staff and public safety as set forth by AZA, USDA, and DZM to include:
  Observe and monitor animals’ general health and behavior, reporting any abnormal behavior to manager and/or veterinary staff;
  Prepare and provide food for assigned animals, following written instructions, provide water and administer medication as instructed to ensure proper nutrition and health;
  Clean animal exhibits, holding pens, food prep areas, and equipment, maintaining a high level of sanitation, conducting pest control activities and reporting any mechanical defects that would endanger the animal, zoo staff, and/or guests;
  Achieve the highest standards of animal welfare and wellness by providing environmental enrichment and training sessions, using operant conditioning, as applicable;
  Participate in or assist with the capture and restraint of a variety of taxa including dangerous species;
  Prepare and update animal records, reports and surveys, assisting in research projects as necessary to ensure thorough documentation and enhanced knowledge of animal biology;
  Perform general maintenance and repair of exhibits: painting, repairing fences and shelters, abating erosion, planting ground cover and removing weeds;
  Provide assistance with animal transfers and/or procedures as directed;
  Interact positively and professionally with animal care and veterinary staff and volunteers;
  Actively encourage interest in wildlife through positive interaction with zoo guests via educational presentations focused on animals, biology, conservation, and environmental issues;
  Utilize the enrichment item/device proposal form to create new enrichment ideas and items to be added to taxa repertoires and properly record the results of enrichment items after each use;
  Collaborate with other zoo personnel as needed to meet the zoo’s mission. This can include, but is not limited to, assisting and participating in media events, special tours, and public relations projects;
  Participate in and support zoo-wide initiatives, committees, and work groups;
  Understand and support Dallas Zoo’s Strategic and Master Plans and departmental collection plans;
  Study specific reference materials pertinent to animal care, behavior and natural history as assigned;
  Follow all safety protocols and understand the animal keeper's role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required;
  Be able to supervise and train volunteers and interns within department as needed; eligible to act as an assigned mentor to interns and volunteers responsible for counseling, coaching, and ensuring follow up on assigned intern/volunteer goals;
  Assist with the beautification of our park by removing trash and debris whenever you see it;
  Assist with and raise awareness for AZA SAFE programs;
  Eligible to serve in Chair positions on Dallas Zoo Management internal committees;
  Perform other duties as assigned.

• Associate’s degree in an animal science, biology, or related…