What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Professional - Primates position at Naples Zoo Inc?
About Naples Zoo:
At Naples Zoo, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care to our diverse collection of animals and offering our guests enriching educational experiences. Our team of passionate professionals is committed to animal welfare, conservation, and creating meaningful connections with wildlife.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Animal Care Professional to join our Primate team. This full-time position will be responsible for the daily care, feeding, enrichment, and training of primates, including orangutans, cotton-top tamarins, siamangs, black-handed spider monkeys, Guereza colobus, ring-tailed lemurs, collared lemurs, red ruffed lemurs, and mongoose lemurs. Under the direction of the Primate Field Supervisor, you will contribute to the welfare of these fascinating species and assist in enhancing our guests’ experiences through scheduled keeper talks, zoo camps, and potential media events.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide daily care for primates, including feeding, habitat maintenance, enrichment, and training.
- Assist in veterinary procedures and follow up with health assessments.
- Develop and implement operant conditioning/positive reinforcement training plans.
- Maintain daily records of animal care and behavior.
- Collaborate with other keepers in a team setting and work independently as needed.
- Interact with guests through keeper talks, educational programs, and potential media appearances.
- Ensure the cleanliness and safety of animal habitats.
- Adhere to all zoo policies, safety protocols, and industry standards.
Qualifications:
- Experience working with primates or similar species preferred, preferably in an AZA-accredited zoological facility.
- Proficiency in operant conditioning/positive reinforcement training.
- An Associate’s degree in zoological science, animal care, or a related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Ability to understand and interpret primate-specific behaviors.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
- Comfortable working in extreme weather conditions typical of South Florida.
- Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks, including operating landscaping equipment, climbing ladders, and working on uneven terrain.
- Capable of operating a canoe, single-engine pontoon boat, and riding a bicycle.
- Must be available to work weekends, weekdays, and holidays.
Work Environment:
- The majority of primates live in a unique open-air environment located on an island system within a lake. Keepers often spend extended periods of time on a motorized pontoon boat or in a canoe.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a passionate team dedicated to animal care, conservation, and education.
- Opportunity to work with a diverse collection of primates in a unique and beautiful setting.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- A chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of animals and the zoo community.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
Naples Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The ADA requires Naples Zoo to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with the Human Resources Office.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Naples Zoo is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company culture, and our team does not discriminate against candidates and employees because of their disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.
Employee Eligible Benefits & Employment Benefits
Medical, Dental & Vision Health Coverage
Company paid Life Insurance policy of $25,000
Supplemental insurance plans available (disability, GAP, accident, critical care)
403B Retirement and Investment Opportunities
Accrued Paid Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement Program available
Holiday Premium Pay
Employee Referral Bonuses
Complimentary Zoo admission for employees and/or their families after 90 days of employment
Complimentary and discounted admissions to 100 Florida theme parks for employee and/or their families
30% Employee Discount at Naples Zoo Gift Shop & Zoo cafes
Salary : $25,000
