Curator of Primates

Indianapolis Zoo • Indianapolis, IN

7d

About The Position

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a Curator of Primates to lead the care, management, and long-term planning of its primate collection. The position provides leadership and direction to animal care staff and maintains direct accountability for animal welfare, husbandry, behavioral management, and collection health.

The Curator works closely with veterinary services, conservation, research, facilities, and other Zoo teams to advance species-appropriate care, support responsible population management, and contribute to the Zoo’s mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for the world.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• At least 10 years of direct or related experience in a zoo or similar professional setting.
• At least four years of demonstrated personnel management experience.
• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions, manage competing priorities, and lead teams in a dynamic animal care environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external professional partners.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and overtime as needed, and to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree in a related field.
• Experience working with primates, such as chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, baboons, or tamarins.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development for Assistant Curators and animal care staff, setting clear expectations and promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain direct accountability for the health, welfare, behavioral management, and husbandry standards of the primate collection.
• Oversee animal introductions, social group management, breeding recommendations, animal transfers, and collection planning in collaboration with appropriate partners.
• Develop, evaluate, and improve animal care practices, behavioral enrichment, training programs, and welfare assessment procedures.
• Collaborate with veterinary services on animal health, preventive care, treatment plans, cooperative medical training, and ongoing welfare assessments.
• Establish departmental goals, manage operating plans and budgets, and identify priorities for staffing, equipment, animal care, and facility improvements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, institutional policies, animal care standards, safety procedures, and documentation requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior