Lead Animal Keeper (Primates)

Woodland Park Zoo•Seattle, WA

10d•$35 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

As our new Lead Animal Keeper, we know you will be successful in this role because you are: You're a knowledgeable and dedicated animal care professional - With a strong background in life sciences and extensive hands-on experience, you provide expert husbandry, support behavioral training and enrichment programs, and ensure the wellbeing of the animals entrusted to your care. You're a supportive leader and effective communicator - You clearly communicate expectations, help guide staff, interns, and volunteers, contribute to performance evaluations, and foster a team culture grounded in growth, safety, and excellence. You're adaptable, reliable, and committed to excellence - You can adjust to changing needs, work evenings, weekends, or holidays when required, and maintain dependable on-call availability when needed, adapting to the needs of a dynamic, fast-paced animal care environment. You're mission-driven and aligned with our values - Your enthusiasm for animal care and commitment to the zoo's mission and Core Values guide your work, ensuring you lead by example and support a positive culture throughout the team.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a Life Sciences field from an accredited four-year college or university
Five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

Nice To Haves

Primate experience preferred

Responsibilities

Staff Support Clearly communicate work instructions, policies, and procedures, which includes facilitating daily team briefings and identifying and communicating safety concerns to management in a timely manner.
Support staff training and professional development initiatives.
Help set team goals and implement work plans and organizational policies.
Ensure compliance with all organizational policies and standards.
Provide input to Animal Care Managers with performance evaluations and reviews of staff, interns, and volunteers.
Develops schedules and work assignments for keeper staff and volunteers.
Administrative Develop team schedules, inventory and supplies related to animal care, including ensuring medications and first-aid kits are within the use date.
Maintain accurate records of animal behavior, health, diets, and habitat maintenance, producing reports as needed.
Conduct research and present findings as requested.
Attending departmental meetings and contributing to planning and decision-making.
Animal Care & Welfare Provide expert husbandry care for the animal population.
Coordinate and support Animal Keepers, Attendants, and volunteers with animal care routines.
Implement behavioral training and enrichment programs.
Attend veterinary exams and assist staff with physical examinations and monitor animal behavior post exams.
Habitat & Facility Presentation Perform and oversee high standards of cleanliness and presentation in all animal habitats including the maintenance of exhibits and animal support areas, including, but not limited to, minor landscaping, perching, changing of lights and other daily habitat maintenance tasks.
Guest Engagement Engage visitors and donors through tours, presentations, and informal interactions by providing accurate and engaging information about the animal population and WPZ's conservation efforts.