Zoologist - Primates

Dallas Zoo Management•Dallas, TX

About The Position

This is an entry-level animal-care position on the Primate team. The Zoologist follows established protocols to provide care for primates ranging from emperor tamarins to gorillas and chimpanzees. The role supports animal health, safety, welfare, and exhibits through feeding, food preparation, exhibit maintenance, pest control, reproductive management, operant conditioning, husbandry programs, and approved environmental enrichment. Staff learn and apply knowledge of each species’ natural and individual behavior to support animal welfare, including through training and enrichment. The position also includes maintaining records, assisting with research and animal procedures or transfers, working with animal-care and veterinary staff and volunteers, and educating zoo guests through presentations, tours, and other public-facing activities. Duties may involve capture and restraint of a variety of taxa, including potentially dangerous species, as well as outdoor work and general exhibit repairs.

Requirements

Knowledge of animal care and basic husbandry skills.
At least one year of exotic-animal-care experience at an AZA-accredited facility is preferred; primate experience is ideal.
Be a flexible, efficient, self-motivated team player who is solution-oriented and able to find creative solutions to complex challenges.
Basic knowledge of research techniques and practices and solid observation skills.
Ability to practice, or willingness to learn, safe capture and restraint methods for a variety of taxa, potentially including dangerous species.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, employees, interns, volunteers, and zoo guests.
Effective oral and written communication skills, including following instructions and appropriately documenting animal-care activities.
Ability to represent the Zoo professionally.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and take appropriate action in emergency situations.
Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above the head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders, and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work holidays and weekends, as well as regular and irregular hours as required.
Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
Ability to work actively outdoors in hot or inclement weather.
Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, a background check, and a TB test.
Valid driver’s license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related science field.
At least one year of exotic-animal-care experience at an AZA-accredited facility, ideally with primates.

Responsibilities

Provide daily care for assigned animals and exhibits in accordance with AZA, USDA, and DZM standards, supporting animal health, safety, and welfare as well as staff and public safety.
Observe and monitor animal health and behavior and report abnormalities to management or veterinary staff.
Prepare and provide food, water, and medication as instructed.
Clean exhibits, holding pens, food-preparation areas, and equipment; conduct pest-control activities and report mechanical defects that could pose a risk.
Provide environmental enrichment and training sessions using operant conditioning, as applicable.
Participate in or assist with capture and restraint of a variety of taxa, including potentially dangerous species.
Prepare and update animal records, reports, and surveys, and assist with research projects as needed.
Perform general exhibit maintenance and repairs, including painting, repairing fences and shelters, addressing erosion, planting ground cover, and removing weeds.
Assist with animal transfers and procedures as directed.
Work positively and professionally with animal-care and veterinary staff and volunteers.
Engage zoo guests through educational presentations about animals, biology, conservation, and environmental issues.
Develop enrichment ideas using the enrichment item/device proposal form and record the results after each use.
Collaborate with zoo personnel on the zoo’s mission, including 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 assigned reference materials concerning animal care, behavior, and natural history.
Follow safety protocols, understand the animal keeper’s role in emergency procedures, and respond to emergencies as required.