Zoologist - Primates

Dallas Zoo Management•Dallas, TX

About The Position

This entry-level animal-care position follows established protocols to provide outstanding care for primates, including food preparation and feeding, exhibit maintenance, pest control, and reproductive management. Zoologists participate in operant conditioning and husbandry programs, provide approved environmental enrichment, collaborate on improvements to animal exhibits, and prepare and conduct educational presentations and tours for zoo guests. The Primate team cares for a wide range of small-to-large primates, from emperor tamarins to gorillas and chimpanzees. Team members develop a strong understanding of each species’ natural and individual behaviors and apply that knowledge to animal welfare, including training and enrichment.

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, ideally with primates.
Flexible, efficient, self-motivated team player who is solution-oriented and can find creative solutions to complex challenges.
Basic knowledge of research techniques and practices, with 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 the ability to follow instructions and document animal-care activities appropriately.
Ability to represent the Zoo professionally at all times.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and take appropriate action in emergencies.
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, during regular and irregular hours as required.
Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
Ability to work 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 to support animal health, safety, and welfare, as well as staff and public safety, in accordance with AZA, USDA, and DZM requirements.
Observe animals’ general health and behavior and report abnormalities to a manager and/or veterinary staff.
Prepare and provide food according to written instructions, provide water, and administer medication as instructed.
Clean exhibits, holding pens, food-preparation areas, and equipment; conduct pest-control activities; and report mechanical defects that could endanger animals, staff, or guests.
Provide environmental enrichment and training sessions using operant conditioning, as applicable.
Participate in or assist with capturing and restraining 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.
Interact positively and professionally with animal-care and veterinary staff and volunteers.
Encourage interest in wildlife through positive interactions with zoo guests and educational presentations about animals, biology, conservation, and environmental issues.
Use the enrichment item/device proposal form to develop enrichment ideas and items, and record the results of enrichment items 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.