The Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), part of the Smithsonian Institution, is a world-renowned leader in animal care, conservation science, education, and wildlife research. We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative professional to serve as Assistant Curator of Primates, supporting one of the nation's premier zoological collections.
Position Summary
- The Assistant Curator of Primates serves as a key member of the Animal Care Sciences leadership team and is responsible for supporting the management and welfare of a diverse collection of primates.
- The successful candidate will work closely with animal care staff, veterinarians, nutritionists, researchers, and conservation partners to ensure exceptional standards of animal wellbeing, husbandry, conservation, and guest engagement.
- This position combines animal management, staff leadership, conservation program participation, collection planning, and operational oversight in an AZA-accredited setting.
- Assistant Curators play a vital role in ensuring the wellbeing of collection animals through animal care, breeding, conservation, education, exhibition management, and research support.
Primary Responsibilities
- Animal Management & Welfare
- Oversee the daily management and welfare of assigned primate species.
- Ensure the highest standards of husbandry, enrichment, behavioral management, and animal wellbeing.
- Coordinate animal training programs supporting veterinary care, cooperative medical procedures, transport, introductions, separations, and exhibit management.
- Evaluate and implement evidence-based husbandry and enrichment practices that promote species-appropriate behaviors.
- Staff Leadership
- Provide direct management, mentoring, and professional development for animal keepers.
- Coordinate and oversee the work of animal keepers, volunteers, interns, students, and contractors.
- Establish work priorities, schedules, and operational goals while maintaining a safe and collaborative work environment.
Collection Planning & Conservation
- Participate in Species Survival Plan® (SSP) programs and other AZA conservation initiatives.
- Assist with population management recommendations, breeding plans, transfers, and collection planning.
- Prepare reports and recommendations for local, national, and international conservation and zoological organizations.
- Collaborate with field conservation and research partners to advance primate conservation efforts.
- Research, Records & Compliance
- Support and facilitate scientific research and data collection projects involving primate species.
- Maintain accurate animal records and ensure compliance with all AZA, USDA, and institutional standards.
- Assist with program budgets, reports, strategic planning documents, and regulatory reviews.
- Communicate complex biological information to staff, stakeholders, and the public.
Experience Required
- Minimum Qualifications - Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management, or a related biological science field.
- Demonstrated experience managing, caring for, and training wild or exotic animals in a zoological setting.
- Experience supporting animal management programs, administrative processes, and research or data collection activities.
- Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional off-hours as operational needs require.
Preferred:
- Experience working with great apes, monkeys, prosimians, or other primate taxa.
- Experience in an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium environment.
- Knowledge of primate behavior, operant conditioning, welfare assessment, and environmental enrichment.
- Experience with SSP programs, population management, and conservation breeding initiatives.
- Supervisory or team leadership experience.
Desired Competencies - Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Knowledge of managing exotic and endangered animals in zoological settings.
- Understanding of principles and practices for managing wildlife in an AZA-accredited institution.
- Ability to communicate animal and conservation information to diverse audiences.
- Skill in maintaining animal records, inventory systems, and operational reports.
- Commitment to animal welfare, conservation, inclusion, and collaborative leadership. Physical Requirements -
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to safely perform duties involving animal restraint equipment, lifting, walking, climbing, and extended standing.
- Ability to respond to animal emergencies and operational needs.
Further Comments
- Why Join Us?
- Participate in cutting-edge animal care and behavioral management programs.
- Collaborate with leading scientists, veterinarians, and conservation professionals.
- Advance the mission of the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute through excellence in animal care, research, education, and conservation.
- Primates: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/exhibits/primates
Perks
- The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary
- $70,623 - $91,815 per year
