Assistant Director of Primates

Philadelphia Zoo works to fulfill our mission as an animal care organization, as a resource to schools and families, and as an ark and advocate for endangered animals around the world.

• What makes the Zoo a unique place to work? Whether you are involved with caring for animals, educating our visitors or working in a behind-the-scenes position in administration, maintenance or garden services, all of our positions share our institutional mission, purpose, and core values.

Who We Are Looking For:

• Reporting to the Director of Primates and Small Mammals, the Assistant Director of Primates will supervise and coordinate the day-to-day activities of the keeper staff; and develop and oversee implementation of protocols for animal care, keeper safety, and facility upkeep.
• Will assist Director in carrying out collection planning, budget development, managing facility renovation/construction / maintenance, and moving animals.
• Will be responsible for implementing keeper training programs, ordering and maintaining inventory and maintenance of equipment (including exhibit signage and educational displays).
• Will act as the first point of contact for the Keepers and will assist with the deployment of enrichment and training plans, and welfare assessments. Additional projects and duties as assigned. 

What You Will Do: 

• Responsible for the daily supervision of keeper staff.
• This includes coaching, counseling providing performance feedback and formal evaluations. Coordinates/sets keeper schedules and assignments.
• With Director, identifies staff training needs and may implement training programs. 
• Efforts are done in accordance with established organizational policies, guidelines, protocols, SOPs and the collective bargaining agreement.
• Develops, documents and administers policies and protocols related to keeper staff, including safety protocols. 
• Assists Directors in creating and implementing a high-quality animal care program.
• Develops, documents and administers policies and protocols for collection care, including exhibit maintenance, exhibit outfitting, pest control, enrichment, husbandry-related training.
• Works closely with appropriate staff on veterinary care and nutrition.
• Routinely inspects exhibits and work areas to ensure the health and safety of animals and staff. Keeps up to date on all individual animals in the collection.
• Assists in developing and implementing animal collection plans and breeding programs. Participates in/oversees the capture, crating and transfer of animals.
• Responsible for ensuring teams are maintaining clean, organized and well-maintained facilities.
• Directs minor, routine and emergency repairs necessary for animal management and exhibition.
• Submits work requests and tracks completion.
• Coordinates the implementation of modifications and improvements to facilities, exhibits, etc.
• Oversees ordering, inventory, maintenance and upkeep of equipment including but not limited to vehicles, tools, animal care supplies etc.
• Leads efforts to deliver excellent guest experience.
• Provides information for and participates in education, public relations, membership and other programs including facilities tours and lectures.
• Coordinates with other departments on exhibit signage and interpretation to ensure accuracy. 
• Manages and/or participates in population management programs at the institutional, regional, national and international levels.
• Participates in AZA programs as assigned.
• Participates in all aspects of animal escape response team.
• This includes being a member of the shoot team.

Knowledge and Ability Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field.
• Five years’ experience as a keeper in an AZA accredited zoological park or equivalent.
• Deep knowledge and experience with care and well-being of primates. Additional experience with other taxa is desirable. 
• Demonstrated interest in maintaining up-to-date knowledge of species in collection through reading articles, journals, and books, conferences, etc.
• Knowledge of animal training principles and techniques and the ability to train keepers to implement them.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships with peers and subordinates; superior interpersonal ability; ability to work effectively with diverse personalities; flexible. Collaborative work style.
• Ability to work independently, but within the guidelines of an existing system. Can maintain composure under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to train and supervise keeper staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
•  Ability to prepare routine correspondence, document protocols and prepare research projects.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Able to manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of standard programs for word and data processing.
• Ability and willingness to be trained to use firearms and to participate in the animal escape response team.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule that may include weekends, evenings, and holidays. 
• As required, may be on 24-hour call.

Physical and Medical Standards:

• No allergies related to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to work.
• Successful completion of a medical screening with emphasis on cardiovascular, respiratory and skeletal systems and drug test prior to starting work.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to remain on feet for extended periods, climb stairs, bend and stoop.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance or agility of movement that might interfere with the ability to work.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Immunocompetence (possible exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases.)
• Ability to be trained to use firearms and act as a member of the Animal Escape Team. 

Note:   

• This position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs.  Occasional use of protective equipment or clothing is required (e.g. goggles, mask, gloves, gown, etc).

Traits We Are Looking For:

• High EQ
• Effective listener
• Respectful, fair and tactful
• Curious and continuous learned
• Collective under pressure

What We Can Offer You:

• Competitive Pay – We recognize talent and we pay to keep it
• Medical, Dental, Vision –While you have our back on the grounds, we cover yours’ with health insurance 
• Annual Leave – We all need a break from time to time
• 401K – There will come a time, when you are ready to retire
• Family membership pass with complimentary tickets – (Warning: You will become a celebrity amongst your friends once they hear you work for America’s 1st Zoo)

Salary

• 78,000