Chimpanzee Keeper

The Indianapolis Zoo is gearing up to debut our International Chimpanzee Complex in summer of 2024. The Complex will give visitors a unique view of the chimpanzees as the apes travel across the Zoo's campus to multiple locations of their choice. To help launch and maintain the new exhibit, we're currently on the hunt to add seven (7) experienced Chimpanzee Keepers to our troop. Don't swing past this exciting opportunity!

• The ideal candidate is committed to advancing the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.
• This position will work primarily with Chimpanzees and has the potential to cross-train with other primate species such as Orangutans, Gibbons, Macaques, Baboons and Tamarins.
• Prior experience in the animal care profession, preferably a zoological setting or sanctuary, is required, prior experience working with primates, specifically chimpanzees is highly desired.
• This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, position that requires availability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• A team-oriented personality that is temperamentally suited to work with animals, specifically apes is required.
• Strong observational and communicative (both verbal and written) skills are a must.

Working with primates requires special skills set and strenuous physical responsibilities that include but are not limited to:

• One (1) year of prior related work experience.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/ university in Life Sciences, Zoology, or a related field is required.
• Willingness to develop relationships with chimpanzees/ other primates by treating them as equal partners in the relationship.
• Demonstrates patience, gentleness, respect, and consistency with animals in their care.
• Assists with developing and implementing area chats, feeds, demonstrations and behind the scene tours.
• Completes area daily and weekly duties, including reports.
• Assists with research projects and exhibit modifications.
• Displays a professional attitude and appearance to visitors, volunteers, and co-workers.
• Physical strength and stamina with the ability to perform very heavy work, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
• Ability to transport and move items, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
• Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium to perform various jobs. Must be comfortable working at heights.
• Must have the ability to learn how to use and operate a scissor lift.
• Ability to detect, assess, identify, and observe surroundings to make sound judgments, along with the ability to communicate verbally, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio and telephone.
• Valid driver's license and driving record that is insurable by our carrier.

To apply:

• Interested candidates must complete an online Zoo application.
• To be considered, please include an up-to-date resume and cover letter, along with desired salary requirements.
• Please note, the Zoo reserves the right to remove this job posting at any time.
• The Indianapolis Zoo is proud to be a Drug-Free/ Smoke-Free/ Child Safe/ Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Work Environment.
• Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.

Perks

• Work for the wildest employer in Indianapolis! Some perks include:
• Medical (Health Savings Account with employer contribution included), Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability paid through the Zoo for eligible employees; 403(b) Retirement Plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Immediate Paid Holidays, complimentary Zoo Membership, Reciprocal Benefits to other local institutions, and many, many more!!!

Salary

• $19 an hour