Career: Great Ape Keeper

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Great Ape Keeper

Date Posted: 6/14/2024

Position: Full-Time

Description: The Gulf Breeze Zoo is looking for motivated individuals to join the Great Ape team. Great Ape Keepers work with gorillas, orangutans, and ring-tailed lemurs. Daily tasks include animal care, training, behavioral enrichment, assist with medical needs, records and help with habitat maintenance.

Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Provide for the care and welfare (husbandry) of assigned animals in the department, such as following prescribed diets and feeding procedures and protocols for cleaning/disinfecting of animal enclosures and holding areas.
  • Observe animals in the department daily for reproductive behavior, abnormal behavior, compatibility issues, or potential health problems, reporting these to the supervisor(s).
  • Prepare, distribute, and keep records of animal enrichment as outlined by the enrichment protocol.
  • Keep track of quarterly deworming program and draw up medications for each section and ensure animals are being dewormed properly
  • Train animals using positive reinforcement, with the supervision of an experienced trainer.
  • Maintain daily reports, logs, research, medical and reproductive records and work orders.
  • Provide assistance to the veterinary staff by administering medications as prescribed and participating in related medical procedures as requested.

Education and Experience:

  • A bachelor’s degree in an animal relevant field is strongly desired.
  • Preferred applicants will have 6 months – 1 year experience working with primates, lesser apes and/or great apes.

Prerequisites:

  • Must be able to complete daily tasks in a timely fashion with minimal supervision once trained and keep accurate daily records.
  • Must be physically fit and active, able to lift 50 pounds comfortably and be able to work in all types of weather.
  • Must possess a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a valid driver’s license.
  • Must maintain a non-smoking/vaping work environment.
  • Weekends and holidays are required.

Compensation and Benefits

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is a Drug-Free and Smoke-Free work environment. Competitive salary, insurance including vision and dental coverage, paid sick/vacation time and 401k options available.

Work Location: Gulf Breeze, FL 32563: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for two references to the Gulf Breeze Zoo Curator.



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