Head Keeper - Jungle Trails

Head Keeper – Jungle Trails

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

This is a full‑time (40 hours per week) Union keeper position that includes benefits. The role requires successful completion of a probationary period and deduction of union dues. The position is scheduled for five 8‑hour days with regular off‑days based on house seniority (Monday–Tuesday).

The Head Keeper leads and supports the Jungle Trails keeper team. The role encompasses skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures, and related facilities. The area includes prosimians, monkeys, and apes. Duties may include related tasks or unrelated duties as assigned.

• Union negotiated pay rates, starting at $32.75/hour.
• A competitive benefits package including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (starting the month following hire), free mental‑health counseling, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, generous paid time off (200 PTO hours accrued in the first year, 80 loaded at hire), company‑paid disability & life insurance, and park discounts.
• Values‑based culture:
  • Collaborative Relationships
  • Pride, Passion, and a Sense of Ownership
  • Positivity and Energy
  • Accountability, Mutual Trust, and Respect
  • Progressive Thinking
• Intentional professional development opportunities for animal care and people‑skills.

• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills with good judgment to deliver top‑quality animal care and guest experiences.
• Knowledge and experience in animal husbandry, operant conditioning, and modern zoological practices.
• Ability to build positive relationships with staff, interns, students, and volunteers.
• Degree in biological sciences or related field.
• Preferred: 3 years of primate husbandry in an AZA institution, with preference for:
  • Experience with chimpanzees and/or bonobos and fission/fusion social management.
  • Experience with new‑world primates and/or mixed species habitat management.
• Operant conditioning experience with blood draw, cardiac ultrasound, and blood pressure behaviors for great apes is preferred.
• Critical thinking and decision‑making skills, fostering innovation within the team.
• Knowledge of animal training theory and applications.
• Collaboration with keeper team and respect for sharing opinions and goals.
• Growth mindset, learning orientation, and commitment to improving animal welfare practices.
• Adaptability, resilience, and flexibility in changing departmental needs.
• Leadership skills to support the team, including emotional intelligence and self‑appraisal.
• Experience with outdoor habitat maintenance is preferred.

• Perform daily keeper assignments per area SOPs.
• Develop area schedules for the team.
• Provide positive developmental feedback to staff to maintain high standards of animal care and USDA & AZA compliance.
• Inform keeper evaluations and development plans with the Zoological Manager.
• Maintain accurate records of health, safety, behavior, enrichment, and operant conditioning programs.
• Identify area needs and submit work/purchase order requests.
• Collaborate with the nutritionist to adjust diets based on observations.
• Assist in hiring new team members.
• Facilitate training of new personnel, interns, students, and volunteers.
• Support animal health and curatorial staff in developing and implementing management strategies.
• Make decisions consistent with the Zoo’s core values.
• Maintain open communication with team members and management.
• Delegate tasks for professional development opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to improve animal welfare and keeper satisfaction.
• Build productive relationships with other Zoo departments.
• Encourage the keeper team to share perspectives and foster respectful teamwork.
• Synthesize team interests into a collective vision with management support.
• Hold the team accountable to SOPs, goals, and positive culture.
• Plan short‑ and long‑term animal management and professional development strategies.

The role requires standing, walking, bending, climbing, balancing, lifting, grasping, and negotiating stairs and ladders. Exposure to zoonosis, chemicals, and weather may occur. Candidates must lift 50 pounds without mechanical assistance and hold a valid driver’s license for Zoo vehicles.

Cover letter and resume should be included in your online application.