Animal Keeper; Primates

Position: Animal Keeper (Primates)
Woodland Park Zoo

Animal Keeper (Primates)

SALARY & FLSA: $33.49 - $38.25 per hour; FLSA non-exempt

$33.49 - $38.25. The starting rate for this role is $33.49 Every employee under the Joint Crafts Council wage scale, on first appointment, will receive the first step of the salary range for the position. Employees will advance to the second step at the start of the pay period after their one-year anniversary and each milestone thereafter (3 years, 6 years, 11 years, and 17 years of service) with Step 6 being the maximum pay rate.

OPENING DATE: 02/10/2026

CLOSING DATE: 02/24/2026 (This role may close sooner or be extended based on the number of qualified applicants received.)

JOB TYPE:
Full-Time, Regular

UNION:
Represented

OPENINGS: 1

LOCATION:

Onsite

DEPARTMENT:
Animal Management

This role will work with orangutans and other small primates.

Experience with orangutans and other great apes and small primates preferred.

The anticipated schedule for this position is 5 days a week from 7:30 AM
-4 PM. This schedule may change due to operational needs.

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what's at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, "To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives."

Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE

As our new Animal Keeper, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:

* Bring hands-on animal care experience and sound judgment - Through related experience and training, you support daily husbandry, animal welfare, and safe operations with care, consistency, and attention to detail.

* Adaptable, dependable, and ready to respond - You're comfortable with on-call responsibilities and working evenings, weekends, and holidays, and you consistently show up prepared to meet the needs of animals and the team.

* Clear communicator and practical problem-solver - You can read and interpret scientific and technical information, respond professionally to visitor or media inquiries, and share information clearly with coworkers and leadership.

* Mission-driven and values-centered - You demonstrate a strong commitment to the zoo's mission and Core Values, bringing professionalism, respect, and integrity to your work every day.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Plan, prepare, and conduct public presentations on animal care and conservation.

* Assess animals daily to ensure they are properly cared for and secured.

* Observe animal behavior, report abnormal behavior patterns and provide technical advice to colleagues and managers.

* Prepare food for and feed assigned animals according to approved diet plans.

* Clean and disinfect assigned animal and exhibit areas.

* Follow treatment plans and preventive health programs as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarian or Zoo Curators.

* Participate in the capture and restraint of animals.

* Implement animal care procedures and policies, including record keeping.

* Support special animal care activities such as physical examinations, exhibit repairs and modifications.

* Assist in development and implementation of behavioral husbandry program.

* Participate in exhibit design process and implementation.

* Represent the Woodland Park Zoo to the media.

* Conduct behind-the-scenes tours.

QUALIFICATIONS

* Bachelor's degree in a life sciences field from an accredited four-year college or university; and two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

* Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.

* Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time staff including:

* Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents

* 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays

* Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave your first year

* Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

* Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

* Tuition reimbursement

* Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days

* 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks

* Free staff parking

* 403(b) Retirement Plan

SELECTION PROCESS

Application:
Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site /jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin,…