How to become a primatologist

Are you intrigued by our closest relatives and have an inquisitive mind? Then studying non-human primates as an primatologist could be the career path for you.

What does a primatologist do?

Primatologists are scientists who specialise in the study of non-human primates (primatology).

Primatology is a branch of zoology – the study of animals – which falls under the larger umbrella of biology.

Non-human primates have long captured human fascination as our closest genetic relatives. With as little as 1.2% difference between our DNA and that of Chimpanzees, for example, we stand to learn a great deal about ourselves from the biology and behaviour of other primates.

Devastatingly, most of our closest genetic relatives are threatened or endangered due to human-caused habitat loss, hunting and live capture.

Of the 719 primate species and subspecies currently recognised, a staggering 464 are threatened or Endangered and 117 are Critically Endangered. These include well-known primates such as Gorillas, Orangutans and Chimpanzees, plus hundreds of others like the Indri, Silky Sifaka, Pagai Island Macaque and Blue-eyed Black Lemur.

An adult Howler Monkey walking across a metal roof, carrying a young Howler Monkey on its back. If you become a primatologist, you can help conserve primates in the fact of habitat loss, hunting and live capture.
Howler Monkeys and many other non-human primates face threats from habitat loss, hunting and live capture.

As a Primatologist you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to primate conservation in many ways. For example, you might help protect threatened primate species – such as the Golden-crowned Sifaka or Red Langur – from extinction; prepare management plans for primates and their habitats; care for, rehabilitate or release captive primates into the wild, and much more.

As a primatologist, you might generalise or choose to specialise in a particular primate subspecies, species or group of species – such as Spider Monkeys or Woolly Monkeys. You might study non-human primate biology, behaviour, evolution or focus directly on their conservation. 

You might also choose to apply your primate expertise within many of the 11 Key Conservation Roles – from Scientist or Project Manager to Educator or Wildlife Carer. Perhaps you’ll even become an Organisational Manager and start your own initiative to conserve primates.

Regardless of the career path you choose, if you become a primatologist, you’re likely to find yourself in a career that extends beyond primates themselves – to the diverse tropical ecosystems they inhabit, and to what they have to teach us about our own biology, behaviour and humanity.

A close-up of a White-bellied Spider Monkey with a river in the background. If you become a primatologist, you could spend your career conserving primates like Spider Monkeys.
A White-bellied Spider Monkey (Ateles belzebuth) in Ecuador. Credit: Dallas Krentzel / Flickr.

Where does a primatologist work?

Primatologists can work in the field, in labs, in offices, in zoos and other environments. Types of conservation employers that hire Primatologists include:
A table showing different employer types who hire primatologists. Understanding the different employer types can help you become a primatologist.

Primatologists are a specific type of Conservation Scientist – one of the 11 Key Conservation Roles.

Here’s how most Conservation Scientist roles compare with other conservation roles. We’ve given each role a rating from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) for pay, popularity (how many applicants roles receive) and availability (how many jobs are available at a given time). Keep in mind that this is a general guide, and that pay, popularity and availability can vary with employer type, location and job level.

*Pay for senior-level Organisational Manager roles can reach a 5.
**Pay for veterinary sub roles can reach a 4.
 

If you plan to work as a Primatologist in the UK, you can review the National Careers Service’s guidance for zoologist careers. If you plan to work as a Primatologist in the USA, you can read the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics guidance for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.

To research salaries for general Primatologist roles in your region, we recommend searching the Economic Research Institute’s Compensation Hub. To research salaries and availability for Primatologists in your region, we recommend searching our Conservation Job Archive.

A white and black Lemur with a ringed tail sitting on a swinging bridge and looking at the camera. You could help conserve Lemur species if you become a primatologist.
Zoos are one example of the many different types of conservation organisations that hire primatologists. Credit: Erik Jan Leusink / Unsplash.

What are the education requirements to become a primatologist?

Most primatologist jobs require an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree in (wildlife) biology, zoology, animal science or primatology, or a related subject such as animal ecology, animal behaviour, animal health, conservation biology, veterinary medicine or even psychology. Some universities offer specialisms or specific courses or modules on primatology.

The level and type of education you need to become a primatologist depends greatly on the type of role you wish to have. Some jobs, particularly in research or teaching, require a master’s or PhD. 

If you want to become a primatologist, real-life experience can greatly increase your chances of landing an early-career job. (Did you know that all 11 Key Conservation Roles usually require experience?) We recommend gaining practical experience to complement your study through internships, volunteering and other work experience schemes.

Check out these resources to help get valuable experience to become a primatologist:

A Golden Lion Tamarin walking down a branch. If you become a primatologist, you could spend your career conserving primates like these.
The Golden Lion Tamarin is a small monkey found in Brazil's Atlantic coastal forests. Once Critically Endangered, they are currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, thanks to conservation efforts. Credit: cuatrok77 / Flickr.

Degrees related to primatology

Search our Conservation Training board for degrees and courses related to primatology, such as:
A close-up of a group of white, gray and black Lemurs. As a primatologist you could help conserve Madagascar's Lemurs.
Want some company on your journey to become a primatologist, like this group of Ring-tailed Lemurs? There are many great societies and professional organisations for primatologists where you can get support.

What kind of societies and professional organisations do primatologists have?

There are many societies and professional organisations for primatologists worldwide that can support you to become a primatologist. Here are just a few to get you started:
  • IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group. The PSG promotes and supports research on the ecology and conservation of the lorises, pottos, galagos, lemurs, tarsiers, monkeys and apes. It is active throughout the tropical world, working in dozens of nations in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
  • Primate Info Net. PIN is maintained by the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (WNPRC) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It provides resources for anyone interested in non-human primates, including fact sheets, grants, jobs and volunteering opportunities.
  • International Primatological Society. IPS was created to encourage all areas of non-human primatological scientific research, to facilitate cooperation among scientists of all nationalities engaged in primate research, and to promote the conservation of all primate species.
  • European Federation for Primatology. EFP is a network of European primatological societies, scientists, conservationists, zoo managers and students for non-human primate conservation, research and welfare.
  • Pan African Sanctuary Alliance. With the aim of protecting African primates forever, PASA unites a unique coalition of primate sanctuaries and wildlife centres, local-to-global NGO partners, specialised experts, and compassionate supporters.
  • American Society of Primatologists. ASP is an educational & scientific organisation that aims to understand, conserve and inform about non-human primates.
Explore other societies, alliances and community-based organisations promoting primate science, welfare, protection and education on Primate Info Net. Explore societies and professional organisations for zoologists (scientists who specialise in the study of animals) in our guide How to become a zoologist.
A close-up photo of a young Gorilla eating a plant. If you become a primatologist, you could spend your career conserving primates like Gorillas.
When we think about primates, we often imagine charismatic species like Gorillas. Did you know that there are currently 719 species and subspecies of primates on our planet?!

Primatologist resources

Primatologist podcast episodes

The world-renowned founder of The Orangutan Project, Leif Cocks, talks us through the conservation story of the Orangutans. Leif has had a 30-year career working with Orangutans and has been a key player in influencing positive change for Orangutan protection and survival – including the first-ever successful reintroduction of the zoo-born Orangutan into the wild. Listen here.
Andrea Pawel, who holds a master’s in primate behaviour and conservation, established Oana Namibia with her partner, Ed. This enterprise seeks to restore 45,000 hectares of ex-hunting farmland through conservation initiatives. They offer conservation expeditions, community development, adventure endeavours and relaxation programmes. Listen here.

Ultimate Guides for primatologists

A monkey sitting on a tree branch and looking out from the tree, with a blurred background. If you become a primatologist, you could spend your career conserving primates.

Example primatologist jobs

To help illustrate primatologist roles, here are several job descriptions that represent (real) entry level primatologist jobs. Pay particular attention to the selection criteria (specifications) to learn more about what conservation employers are looking for when they hire primatologists.
.

The logo of the Indianapolis Zoo. Learn how to become a primatologist and you could work for an organisation like this!Primates Keeper – Full Time | Indianapolis Zoo | Indianapolis, USA (2024)

The Indianapolis Zoo’s Primates department is searching for a Primates Keeper to join our growing team! This position will primarily care for our chimpanzee, orangutan, baboon, gibbon, macaque, and tamarin residents. Duties include cleaning and maintaining animal environments, preparing and distributing daily enrichment, observing animal behavior, participating in positive reinforcement training, ensuring optimal animal welfare, supporting a variety of research activities, and educating zoo guests.

The ideal candidate is committed to advancing the Zoo’s mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. Prior experience in the animal care profession, preferably a zoological setting, is required. Prior experience working with Primates is highly desired. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position that requires availability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. Strong observational and communication skills (both verbal and written), as well as a team-oriented attitude are essential.

Working with Primates requires a specialized skillset and physical abilities that include but are not limited to:

  • One (1) year of prior related work experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/ university in Zoology, Biology, or a related field is required.
  • Demonstrates patience, gentleness, respect, and consistency with animals in their care.
  • Assists with developing and implementing area chats, feeds, demonstrations and behind the scenes tours.
  • Completes daily husbandry tasks and recordkeeping.
  • Assists with exhibit modifications and repairs. Previous experience with tools is desirable.
  • Displays a professional attitude and appearance to visitors, volunteers, and co-workers.
  • Ability to transport and move items, exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
  • Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium to perform various jobs.
  • Ability to work comfortably at heights, and operate a scissor lift as necessary.
  • 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.
 

The logo of the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior. Learn how to become a primatologist and you could work for an organisation like this!Field Assistant Orangutan Behaviour 2024 | Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour | Indonesia

We are looking for a field research assistant to help collect observational behavioral data for my Ph.D. project on curiosity  and cognition in wild orangutans at the Development and  Evolution of Cognition Research group at the Max Planck Institute  of Animal Behavior. The data will be collected on wild orangutans  from October 2024 – October 2025 (12-month field stay). There is  an option of combining this position with a Master’s project, given  that the student is enrolled and officially supervised at a  University.

The Project

Curiosity plays a key role in learning and innovation. However, the interplay between curiosity and cognitive performance remains poorly understood. With this project, we aim to investigate the factors that affect curiosity and problem-solving in wild orangutans to ultimately shed light on how the two traits are connected on the developmental and evolutionary levels.

Details

The data will be collected at a field site in Indonesia. The research area is a peat swamp forest, meaning that most of the forest floor is flooded throughout the year. Living conditions are basic, with limited access to electricity and phone signal reception. There is limited personal space, and the candidate will share their room with other assistants or researchers. Food will be provided at camp, mostly consisting of rice, eggs, and a limited range of fruits and vegetables that will be prepared by a local cook. The work includes long working days collecting data from dawn until dusk. A high level of physical fitness is required as the applicant will walk up to 10km a day while carrying heavy equipment, also on rainy days. We are looking for an excellent observer who can stay focused and motivated for long periods and over repetitive tasks. Walking in the forest is difficult and tiring, continuously surrounded by mosquitoes and other insects and often wading through flooded areas. In addition to data collection, the assistant will clean, label, and store data and equipment which requires detail orientation and organizational skills.

In the forest, we always work in teams with researchers and/or local assistants. Teamwork skills are essential; the candidate must be able to communicate in a clear and assertive style, while also being patient, flexible, and highly sensitive to cultural differences.

Before fieldwork can be started, the assistant must complete all visa and research permit processes; including an up to four weeks stay in a local city. By the time of their departure, the candidate must be up to date with required vaccinations, including COVID-19.

Requirements:

  • Degree in Biology, Comparative psychology, or a related field and high interest in animal behavior
  • Fluent in spoken and written English skills, willingness to learn the local language Bahasa Indonesia
  • A high level of independence and experience in traveling on their own
  • Experience in collecting and processing behavioral data
  • Psychological resilience, readiness to live in an isolated area with limited personal space
  • Open-mindedness and willingness to adjust to cultural differences
  • Good observational skills and attentiveness to details
  • Physical endurance and stamina
  • Willingness to take advice from travel health specialists and be up to date with vaccinations

Desired experiences & skills:

  • Field work experience
  • Experience with video coding of behavioral data
  • Experience with data management
  • Experience conducting cognitive tests with primates

What we offer:

All project-related costs (round-trip flight from and to home country, visa, permit fees, lodging at
camp, etc.) will be covered. A small monthly stipend will be provided to ensure that the candidate
faces no personal costs during the position.

 

The logo of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Learn how to become a primatologist and you could work for an organisation like this!Associate Veterinarian | Fresno Chaffee Zoo | Fresno, California, USA (2024)

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is seeking candidates for the position of Associate Veterinarian to join our collaborative animal care team. Under the direction of the Senior Director of Veterinary Services, the Associate Veterinarian provides excellent clinical care for over 250 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. The position provides guidance to zoo personnel in animal hygiene, nutrition, zoonosis, and animal management programs. Duties also include compiling and maintaining veterinary treatment and animal health records and coordinating animal research projects. The veterinary staff also works closely with veterinary and human medical specialists when advanced diagnostics or therapies are needed for animal patients. Competitive candidates will have strong leadership skills, substantial experience in the veterinary care of a broad taxonomic group of exotic animals, and excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.

Full-Time employees receive our comprehensive compensation package which includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position is  $90,000 – $110,000 per year. Offers will be based on the successful candidate’s experience.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Daily Medical Care

  • Provides medical and surgical treatment to the zoo animal collection to the highest industry standards as needed including but not limiting to procedures involving remote injections, immobilization/anesthesia, physical restraint, physical examination, surgery, radiology, ultrasonography, endoscopy, phlebotomy, cystocentesis, fluid administration, intubation, anesthetic monitoring, bandaging, wound care, dentistry, medication administration and treatment of the zoo’s animal collection.
  • Ability to assume primary veterinarian role in immobilizing various species of animals including carnivores, primates, hoof stock, etc.
  • Adhere to and participate in annual update of preventative health care program including routine examinations, quarantine, parasite control, vaccination programs, tuberculin testing, and infectious disease screening.
  • Provides daily communication with Curators, Zoo Animal Managers and Zoological Care Specialists on active medical cases and visualizes patient progress routinely.
  • Effectively prepares and maintains medical records including all animals treated or examined. Inputs medical records, testing results, and necropsy/histology reports into ZIMs record keeping program. Ensure that medical records are updated and maintained at a high level of accuracy and professionalism.
  • Works with the Nutritionist and Zoological Care Specialists staff to assist in formulating diets that balance nutritional objectives, with husbandry and behavioral objectives.
  • Adjusts prescribed diets as required to ensure that nutrition, health, and husbandry objectives are being met.
  • Ability to develop, set up and carry out anesthesia and treatment plans.
  • Approve enrichment requests for animal collection.

Excellent Animal Care

  • Carries out all procedures required in the transfer of animals by providing necessary exams, diagnostics, health certificates, and any other regulatory requirements.
  • Conducts or arranges necropsy examinations on all deceased collection animals and provides interpretation of findings to animal care staff.
  • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to animal care and treatment.
  • Research current literature on health concerns, anesthesia, and treatments identified in animal collections. Research the environmental and nutritional needs of the animal.
  • Provides on-call coverage for animal care and ensures routine and emergency care is provided as needed.
  • Provides expert guidance to Zoo personnel in animal hygiene, nutrition, zoonoses, and animal management. Monitors and analyzes current husbandry practices as they relate to disease prevention.
  • Participates in reviewing research requests submitted to Fresno Chaffee Zoo and actively completes requests of approved research programs as indicated.
  • Undertake or assist in the disposition of nuisance wildlife potentially injurious to the zoo collection, including euthanasia.

Planning and Personnel Management

  • Assists in orientation and training of new Veterinary staff.
  • Work with Hospital manager to supervise hospital team, students, and volunteers in the absence of Sr. Veterinarian/ Veterinarian II.
  • Ensures efficient and effective workflow, making appropriate logistical decisions and planning for current and future workflow needs, including interdepartmental scheduling.
  • Ensures animal, employee, and other issues in the hospital are brought to the prompt attention of the Sr. Veterinarian.
  • Effectively communicates with area Curators, Zoo Animal Managers, and Zoological Care Specialists daily, ensuring communication flows effectively from the hospital to animal staff.
  • Adheres to veterinary care budgets and protocols.
  • Effectively interacts with zoo staff in a professional manner, maintaining appropriate workplace relationships. Actively assists other staff as needed.
  • Interfaces with zoo guests in such a way that guests feel that zoo staff are approachable, knowledgeable, and eager to assist with questions or concerns.
  • Oversees staff performance, providing general feedback and correction when appropriate, and communicates serious or ongoing issues to the Sr. Director of Veterinary Services.
  • Actively participates in the zoo’s emergency response team.
  • Assumes other responsibilities as necessary to assure achievement of established objectives.

Management Accountabilities and Expectations 

  • Customarily and regularly exercises discretion and independent judgement during the workday. Actively demonstrates leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor. Practices solution-based problem solving and learns from mistakes. Ability to carry forward learned information. Works with the team to find solutions and asks for help when needed.
  • Reports on work and meetings/activities fully present, prepared, and punctual. Thoughtfully prioritizes needs to be respectful of each other’s time. Respond to emails and other communications in a timely manner. All written communication contains professional and proper language. Demonstrates follow through and are accountable for the management of the team.
  • Willingly engages the team/ Zoo staff and proves to be an inspirational leader. Actively create connections that encourage open and honest communication with all.
  • Remains accessible to the Zoo staff by cell phone. Uses professional courtesy and only call/texts on day off in an emergency.
  • Ability to quickly make appropriate decisions and demonstrate leadership in emergency situations.
  • Strong planning, analytical and decision-making skills are required, with the ability to work in a dynamic, evolving organization.
  • Excellent written and verbal English communications skills required. Bilingual communication skills a plus.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Education and Qualifications 

  • Veterinary Degree (DVM, VMD, or overseas equivalent) from an accredited School of Veterinary Medicine required.
  • License to practice or obtain a license to practice veterinary medicine in California.
  • Completion of an internship or residency in zoo animal medicine or equivalent experience required. Applicable experience in an AZA facility preferred.
  • USDA accreditation to certify health for interstate and international transport of animals.
  • Must have or ability to obtain a valid California driver’s license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed.  Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position.  Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.  

  • This position involves sitting, standing and walking. The employee may be required to bend, stoop, or kneel to examine and treat animals.
  • The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
  • Hand/finger dexterity to properly handle medical tools and equipment.
  • Close visual acuity for medical/surgical procedures and to view a computer monitor and read printed materials; distance vision sufficient to monitor animal activities and general surroundings.
  • Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
  • Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken information to others in small and large group settings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • The position functions primarily indoors with regular exposure to outdoor Zoo environments.
  • The employee is regularly exposed to various animals with risk of animal bites (including venomous), zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury.
  • Occasional local travel including animal transport is required.

The logo of the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. Learn how to become a primatologist and you could work for an organisation like this!Zoologist | Palm Beach Zoo | Palm Beach, Florida, USA (2024)

Interested in saving wildlife in wild places? At the Zoo, our job is for people to fall in love with nature. Our job is for people to have fun. Our job is to save the planet. Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society’s mission is to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. By joining our team, you’ll become a critical part of a conservation organization at a thrilling time as we expand our team to build the Zoo of the future. Our passionate team gets to work around koalas, jaguars, and panthers while actively doing conservation work in the field from corals to Florida panthers. Palm Beach Zoo is a green sustainable workplace that embraces DEAI and we are actively creating a more diverse and thriving workforce.
 
The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is currently seeking a full-time Zoologist to provide world-class animal care to a wide variety of species, with a focus on our large carnivores (tigers, jaguars, black bears), avian (psittacines, waterfowl, birds of prey), primates (callitrichids, spiders, capuchins) and small mammal collection. We are in the process of re-imagining our beautiful tropical Zoo and are looking to bring in new expertise and enthusiasm.
 
The Zoo staff works in a positive, team-oriented environment to support our mission to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife. Zoologists promote increased environmental awareness and conservation through excellent animal care and management practices, coupled with positive visitor experiences.
 
The ideal candidate will have a strong animal care background with a deep experience in operant conditioning, welfare input/outputs, habitat design criteria, animal nutrition and animal social interactions, including introductions and breeding. They will also have experience engaging visitors with formal and informal animal encounters where they share their passion for animal wellness and the preservation of wild places. Finally, they will demonstrate a solid track record of workplace competency performance, including communication, teamwork, efficiency, emotional intelligence, leadership, planning, change management and administration.
 
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Perform animal husbandry tasks (feed, clean, train, etc) for terrestrial animals (mammals, birds, primates, reptiles)
  • Clean, maintain and improve animal care facilities, including service areas and surrounding spaces
  • Enhance the welfare of the animals by observing and understanding animal behaviors and analyzing welfare outputs to increase mental stimulation and choice within the animal’s environment
  • Plan, prepare and feed out nutritious diets
  • Assist veterinary team during animal health diagnostic and care procedures
  • Complete animal records including: animal feeding habits, diets, breeding behavior, health status, physical conditions, enrichment and training
  • Communicate safety and health concerns to appropriate staff
  • Participate in the capture and restraint of animals for transfer and veterinary procedures
  • Participate in animal behavioral training program and commit to learning training techniques
  • Design and execute behavioral shaping plans for all animals under their care
  • Participate in exhibit concept design and collection planning discussions
  • Provide informal guest presentations
  • Initiate informal talks and encounters
  • Participate in educational programs as assigned
  • Handle program animals for events and encounters
  • Participate in drills and emergency response and provide feedback on the experience – as needed
  • Safely operate vans, pickup trucks, golf carts, hand tools, power tools, personal computers, laboratory equipment and general office equipment
  • Proactively seek out experiences and information to enhance professional skills and knowledge
Requirements

Job Requirement

  • Minimum of 2 years’ paid experience in a zoological facility caring for animals
  • Bachelor’s degree (Biology, Psychology or a related field) is preferred
  • Experience with the husbandry and behavior of a variety of birds, mammals and primates
  • Physically able to stoop, bend, reach, lift, carry or push at least 50 pounds in a South Florida climate
  • Must have valid driver’s license, able to work weekends, holidays, and special events as needed
  • Demonstrated ability to research and write effectively
  • Participation in AZA programs and other zoo-related organizations
  • Use hand and power tools for minor carpentry and habitat modification projects
  • Demonstrated initiative and problem solving
  • Competence in behavior analysis and animal training
  • Excellent communication skills with co-workers, managers and veterinary staff
  • Be familiar with AZA, USDA and FWC regulations and expectations

Competencies

  • Integrity/Trust — Maintaining social, ethical, and organizational values and norms; building trust and confidence with the staff and with internal and external customers; respecting the confidentiality of personal and proprietary information.
  • Initiative — Taking actions to achieve goals; self-starting and proactive; asserting oneself to support others in the achievement of their goals; originating action rather than responding only to the actions of others; anticipating the needs of both internal and external constituencies.
  • Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities.
  • Analysis—Obtaining relevant information and identifying key issues and relationships from a base of information; comparing data from different sources (both interactive and written); defining underlying problems or opportunities and recognizing trends; defining and structuring functions and teams based on key strategies and goals.
  • Teamwork — Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.
  • Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency — Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies
  • Planning and Organizing — Establishing a course of action with specific long-range goals for the Zoo; setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way; developing contingency plans that participate changes in the work environment.
  • Diversity and Inclusion – Demonstrates behaviors that includes fairness, respect, inclusiveness, empathy, integrity, and ethical conduct. Fosters a climate and culture in which each person is accepted and has the opportunity to grow and develop. Practices behaviors that promote diversity and inclusion in dealings with and on behalf of the Zoo, consistent with laws, regulations, and Zoo policies.
  • Collaboration — Works well with people outside their immediate work group.

What We Offer

  • A competitive salary, commensurate with your skills and experience
  • An EXCELLENT benefits package (current year/plan), which includes:
    • 100% paid employee-level coverage for designated medical & dental plan
    • 100% paid coverage for 100K of life insurance
    • 100% paid short-term disability
    • 100% paid long-term disability
  • 401K – Employer contributes 3% of your salary
  • Optional vision, accident and critical illness coverages available through pre-tax payroll deductions
  • Generous paid time off policy, Zoo Membership and FREE admission to other Florida Attractions!

The logo of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Learn how to become a primatologist and you could work for an organisation like this!Great Apes Wildlife Care Specialist | San Diego Zoo Safari Park | Escondido, California, USA (2024)

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Wildlife Care Specialist will support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s mission of saving species worldwide by overseeing all aspects of the safe care and handling of an assigned wildlife collection. This position reports to the Lead or Supervisor.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Prepares food and water for habitat wildlife
  • Loads and unloads food from trucks
  • Feeds exhibit wildlife
  • Administers prescribed medication and keeps feeding records
  • Observes assigned wildlife
  • Reports abnormal conditions to superiors
  • Cleans exhibit areas, pools, wildlife sleeping areas and service areas
  • Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers
  • Provides species-appropriate enrichment to assigned wildlife
  • Maintains appropriate health and behavior records on assigned wildlife
  • Responds to questions from the public concerning exhibits
  • Provides exhibit security
  • Participates in capturing, incapacitating and moving wildlife
  • Participates in and supports wildlife training programs
  • Assists medical staff in treating wildlife
  • Performs minor or routine maintenance on exhibit enclosures
  • Reports maintenance needs
  • Operates a variety of light and medium equipment

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

San Diego Zoo Safari Park is excited to welcome applicants with proven experience in managing dynamic groups of great apes. Ideal candidates will have experience in introducing apes to new environments and effectively managing bachelor groups. If you have a strong background in these areas and are committed to advancing the care and well-being of these remarkable animals, we invite you to apply.

  • JOB EXPERIENCE
    • One to two years of work experience in a Zoo or similar environment where appropriate knowledge and skills in wildlife care could be acquired.
  • EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
    • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, Life Science, or other related field preferred.
    • Current valid California Driver’s License in good standing.
  • SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
    • Wildlife behavior
    • Wildlife biology and zoology
    • Care, feeding and handling of wild wildlife
    • Safety practices around wild wildlife
    • Public Speaking
    • Deal tactfully and courteously with others
    • Adhere to the organization’s policies, procedures and regulations
    • Competently perform the essential functions outlined above

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

  • Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • Family Passes
  • Complimentary Tickets
  • Local and In-House Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Location: Escondido, CA
  • Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Union Position – If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
  • Hourly Rate: $25.09
A close-up of a primatologist in the forest, looking up into the trees. Learn how to become a primatologist in this role profile.
Primatology fieldwork may get glamorised, but it's rarely glamorous! Often many long hours and days are spent locating and tracking primates before primatologists can even begin to observe them. This often takes place in challenging, physically demanding terrain and tropical rainforests (think heat, humidity, mud and bugs). Credit: Mr. Theklan / Flickr.

Related primatologist career profiles

Zoologist | Studying animals

Zoologists specialise in studying animals – from birds to insects to mammals. Explore. Not sure yet which type of conservation role is right for you? Explore all 11 Key Conservation Roles.

Useful links & free stuff

A white and brown Lemur sitting on a tree branch. If you become a primatologist, you could help conserve Madagascar's Lemurs.
Have we got your attention? Check out the career-boosting links and resources below that can speed up your journey to become a primatologist. Credit: Daniele Rod Waddington / Flickr.
The cover of The Step-by-Step System to Get Hired as a Wildlife ConservationistTo help you navigate your options, please select which best describes you:
  • You want to work in conservation but you’re feeling lost, disillusioned or confused?!? Check out our Kick-Starter training designed to help you understand the job market, to navigate your career options, and to get hired more quickly. It’s designed for students, graduates, job-seekers and career-switchers. We’re proud to say it also has 100% satisfaction and recommendation ratings. We know you’ll love it. Find out more about our Kick-Starter – Online Course.
  • You need answers to top questions about working in conservation? Check out our free Ultimate Guides covering topics like the Top Conservation Skills, Top Conservation Internships | Paid or Free and Marine Conservation Jobs, and answering questions like How to Switch Careers into Conservation, Do I need a Master’s Degree? and much more! Or download our free guides to keep and read later!
  • You feel ready to be applying for jobs in conservation? Check out our membership packages for job seekers which provide access to the world’s biggest conservation job board – with over 15,000 conservation jobs shared each year – plus a range of other benefits. Check out our monthly memberships here.
  • You’re submitting applications, but failing to get many interviews? Check out our FREE eBook Conservation Jobs: The Step-by-Step System to Get Hired as a Wildlife Conservationist – available on Kindle, EPUB and PDF. We can also review your applications, and provide 1:1 advice on how to improve them. Check out our application support here.
  • You’ve got an interview (well done!) and would like our help to prepare for it? We know what employers want, and have helped many people prepare for and deliver successful interviews. Check out our interview preparation here.
Main image: A Mountain Gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda. Credit: Rob Waddington / Flickr.