New

Head Keeper - Jungle Trails

Cincinnati Zoo
life insurance, paid time off, 401(k)
United States, Ohio, Cincinnati
3400 Vine Street (Show on map)
Nov 22, 2025
Head Keeper - Jungle Trails Team *Description:* This is a full-time (40 hours per week with benefits) Union keeper position, which is subject to the successful completion of a probationary (or trial period) and the deduction of union dues. Regular off-days Based on house seniority will be Monday-Tuesday. The area schedule consists of 5 8-hour days. *Summary:* This position is a leadership role and is expected to support/oversee the Jungle Trails keeper team. This position encompasses skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures, and related facilities in the Jungle Trails Department. Animals within the area include species of prosimians, monkeys, and apes. Duties may include related tasks and/or unrelated duties as assigned. *Position Benefits:* Union negotiated pay rates, with a starting rate at $32.75/hour We offer a highly competitive benefits package supporting our employees' Total Well-Being, including comprehensive & affordable medical, dental & vision coverage (starting the first day of the month following date of hire); free mental health counseling and coaching, 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off (200 PTO hours accrued throughout the first year of service, 80 of which are loaded into the PTO bank upon hire); company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes. Organizational culture that highlights the following core values: Collaborative Relationships Pride, Passion, and a Sense of Ownership Positivity and Energy Accountability, Mutual Trust, and Respect Progressive Thinking Intentional professional development opportunities, for both animal care and "people" skills *Desired Qualifications, Skills & Abilities:* Demonstration of excellent communication and problem-solving skills, while applying good judgment, to deliver animal care and guest experiences that meet the highest standards Demonstration of knowledge and successful experience in animal husbandry, operant conditioning, and understanding of modern zoological practices The ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with co-workers (including staff, interns, students and volunteers) A degree in the biological sciences or related field 3 years of primate husbandry experience in an AZA institution preferred, with preference for: Experience with chimpanzees and/or bonobos, with 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 Knowledge of animal husbandry, operant conditioning, and understanding of modern zoological practices Critical thinking capacity for decision making, with the ability to cultivate innovation within the team Knowledge and understanding of animal training theory and applications Ability to establish and maintain effective, high trust working relationships with colleagues Ability to collaborate with the keeper team, respectfully supporting people to share opinions and encouraging people to actively engage in creating/pursuing area goals Possession of a growth mindset, which engages in learning, collaboration, and action towards bettering animal welfare practices on a consistent basis Resiliency to adapt to ever changing departmental needs Desire to expand upon leadership skillsets to offer effective support for the team Demonstration of effective emotional intelligence skill through realistic self-appraisal and self-confidence, which are highlighted through transparency, adaptability, and a generally optimistic attitude Demonstration of effective emotional intelligence skills through empathy and cognition of the social environment, which are highlighted through effective influence within the team and concern for team member job satisfaction Ability to flex leadership and communication styles to meet the needs of the keeper team and management team Demonstration of balanced collaboration and decisiveness for team and animal management needs Ability to challenge the process through open and respectful dialogue at all levels Experience with outdoor habitat maintenance is preferred *Equivalent combinations of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered* *Duties:* Performing the daily assignments of a keeper in the area (see area standard operating procedures for details) Developing area schedules for the team Supporting keeper staff in the same daily assignments, providing positive and developmental feedback where appropriate to ensure high standards of animal care and maintenance of all USDA & AZA standards Maintaining awareness of keeper efficacy and developmental opportunities, to help inform keeper evaluations and development plans with the Zoological Manager Ensuring the execution and maintenance of proper records of health, safety, behavior, enrichment, and operant conditioning programs by the team Identifying area needs and submitting the appropriate work/purchase order requests Collaborating with the CZBG nutritionist to make any necessary modifications to diets within the area, based on observations relating to food intake, increased awareness of natural history, and animal health needs Assisting the Zoological Manager and Curator with hiring new team members Facilitating the training of new personnel on standard operating procedures Facilitating the training of new interns, students, and/or volunteers within the area Assisting animal health and curatorial staff with the development and implementation of animal management strategies Making decisions consistent with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden core values Consistent contact with team members to facilitate open communication, development, and the pursuit of team goals Maintaining consistent and effective communication with the Zoological Manager/Curator to represent area needs and support management goals Delegating tasks, when appropriate, to facilitate professional development for keeper staff Proactively finding opportunities to improve animal welfare and keeper job satisfaction Maintaining productive and positive relationships throughout other CZBG departments Maintaining consistent communication with the Zoological Manager and Curator to facilitate the above duties Encouraging keeper team to share different perspectives, fostering healthy conversation and respectful relationships amongst the team Synthesizing animal care team interests into a collective vision, with support from the management team Holding themselves and team members accountable to animal care standard operating procedures, team goals, and the maintenance of a positive team culture Holistically thinking about team goals, short- and long-term animal management plans, and professional development for staff *Working Conditions:* While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; bend; climb or balance; lift, grasp; and negotiate stairs and ladders. In addition, the employee may be exposed to Zoonosis, chemicals, and outside weather conditions; Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance; must possess a valid driver's license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle). To apply for this position: Cover letter and resume should be included in your online application.