Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute · Washington DC · posted today
About Us The Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), part of the Smithsonian Institution, is a world-renowned leader in animal care, conservation science, education, and wildlife research. We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative professional to serve as Assistant Curator of Primates, supporting one of the nation's premier zoological collections. Position Summary The Assistant Curator of Primates serves as a key member of the Animal Care Sciences leadership team and is responsible for supporting the management and welfare of a diverse collection of primates. The successful candidate will work closely with animal care staff, veterinarians, nutritionists, researchers, and conservation partners to ensure exceptional standards of animal wellbeing, husbandry, conservation, and guest engagement. This position combines animal management, staff leadership, conservation program participation, collection planning, and operational oversight in an AZA-accredited setting. Assistant Curators play a vital role in ensuring the wellbeing of collection animals through animal care, breeding, conservation, education, exhibition management, and research support. Primary Responsibilities Animal Management & Welfare • Oversee the daily management and welfare of assigned primate species. • Ensure the highest standards of husbandry, enrichment, behavioral management, and animal wellbeing. • Coordinate animal training programs supporting veterinary care, cooperative medical procedures, transport, introductions, separations, and exhibit management. • Evaluate and implement evidence-based husbandry and enrichment practices that promote species-appropriate behaviors. Staff Leadership • Provide direct management, mentoring, and professional development for animal keepers. • Coordinate and oversee the work of animal keepers, volunteers, interns, students, and contractors. • Establish work priorities, schedules, and operational goals while maintaining a safe and collaborative work environment. Collection Planning & Conservation • Participate in Species Survival Plan® (SSP) programs and other AZA conservation initiatives. • Assist with population management recommendations, breeding plans, transfers, and collection planning. • Prepare reports and recommendations for local, national, and international conservation and zoological organizations. • Collaborate with field conservation and research partners to advance primate conservation efforts. Research, Records & Compliance • Support and facilitate scientific research and data collection projects involving primate species. • Maintain accurate animal records and ensure compliance with all AZA, USDA, and institutional standards. • Assist with program budgets, reports, strategic planning documents, and regulatory reviews. • Communicate complex biological information to staff, stakeholders, and the public.
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