Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute · Washington · posted today
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. Experience Required • Minimum Qualifications - Required: • Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management, or a related biological science field. • Demonstrated experience managing, caring for, and training wild or exotic animals in a zoological setting. • Experience supporting animal management programs, administrative processes, and research or data collection activities. • Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. • Ability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional off-hours as operational needs require. Preferred: • Experience working with great apes, monkeys, prosimians, or other primate taxa. • Experience in an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium environment. • Knowledge of primate behavior, operant conditioning, welfare assessment, and environmental enrichment. • Experience with SSP programs, population management, and conservation breeding initiatives. • Supervisory or team leadership experience. Desired Competencies - Successful candidates will demonstrate: • Knowledge of managing exotic and endangered animals in zoological settings. • Understanding of principles and practices for managing wildlife in an AZA-accredited institution. • Ability to communicate animal and conservation information to diverse audiences. • Skill in maintaining animal records, inventory systems, and operational reports. • Commitment to animal welfare, conservation, inclusion, and collaborative leadership. Physical Requirements - • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. • Ability to safely perform duties involving animal restraint equipment, lifting, walking, climbing, and extended standing. • Ability to respond to animal emergencies and operational needs. Further Comments • Why Join Us? • Participate in cutting-edge animal care and behavioral management programs. • Collaborate with leading scientists, veterinarians, and conservation professionals. • Advance the mission of the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute through excellence in animal care, research, education, and conservation. • Primates: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/exhibits/primates Perks • The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Salary • $70,623 - $91,815 per year
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