Lion Country Safari
THE PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS: The Primate Curator will act as an extension of the Curator in overseeing their area of responsibility. This area of responsibility includes chimpanzees and white handed gibbons. The Primate Curator will also direct, supervise and support the primate keepers in their assigned areas with respect to safety, animal welfare, animal husbandry (including training, enrichment, diets, and medications), record keeping, aesthetics, routines, security, and USDA/FWC/AZA regulations. The Primate Curator will regularly meet with the Curator to represent his/her staff and work area, and submit input as to safety, animal health, animal welfare, security, husbandry, display design, and long-range planning.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Must exhibit leadership qualities such as effective time management, a collaborative mindset, and good communication skills. Must be capable of tactfully directing and supporting keepers in his/her area of responsibility and must always be a positive role model and mentor that treats the team with respect and fairness.
- Oversee the care, management, staff, safety protocols, and recordkeeping of chimpanzees and white handed (WH) gibbons.
- Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and the AZA to coordinate efforts and activities that advance the goals of Lion Country Safari. Actively participate in AZA programs by providing information to SSP coordinators and/or TAG Chairs related to animal management or breeding efforts.
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee primate introductions in collaboration with the Curator and animal care team(s).
- Play an active role in exhibit design and improvements.
- Work with veterinarian and other curatorial staff to monitor diet, medications, welfare, and general health of the primates.
- Work with the Training and Enrichment Curator to oversee training and enrichment programs for primates.
- Must collaborate with a multiple departments and committees, including but not limited to; maintenance, hospital, landscaping, projects, assistant curators, lead keepers, browse and wellness committee, PR, etc.
- Maintain proper judgement in cases of emergencies, managing a safe work environment and striving for optimal animal wellness.
- Supervise the animal care program and adherence to the Institutional Collection Plan.
- Advance facilities and training for the institution.
- Maintain complete records in ZIMS and supervise compliance with standardized record keeping system.
- Ensure LCS maintains AZA standards in safety, animal wellness, and animal care.
- Must be prepared to participate in the process of hiring, firing, or other changes in employee status in relevant areas.
- Assist in the training and evaluation of keeper staff.
- Must monitor his/her area to ensure adherence to safety policies, continuity of animal care, and appearances of enclosures.
- Must be able and prepared to help the keepers in the performance of their duties.
- Must be able and prepared to complete minor maintenance work to ensure animal safety and security, visitor enjoyment, and maintain USDA and AZA standards. Problems beyond his/her ability to solve must be reported to the Curator.
- Must be able and prepared to assist the medical team with animal capture and restraint with regard to animal health care.
- Must be familiar with the use of capture equipment, supplies and all related safety protocols.
- Must monitor training of new keepers to ensure continuity particularly in regard to safety. Regular reporting of keeper progress to the curator is essential.
- When working in the drive through preserve, make sure all guests are observing park rules, regulations, and look for signs of distressed animals and report them to Lion 1.
- Must represent LCS professionally regarding media, government officials and business representatives.
- Must follow and adhere to all LCS safety procedures and standard operating procedures.
- Work with maintenance staff to complete safety inspections for relevant primate facilities.
- Regular and reliable attendance.
- Other duties as assigned by management.
POSTION REQUIREMENTS
- University or college degree in animal science with a preference of an advanced degree in related field or relevant work experience.
- Prefer at least five (5) years paid experience with chimpanzees.
- Computer experience with software compatible to the zoological profession is considered an asset.
- Experience in animal care and wellness, animal management, and leading and supervising staff is preferred.
- Valid FL Driver’s license
- Reliable transportation
- Pass a drug screen and background check
BENEFITS
- Insurance coverage (medical, dental, and life)
- 401(k)
- Paid time off
- Performance based increase and review after first 90 days
- Annual reviews
EMPLOYEE PERKS
- 40% off lunch at the restaurant
- 40% off all retail shops
- Free tickets to Lion Country Safari
- Free tickets to attractions through Florida and discounts for family members
- Free uniforms
MISSION STATEMENT
Be a leader in animal care, conservation, and education to inspire people through connections with wildlife in a fun, family-friendly environment.
ABOUT LION COUNTRY SAFARI
Lion Country Safari opened in 1967 and was developed with the goal of bringing the African safari experience (then, and now, an expensive and time-consuming trip) to families who would otherwise not be able to experience this type of adventure. The park prides itself on caring for large social groups of animals (including some of the largest herds of zebra, giraffe, and rhino on record in North America) in wide open, natural habitats. The animals roam these multi-acre preserves while guests are confined to their vehicles. The resulting experience is immersive and allows for a very natural environment for guests to see and connect with some of the world's most iconic species. A visit to Lion Country Safari brings people closer to wildlife in this unique setting and supports conservation efforts to save species. Lion Country Safari is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the gold standard in animal care, conservation, and education, and is Palm Beach County’s largest attraction.
DFWP/EOE
Please email ashleigh.kandrac@lioncountrysafari.com