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Primate Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TANGANYIKA WILDLIFE PARK LLC

Hoofstock Keeper

Goddard, KS · On-site

$16/hr

If baby giraffe steps, pygmy hippo snacks, and primate antics sound like your kind of day-this is ... Desire to grow as a team member, animal keeper, and human being * Ability to stand or walk and be ...

Dallas Zoo

Senior Zoologist - Primates

Dallas, TX · On-site

The Primate team cares for a wide array of small-to-large primates, ranging from emperor tamarins ... Follow all safety protocols and understand the animal keeper's role in emergency procedures ...

Crispr Therapeutics

Director, LNP Discovery

Boston, MA · On-site

$195K - $215K/yr

... primate * Excellent communication skills (oral and written) * Track record of innovation in LNP research, spanning bioconjugation, protein design and/or binder design * Strict record keeping skills ...

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How much do primate keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for primate keeper in the United States is $24.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a primate keeper?

A Primate Keeper is responsible for the daily care, feeding, enrichment, and welfare of primates in zoos, wildlife centers, or research facilities. They monitor animal health, clean enclosures, and provide behavioral enrichment to ensure the primates' physical and mental well-being. Keepers also educate the public about primate conservation and may assist in breeding programs or research efforts. This role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of animal behavior.

What does a primate keeper do?

A typical day for a Primate Keeper involves preparing diets, cleaning enclosures, observing the animals for signs of illness or behavioral changes, and providing enrichment activities to stimulate natural behaviors. Keepers also record daily logs, assist with veterinary procedures, and may interact with visitors during educational talks or demonstrations. Collaboration with other animal care staff and veterinarians is common to ensure optimal care standards are met. The role can be physically demanding and requires attention to safety protocols, but offers the rewarding opportunity to contribute directly to the welfare of primates in a team-oriented environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a primate keeper?

To thrive as a Primate Keeper, you need hands-on animal husbandry experience, strong observational skills, and a background in biology or zoology, often supported by a relevant college degree or certifications such as AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) training. Familiarity with record-keeping systems, enrichment planning software, and health monitoring tools is typically required. Exceptional teamwork, patience, attention to detail, and effective communication with colleagues and veterinarians help a Primate Keeper excel. These skills and qualities ensure the well-being, safety, and enrichment of primates, while supporting effective collaboration in a zoological setting.

How much do primate keepers make?

Primate keepers typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and years of experience working in zoos or wildlife facilities.

How to become a primate keeper?

To become a primate keeper, candidates typically need a background in animal science, biology, or a related field, along with experience working with animals, such as volunteering or internships at zoos or wildlife centers. Relevant skills include knowledge of primate behavior, proper handling techniques, and safety procedures; certifications in animal care or first aid can also be beneficial. Entry-level positions often require physical stamina and the ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
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Primate Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Primate Keeper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $50,573 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Assistant Primate Keeper (Research Animal Resources)

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

We are seeking an Assistant Primate Keeper who will provide animal care for a breeding colony of group-housed monkeys in an indoor/outdoor facility. Required training will be provided to new staff at all experience levels, regarding safety, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for husbandry and care, animal behavior, and other related topics. This role assists the Animal Care Assistant Manager and/or Primate Keepers in the overall care of primates and maintenance of the facility.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
  • Assist in providing daily care to primates, including but not limited to, feeding, cleaning animal enclosures, and preparing and distributing enrichment.
  • Clean indoor and outdoor animal enclosures and other associated areas, ensuring safe use of cleaning solutions and sufficient disinfection of surfaces according to facility SOPs.
  • Perform routine enclosure maintenance, including raking, minor repairs, and other routine maintenance activities.
  • Complete daily census of animals.
  • Observe and report out on physical condition and health of animals.
  • Monitor and report on animal behavior and social interactions.
  • Inspect facilities and animal enclosure elements to ensure safety and security.
  • Shift, capture, restrain animals as needed.
  • Provide daily occupational environmental enrichments and inspect, clean, and replace physical enrichments.
  • Perform routine maintenance and make minor repairs to equipment and facilities.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and SOPs.
  • Maintain records, inventory, and other information.
  • Assist with receiving and shipping non-human primates.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • This role will never be required to work at the facility alone and must always report daily to the Animal Care Assistant Manager or their delegate.
  • Able to work a rotating weekend and holiday schedule.

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or graduation equivalent.
  • One year of work experience.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience working with animals.
  • Prior experience working in an outdoor setting.

Specific Physical Requirements for the Job
  • Ability to lift, carry or otherwise move and position objects and materials weighing up to 40 lbs.
  • Ability to work under environmental conditions that require the use of safety equipment.
  • Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions, with frequent exposure to and contact with animals, that can carry the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.
  • Specialty Occupational Health requirements up to date and complete required.

Classified Title: Assistant Primate Keeper
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CB
Starting Salary Range: $15.40 - $23.25 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F / 7am-3:30pm
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: Research Animal Resources
Personnel area: University Administration

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876

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