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Primate Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Naples Zoo Inc

Animal Care Professional - Primates

Naples, FL · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

This position will regularly work with other department keepers in a team setting as well as independently and will require effective communication skills as well as the ability to understand primate ...

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 ...

Audubon Institute

Zoo Keeper (Primates)

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

This position may cross train with other primate species within the department. This is an exciting ... Keeper position. Additional benchmarks would need to be met and/or a timeline created to achieve ...

Oregon Health & Science University

Plumber

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$43.60 - $51.06/hr

Department Overview The Oregon National Primate Center (ONPRC) is located 12 miles west of the OHSU ... Activities include keeping tool bits sharpened and available, lubricate and adjust machine shop ...

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How much do primate keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 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 does a typical day look like for a Primate Keeper?

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.

How to get a job working with primates?

To become a primate keeper, candidates typically need a background in biology, zoology, or animal science, along with hands-on experience through internships or volunteering at zoos or wildlife centers. Relevant skills include animal handling, knowledge of primate behavior, and sometimes certifications in animal care or safety. Employers often seek candidates with patience, physical stamina, and a passion for conservation and animal welfare.

How much do primate keepers make?

Primate keepers typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced keepers or those working in specialized facilities can earn higher salaries. Certifications in animal care and experience with primates can also influence pay.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Primate Keeper position, and why are they important?

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.

What is a Primate Keeper job?

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.

How to become a mammal keeper?

To become a mammal keeper, typically one needs a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or a related field, along with hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work at zoos or wildlife centers. Developing skills in animal husbandry, understanding species-specific needs, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects. Physical stamina and the ability to work flexible hours are also important for this role.

How to become a monkey caretaker?

To become a monkey caretaker, typically one needs a background in animal care, such as a degree or certification in zoology, biology, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or volunteering at wildlife sanctuaries or zoos is valuable, and strong skills in animal handling, observation, and safety are essential. Some positions may require specific training on primate behavior and health management.
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Primate Keeper jobs near you
Assistant Primate Keeper (Research Animal Resources)

Assistant Primate Keeper (Research Animal Resources)

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Johns Hopkins Medicine rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 205 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 882 rated healthcare providers

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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