Assistant Curator, Primates (Biologist - Animal Care)

Smithsonian\s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Assistant Curator, Primates (Biologist - Animal Care)

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.

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

How to Apply

To Apply:

USAJOBS - Job Announcement (Current Federal Employees, Veterans, Spouses of Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities, and Special Authorities)

USAJOBS - Job Announcement (Open to the Public)

Job posts are general and not specific to Primates.

We will be hiring for a Primate Assistant Curator from this posting.

Posting will close 10/21/26

Tips for Applying for a Federal Position:

https://serc.si.edu/careers/tips-applying-federal-jobs

Smithsonian\s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Washington, DC 20008

Phone: 2026333504

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