Seasonal Animal Care Assistant - Great Apes

Job Title: Seasonal Animal Care Assistant - Great Apes

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification: Seasonal

Hours: 40 hours/week; approximately May - August 2026 (584 total hours available)

Pay Rate: $15.40/hour

This is a seasonal position with a maximum duration of six months, based on individual performance and business operations. The exact end date will be determined by the official start date. 

Summary:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to support the Great Ape Department in providing care to a variety of primates, great apes, hoofstock, and bird species. This position will work directly with current animal care staff and will be primarily responsible for several duties to help manage the daily departmental tasks, including area upkeep and cleaning, animal diet preparation, and assisting animal care staff as needed.

This seasonal position will assist in maintaining the Great Ape buildings, prep areas, animal enclosures, and public spaces. This role requires cooperation with animal care staff and willingness to complete assigned tasks by area management in order to facilitate quality care and operational standards. This seasonal position will help aspiring animal care professionals acquire hands-on experience with a wide variety of species to fulfill a pre-requisite to gaining employment in the zoological field.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Cleaning: Public and non-public areas associated with the department.
• Animal Care and Husbandry: Assist in all aspects of animal care and husbandry for the animals associated with the department.
• Animal Enrichment: Assist in the daily enrichment of animals in the collection using the life strategies approach developed for the zoo. Assist with the development of new enrichment projects for the department.
• Horticultural: Assist with the maintenance (planting, trimming, watering, mowing, etc.) of all plant-life associated with the department and the exhibits.
• Building Maintenance: Assist in the monitoring, repair, and modifications of any system which supports the operation of any building associated with the department.
• Safety: Continually perform within a manner which supports a safe working environment.
• Communication: Willingness to provide and be open with information to co-workers, other departments, and staff to ensure everyone is continually informed.
• Record Systems: Assist with animal training records, enrichment documents, department report sheets, and daily operational check-lists.
• General Zoo Operation: Assist with activities in other zoo departments, as requested.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively with animal care staff and record information in daily records.
• Demonstrates knowledge of basic biology, behaviors, and the husbandry needs of area animals.
• Possesses an enthusiasm for completion of tasks, team cooperation, and handling multiple tasks.
• Maintains current knowledge of Zoo, departmental, and area policies and procedures relevant to daily activities and emergencies.
• Adheres to all safety protocols and area SOPs.

Candidates might be required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative TB test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays and some night programs.
• Must be able to walk long distances across the zoo.
• Must be able to stand, sit, kneel, bend, twist, reach above head and climb.
• Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.

Salary : $15