Job Title: Primate Research Intern

Department: Research and Conservation

Reports to: Director of Animal Welfare

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Status: Intern

Job Purpose: The Primate Research Intern supports Zoo Atlanta’s Research and Conservation department through participation in research projects, behavioral monitoring programs, educational outreach, and animal care activities. This position provides hands-on experience in all aspects of animal welfare research, including study design, data collection, analysis, and scientific communication, while contributing to Zoo Atlanta’s mission of advancing animal welfare and conservation.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Assist with ongoing animal welfare research projects, including data collection, entry, management, and quality control.
Conduct daily animal behavior observations as part of longitudinal behavioral monitoring programs.
Participate in all phases of welfare research, including project design, data collection, data summarization, analysis, and preparation of materials for publication and presentation.
Maintain and organize digital research archives and databases.
Deliver educational talks, demonstrations, and presentations to zoo guests and through social media platforms, highlighting animal welfare initiatives and ongoing research efforts.
Assist with animal husbandry duties approximately four hours per week.
Support departmental projects and special assignments as needed.
Must be willing to support Zoo Atlanta’s Vision, Mission, and Values statement.
Comply with all Zoo Atlanta safety policies and procedures, including tuberculosis (TB) testing requirements and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Animal Welfare Department.

Qualifications:

Knowledge

Understanding of animal behavior, welfare science, research methodologies, and data management principles.
Familiarity with behavioral observation techniques and scientific research processes preferred.

Special Skills and Abilities

Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy in data collection and recordkeeping.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to engage diverse audiences through educational presentations and outreach activities.
Previous experience working or volunteering at an AZA-accredited institution preferred.
Position limited to U.S. nationals unless currently authorized to work in the United States through an appropriate visa.
Zoo Atlanta is open to the public 363 days per year; therefore, this position may require work on weekends, holidays, and evenings.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Biology, Zoology, Conservation, Animal Behavior, or a related field required.

Physical Demands

Ability to perform physical work and lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform observational duties for extended periods.

Work Environment

Work is conducted in both office and outdoor animal care environments.
Exposure to varying weather conditions and animal-related environments.
Requires adherence to established safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment when necessary.

Term of Employment

One-year internship appointment.
40 hours/week; Intern; Full-time
- 20hrs/week with Zoo Atlanta
- 20hrs/week with Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

Current CV or résumé, including contact information for two professional references.
Cover letter outlining relevant skills, experience, and career goals.

MISC: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Zoo Atlanta is an EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment.