Seasonal Animal Care Professional - Elephants
Apply at: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/0F311A9CB0E06646E60CCE5E069A1F85/jobs/458795
Birmingham Zoo Inc. (BZI) is a nonprofit, Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited Zoo and regional tourist attraction serving the greater Birmingham community and beyond. We advance wildlife conservation through responsible animal care, education, and local and global conservation efforts in support of our mission, Inspiring Passion to Conserve the Natural World.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Seasonal Animal Care Professional in the Elephants department is responsible for performing daily animal husbandry and supporting the health and wellbeing of the Zoo’s bachelor herd of African elephants, including monitoring behavior, maintaining habitats, preparing diets, providing enrichment, maintaining accurate records, and engaging with guests through informal and formal interactions. This role contributes to safe, consistent, and high-quality animal care operations within the Elephant Department.
All employees serve as ambassadors of the Zoo and are expected to act in a professional manner consistent with the Zoo’s mission and its core values of Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion. This expectation applies when interacting with the public or when reasonably perceived as representing the organization.
Elephant Keeper
Apply at: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=467f6b1e-2b6d-4e48-8560-e11a85e74702&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&jobId=573032
Job Title: Elephant Keeper I, II or III (depending on experience)
Department: Mammals
Reports to: Animal Care Manager and Curatorial Staff
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Job Status: Full-time
Job Summary: Zoo Atlanta’s Elephant Team, part of the Mammal Department, currently cares for 2.2 African elephants and meerkats. In 2019, Zoo Atlanta opened the new African Savanna, which includes a state-of-the-art elephant facility and an expanding elephant program. Animal keepers are responsible for animal welfare and husbandry, including training and enrichment. Additionally, animal keepers are responsible for maintenance of habitats, holdings, and public areas as assigned. The Keeper I, II, and III will report to the area managers and should be willing to serve as a possible point person in the absence of managers.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES, SKILLS, AND RESPONSIBILITES:
QUALIFICATIONS:
Prior elephant experience and/or related exotic animal care experience is required.
Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques is strongly preferred.
Must have the ability to: demonstrate focus, follow written verbal instructions, effectively promote organization, manage stress to perform the job effectively, remember details, manage time effectively, apply critical thinking techniques, analyze, and solve problems.
Demonstrate computer proficiency to complete the functions of this position.
Must be able to use light power tools after suitable training.
Keeper I
Keeper II
Keeper III
EDUCATION:
DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
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
Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 403(b) Retirement Plan, 403(b) Employer Match, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Tuition Assistance, Professional Development, Employee Discounts, Free Zoo Admission, Wellness Program
$18.70 To $26.06 Hourly
Zookeeper - Elephants
Apply at: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=2a3564c1-3dc4-4eaf-b5a4-197ca9050c50&ccId=19000101_000001&type=JS&lang=en_US&jobId=637714
Department: Animal
Reports To: Curator
Location: Audubon Zoo
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
General Summary:
This is an exciting time for the Audubon Zoo Elephant Department as we are adding three new positions to the team! This team will be fully dedicated to the care of 0.3 Asian Elephants. The selected team members will provide technical work in the daily care of elephants and report directly to the Curator of Elephants. Zookeepers: perform routine zookeeper duties; work under minimal supervision in a wide range of functions; may supervisor volunteer staff; initiate and participate in training and behavioral enrichment. This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic and enthusiastic team that is focused on long term welfare initiatives and providing exceptional and progressive elephant care.
To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Zookeeper will:
Provide daily guest experience of outstanding quality.
• A strong willingness to engage our guests about the Audubon Zoo’s mission statement. Looks to have genuine conversations about conservation, wildlife, and take-home messages.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment to evaluate and respond to any emergency situations that arise with our guests or facility.
• Willingness to present highly engaging educational programs as assigned.
• Participates in demonstrations/chats/feeds for our guests daily.
• Conducts behind-the-scenes tours for VIP’s, donors, and Audubon Education programs as scheduled.
• Extensive interaction with the public which may include on and off grounds educational and media presentations.
Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through welfare initiatives and research
• Identifies and corrects minor or routine maintenance problems and reports other maintenance needs directly to supervisor(s).
• Performs and initiates behavior modification and behavioral enrichment programs in assigned areas as designated by supervisor(s).
• Provide elephant-specific husbandry, such as footcare, baths sessions, etc.
• Observes general animal health and behavior daily and reports any abnormal situations to a supervisor(s).
• Maintains daily records of health and behavior status of animals in designated areas as directed.
• Prepares and follows prescribed diets and feeding procedures as directed by supervisor(s).
• Will assist in training new personnel in methods of animal care consistent with policies and procedures .
• Will value the contribution of every team member.
• May assist in the selection, training, supervision, evaluation, and assignment of volunteers as needed.
• May assist in developing new facilities and improving existing ones as assigned by supervisor(s).
• Composes technical reports on various aspects of captive animal management and exhibition as assigned by supervisor(s).
• Participates in restraining elephants under the supervision of the curator.
• Assists veterinary and curatorial staff in treating animals as assigned and prescribed, including administering medications.
• Assists in operant conditioning with the elephants and guide the elephants through the daily routine utilizing these positive and controlled training techniques.
• Makes decisions consistent with Audubon policies and procedures when required.
• Strong skills in time management.
• Ability to stay f lexible with team, supervisor(s), elephants and daily routine.
• Willingness to participate in AZA programs as assigned by supervisor(s).
• Take initiative by leading co-workers, Interns and Volunteers in coordinating and leading group projects.
• Brings a positive attitude and is accountable for their actions.
• Take personal responsibility for their surroundings.
• Displays actions that are moral and ethical.
• Looks to provide alternate solutions whenever possible.
• Maintain empathic behavior towards team members and supervisor(s).
• Willingness to receive and give feedback f rom team members and supervisor(s).
The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.
To deliver on the Audubon service promise, the Zookeeper will:
Welcome
• Make eye contact with every customer encounter, smile at every person, and offer f riendly phrases and greetings.
• Wears identification badge and follow dress code. Maintains a camera-ready appearance.
• Offers assistance to guests whenever possible.
• Assumes ownership of potential safety hazards and park appearance (wipe-up spill, pick up trash).
Share
• Always engage team members and guests in a positive manner.
• Utilizes the power of teamwork to provide excellent service.
• Know when to involve the management team.
Inspire
• Strives to share their passion and experiences for the conservation of wildlife.
• Empowered to take ownership of opportunities to exceed expectations.
Experience:
• Diverse and strong knowledge of the principles of large mammal management. Elephant experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of zoonotic diseases and prevention.
• Strong ability to exercise sound judgment to evaluate each animal’s health, diet, behavior, and any emergency situations that arise.
• Considerable experience in care, restraint, and handling of exotic animals.
• Excellent safety track record.
• Working knowledge of USDA and AZA requirements.
• Strong knowledge of animal training and application.
• With 6+ years of experience, an individual can qualify for a Senior Keeper position. Additional benchmarks would need to be met and/or a timeline created to achieve benchmarks.
Education:
• High School degree or equivalent
• Accurate oral and written communication skills
• College credits in Biology or related f ields
• Bachelor’s degree in related f ield preferred
• Ability to take required webinar courses.
Licensure/Certification:
• Must maintain a valid La. Driver’s License
• Must be fully Covid vaccinated
• Current TB test
• Current Tetanus shot
• Ability to obtain Incident Command System 100 and 200
Software Requirements:
• Proficiency in computer processing
Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements:
• Ability to learn and operate medium and heavy equipment as needed.
• Ability and willingness to operate power tools, lawn equipment, etc.
• Ability and willingness to operate complex pump systems.
Physical Requirements
• The ability to work outdoors in extreme weather patterns, including heat, humidity, and heavy rain.
• Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and per OSHA regulations : Heavy work involving lif ting no more than 100 pounds at a time with f requent lif ting or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Risk periodic exposure to predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases.
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE when designated by employer.
• Must be able to manage stress during high-risk situations when working around elephants, such as feeding, shifting, and husbandry duties.
Environmental/Working Conditions:
• Ability to work effectively and positively in a team and with volunteers.
• Daily cleaning of animal habitats, stalls, and grounds.
• Lawn and other horticultural maintenance required.
• Maintains off-exhibit areas in a clean and organized manner.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays, including overtime and be available based on special needs/circumstances on a 24-hour basis.
• Must be able to work alone or in close contact with team members.
• Willing to perform Pest Control duties as necessary.
• Willingness to serve on the zoo’s Hurricane Team, if needed.
• Ability to understand and operate moat pump systems.
• Ensures work area is f ree of food, drink, socialization, and personal business .
Animal Care Specialist - Elephant Team (Part Time)
Apply at: https://recruitingbypaycor.com/career/JobIntroduction.action?clientId=8a788267543c64a801544fc9f417049e&id=8a78839fa0f425e701a11d3065fb401c&source=Association%20of%20Zoos%20&%20Aquariums&code=&fromAggregate=false&qToken=&applicant_guid=
DEPARTMENT
Animal Care
CLASSIFICATION
Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO
Animal Care Manager
DIRECT REPORTS
N/A
$17.50/Hour
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Animal Care Specialist is responsible for performing routine work assignments involving the daily care and welfare of animals within their area. This position also performs daily maintenance of animal habitats and holding areas, as well as interacts with the public to provide information related to the Zoo & Aquarium’s animal collection.
This position will work with the Elephant Team, which is responsible for the daily husbandry of African elephants.
POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Duties
Percentage
Performs daily animal husbandry activities, including:
40%
Completes daily maintenance of exhibits and holding areas, including:
Maintains daily reports and other required records.
10%
Interacts with Zoo & Aquarium guests and the public, including:
*This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Additionally, specific duties and percentages may vary slightly between each Animal Care Team.
*All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Elephant Specialist
Apply at: https://whiteoak.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0zlzu?source=
Job Title: Elephant Specialist
Department: Wildlife
Reports To: Animal Collections Manager
Effective Date: September 2025
White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature. The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 22,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property. Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats.
White Oak Mission:
Saving endangered wildlife and habitats through sustainable populations, expanding education initiatives, and responsible land stewardship.
Job Summary:
The Elephant Specialist delivers exceptional, safe elephant care to advance White Oak’s elephant conservation programs. This position contributes directly to the White Oak Conservation mission by supporting the elephant husbandry program.
Essential Duties:
o Participates in the daily care of the animals in designated area, to include feeding, cleaning, medicating, training, enrichment, and record keeping activities.
o Participates with hand rearing, animal transfers, introductions, operant conditioning, and area research projects.
o Trains new behaviors with elephants in protected contact system.
o Participates in advanced elephant husbandry practices such as footcare, blood collections, and semen collections.
o Participates with the elephant health team to conduct elephant medical procedures and treatments.
o Notifies supervisor of supplies, tools and equipment needed in the elephant area.
o Performs animal care facilities maintenance to include mowing, weed-eating, pressure washing, dirt and substrate work, gate adjustments, lock lubrication, limb pick up, and other minor repairs.
o Maintains records and reports related to the elephant collection.
o Maintains, cleans, and organizes work and break areas, food storage, food prep, vehicles, and equipment.
o Participates with intern training including animal husbandry and management, record keeping, research, conservation, and education projects.
o Maintains the highest level of safety in the workplace through staff training and implementation of safety protocols and procedures.
o Possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills necessary to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, professional colleagues, and the public, both in person and through phone, e-mail, and written correspondence.
o Handles multiple tasks simultaneously; works in an environment subject to constant interruptions and quickly changing priorities; prioritizes responsibilities and performs effective time-management.
o Operates small equipment and farm machinery, as needed.
The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate or bachelor’s degree in animal science, wildlife management, biology, or a related field, preferred.
• Minimum of two years’ husbandry experience with large ungulates, elephant husbandry experience, preferred.
• Experience operating small equipment and farm machinery desired – mowers, weed-eaters, pressure washer, tractor or skid steer loader, utility/stock trailers, preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Engagement and genuine alignment with the mission, values, and vision of White Oak.
• Personal interest in, and strong commitment to, conservation, animal care and animal health.
• Capacity to work effectively with, and collaborate across, multiple organizational teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in dynamic conditions.
• Adaptability to constantly changing routines and circumstances.
• Ability to learn skills, such as operant conditioning, land management, and sample handling.
• Self-motivated and self-directed.
• Effective communication skills.
• Welcoming, personable, and encouraging.
• Capable and knowledgeable decision making; shows good judgement.
• Sets positive example, good conduct (e.g. safety, animal care, communication).
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Interest in participating and advancing in all aspects of the job.
• Sensitive to individual differences and supportive of all team members.
• Resilient, shows initiative, and demonstrates a healthy commitment to going above and beyond.
• Focuses on team success and defines success collaboratively versus individually.
• Able to work with colleagues in mind, be a good listener, and be willing to seek information and assistance when necessary.
Physical Requirements, Hazards, and Special Working Conditions:
• Must have valid Florida or Georgia drivers’ license.
• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects.
• Work involves some use of a 5-foot ladder.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Exposure to fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts and vehicles.
• Work a flexible schedule which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays as well as unforeseen emergency situations.
White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.
Part-Time Elephant Keeper
Apply at: https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/fwzoo/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/3363
Summary: The responsibility of this position is to maintain and care for elephants and other assigned species; to assist veterinary staff as needed; and to perform a variety of activities relative to the assigned area of responsibility.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Feed and water animals in and around existing quarters; clean, sanitize, maintain and repair animal quarters as required; shovel, rake, hose, sweep, dust and mop floors • Prepare diets for animals; clean and maintain work area and food storage containers • Maintain adequate records on daily activities; observe animal behavior for signs of illness, weight loss/gain or injury; report any signs of illness or injury • Assist veterinarians in minor operations or related activity, administer prescribed medications, submit fecal samples and other duties as needed • Assist in the training of assigned animals; guide animals through daily routines according to established training schedules and guidelines • Carry out animal diet directives from Nutritional Services Dept; clean and maintain food storage containers • Participate in the zoo-wide behavioral management program by implementing approved animal training and enrichment projects • Participate in and implement approved research projects • Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner; Present keeper talks to park visitors and media as required • Assist in directing the proper restraint, crating, moving and uncrating of animals • Properly maintain exhibits, animal facilities, equipment and life support systems (as apply) as trained for specific positions • Understand and implement operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under his/her care
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. • Must be 18 years of age or older • Must have one year of zoo keeping experience, elephant zoo keeping experience preferred • Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability • Proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) screening within previous six months prior to placement and annually thereafter Must possess ability to: • Work independently in the absence of immediate supervision • Understand and follow oral and written instructions • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing • Establish and maintain effective working relationships • Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities
Education and/or Experience: • High School diploma or equivalent • Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, zoology, animal behavior, biology, ecology, psychology or related field preferred • Specialized training in zoology or a related field desirable but not required
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. • Team oriented environment • Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends) • Exposure to a variety of domestic and wild or potentially dangerous animals; animal odors and animal body fluids • Exposure to all types of inclement weather conditions • Exposure to chemicals (cleaning, water chemicals, additives, etc.) • Ability to work special events and functions as required • This position may be safety sensitive • This position may work around animals susceptible to specific diseases, thus may be subject to regular tuberculosis and rabies titer testing, and the routine use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, face masks
Disclaimer The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
Animal Care Professional - Elephants
Apply at: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/0F311A9CB0E06646E60CCE5E069A1F85/jobs/457103
The Animal Care Professional is responsible for performing daily animal husbandry and supporting animal health and wellbeing, including monitoring behavior, maintaining habitats, preparing diets, providing enrichment, maintaining accurate records, and engaging with guests through informal and formal interactions. This role contributes to safe, consistent, and high-quality animal care operations across the assigned department.
This position works with the Birmingham Zoo’s bachelor herd of African elephants, offering the opportunity to be part of a specialized team caring for one of the Zoo’s most iconic and complex species. The role requires strong teamwork, keen observational skills, consistency, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of elephant care and safety.
The Elephant Managers Association (EMA) is an international, 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization.
All rights reserved. © 2023 Elephant Managers Association.
1513 Cambridge Street, Houston TX 77030
