The Elephant Managers Association Untitled page

Tulsa Zoo

Colton Meier — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Zookeeper - Elephants/Hoofstock

Apply at: https://secure7.saashr.com/ta/6218179.careers?ShowJob=604497046

Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc.

Your Role: Zookeeper – Elephants/Hoofstock

Your Manager: Zoological Supervisor/Manager

Your Pay Structure (FLSA Status): Full-time, hourly/nonexempt

Safety Sensitive: This is a safety-sensitive position. Regardless of whether you are a medical marijuana licensee, you must receive a negative result on a 10-panel, pre-placement drug screening to include THC, prior to beginning work.

The Zoo

Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. (TZMI) is nonprofit organization driven by our mission of Connecting, Caring, Advocating for Wildlife, People, and Wild Places. From trumpeting elephants to squawking parrots, each member of our team is integral to the success of the Zoo as Green Country’s largest paid daily attraction. At Tulsa Zoo, the IDEA is a zoo for all. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Apply today for your opportunity to join our dynamic group of passionate individuals who bring the zoo to life each day, 365 days per year, caring for animals, interacting with guests, educating the public, and managing the Zoo’s grounds, operations, and facilities.

A Few of Your Many Benefits

Free family-level Tulsa Zoo membership
Medical, dental, and vision benefits beginning your first day of employment
401k
Unlimited virtual visits with a mental health therapist at no cost to you
Food, beverage, and retail discounts on zoo grounds
Generous paid time off plans

Your Job

Zookeeper – Elephants/Hoofstock is responsible for the daily care, maintenance, and observation of assigned animal collection and associated facilities. This position will be involved with exhibit maintenance, diet preparation, conservation breeding programs, veterinary procedures, animal training and enrichment, education programs, and addressing guests.

Your Essential Responsibilities

If you disclose different abilities, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable you to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Other duties may be assigned to you.

Daily cleaning of animal exhibits, service areas and holding units utilizing various tools, instruments, disinfectants.
Diet preparation and feeding such as restock, inventory, ordering feed supplies as needed and as prescribed. Maintain food preparation areas and equipment.
General maintenance of exhibits, service areas, and holding units such as fence repair, decoration, mister systems, automatic drinkers, shade cloth, filling holes, etc.
Maintain exhibits and holding units to ensure animal, keeper, and visitor safety, and in good appearance for public viewing at all times.
Design and construct exhibits/holding units by cutting and moving branches to plant or secure them to walls with dirt, cement, wire, nails; install nest boxes and barrels; attach burlap to cage walls to provide privacy; maintain plants in exhibits.
Capture and restrain animals by hand, net, catchpole, or by corralling them under direction of supervisor for shipping/loading or routine/non-routine medical procedures.
As assigned, assist Animal Health department with medical treatments such as prescribed medication/treatments, weighing/measuring, surgery, restraint/capture, and euthanasia of animals.
Daily observation of animal collection for injury, illness, aggression, stress, breeding activity, diet intake, behavior, enrichment, capture/restraint, prescribed medical treatments, in-house moves, acquisitions/de-acquisitions, and fecal consistency and maintain accurate record of these observations.
Maintains accurate records of daily observations of animal collection containing information regarding behavior, intake, fecal output, breeding behavior, aggression, behavioral enrichment, capture/restraint, prescribed medical treatments in-house moves and acquisitions/de-acquisitions.
Monitor life support systems including but not limited to water filtration, ozone generators, HVAC, and backup generators as needed.
Identify and communicate situations for repair and maintenance for the safety of animals, visitors, and staff as well as overall upkeep of the facilities.
In conjunction with animal care leaders including Behavioral Husbandry department, work with animal collection on a one-to-one basis such as crate training, practicing commands, clicker training, and orientating animals to new enclosures.
Apply appropriate techniques and opportunities for enrichment of the animal collections.
Under direction of animal care leaders, devise and implement breeding protocols, diet revisions, exhibit designs, and maintenance.
Research the animal collection and scientific journals, observe and recognize a variety of courtship behaviors, and create environments that induce breeding.
Assist in acquisition/de-acquisition of animal collection by crate training, crating of animal, loading, transportation, and shipment.
Train, assist, and oversee work of volunteers/interns and ensure their safety while performing these duties.
Fill in for zookeepers in other departments as requested.
Recognize signs of pest infestation in animal areas and combat pests/nuisance wildlife as directed.
Maintain area compliance with all local, state, federal, and international regulations and ensure standards are met (USDA, AZA, etc.).
Attend and participate in staff meetings and assigned training sessions.
Participate in visitor education programs, formal and informal animal presentations and outreach programs, scheduled keeper talks, and provide accurate information to the public.
Maintain necessary certifications as required (SCUBA, AZA Elephant Management, Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) etc.).
Maintain necessary testing/vaccinations as required (TB, rabies, respiratory mask fit testing, etc.).
Respond to emergency calls after normal operating hours.
Effectively communicate and demonstrate interpersonal skills with all levels of employees in a clear and professional manner.
Demonstrate and adhere to TZMI’s workplace values.
Know and follow zoo policies and procedures, including emergency protocols.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct reports.

What We Expect

Required Qualifications, Education and/or Experience

Must be 18 years or older, possess a valid driver’s license, and be insurable on TZMI’s insurance carrier
Must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, animal science, environmental resources, wildlife management or a related field from college or university; six months of exotic animal experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Generally, one year of full time exotic animal experience will translate to one year of college.
Ability to read and comprehend documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals; to write routine reports and correspondence; to communicate effectively before groups of customers, employees of TZMI, and the general public
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
Ability to work with potentially dangerous animals (i.e. large ungulates, carnivores, venomous animals) and around hay/alfalfa, and substrate indoor environments
Ability to operate various equipment and vehicles including but not limited to golf carts, utility task vehicles, large trucks, and farm/construction equipment
Microsoft Word; Microsoft Excel; Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) a plus; Internet Browser(s)- Explorer, Chrome, Safari, etc.

What You can Expect

Our Values

We are enthusiastically committed to be part of the Tulsa Zoo community.
We will all work together as one Zoo Team to support the Zoo’s mission.
We will value and appreciate everyone and create a safe, understanding, and welcoming environment for all.
We will all be accountable for achieving excellence.
We will earn the trust of one another, acting honestly and treating each other with respect.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

· Moving about - constantly

· Sitting – rarely

· Standing - constantly

· Reaching with hands and arms – constantly

· Stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling - constantly

· Climbing and/or balancing – occasionally

· Exchange of in-person, phone, radio, or digital communication - frequently

· Carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds – frequently

· Pushing and/or pulling up to 50 pounds - frequently

· Exposure to outdoor weather conditions - constantly

· Exposure to high noise levels- frequently

· Gripping, pinching, writing, and other hand movements – constantly

· Exposure to strong smells – frequently

· Work near moving mechanical parts – occasionally

· Wet or humid environment - frequently

Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Colton Meier — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Elephant Animal Care Internship

Apply at: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/careers/internships/elephant-animal-care-internship

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) offers Animal Care Internship opportunities designed to provide hands-on experience in animal management, animal behavior research, and animal welfare practices within a leading conservation organization. The selected intern will work alongside professional animal care staff to support the daily care and management of our Asian elephants. Interns may assist with activities such as behavioral observations, enrichment development, exhibit monitoring, diet preparation, habitat maintenance, and participation in animal training sessions.

Interns may also contribute to applied research or welfare-focused projects that inform animal management decisions and support NZCBI’s mission to save species through science, conservation, and public engagement. These projects may include behavioral data collection, enrichment design and evaluation, or studies examining how exhibit environments and visitor experience may influence animal behavior. Throughout the internship, participants will gain exposure to the complex nature of our operations - integrating animal care, research, conservation science, and public education. Interns will work under the supervision of experienced animal care professionals and may have opportunities to present project findings or recommendations to staff.

Learning Objectives:

Through this internship, participants may:

Learn basic principles of zoological animal husbandry, including diet preparation, exhibit maintenance, and routine animal care.

Observe and identify animal behaviors and develop skills in systematic behavioral data collection.

Gain familiarity with research methodology used in zoological settings, including study design, data collection, and basic data analysis.

Assist with the design, preparation, and evaluation of environmental enrichment that promotes species-specific behaviors and animal welfare.

Learn and follow animal care safety procedures, operational protocols, and institutional policies.

Develop an understanding of how animal management decisions support conservation, research, and animal welfare goals.

Participate in discussions with animal care staff about husbandry practices, enrichment strategies, and behavioral observations.

Gain experience balancing animal management responsibilities with research or observation activities in a public zoo environment.

Develop communication skills by sharing observations or project outcomes with staff and, where appropriate, participating in educational or interpretive activities for visitors.

Experience Required

Qualifications Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment with staff, volunteers, and other interns. Strong communication and public speaking skills. Ability to stand, stoop, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds. Flexibility and a good sense of humor. Must be willing to commit to a regular schedule, including potential weekends and holidays. Upon acceptance and one month prior to arriving for work, the intern will be required to provide documentation for a current negative TB test and tetanus shot. The intern must also pass a background check prior to their start date.

Further Comments

Stipend:  This is a paid, part-time internship ($350/week for 16 weeks). Intern will be responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance. Location:  Washington, DC Housing:  The intern will make their own housing arrangements in the Washington, DC area. Parking:  The Smithsonian's National Zoo does not provide free parking to interns. Public transportation is suggested. Term of appointment:  Internship runs for 16 weeks between August-December 2026. Exact start and end dates to be determined upon selection. Interns must be able to devote 24 hours per week. Reasonable exceptions may be made to coordinate with university or work schedules. Please note: The deadline to apply for this fall internship is Sunday, July 26, 2026.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Colton Meier — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Post Doctoral Associate, Elephant Communication

Apply at: https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/sdzwa/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/25355

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Post-Doctoral Associate oversees research projects and performs a variety of assigned research and diagnostic activities, while completing post-doctoral training in a specialized area of scientific research. This position reports to Scientist level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Oversee assigned research projects.
Collect, process, and enters research data.
Perform experiments and measurements.
Interpret and analyze research results and revises procedures as necessary.
Establish and maintain databases.
Document research methodology and results.
Prepare progress reports.
Conduct and oversee investigations of study subjects.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Population Sustainability team at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has an opening for a full-time, 3-year Postdoctoral Associate to apply machine learning (ML) expertise to investigate the meaning and structure of African savanna elephant vocalizations. The Associate will design and implement research working in close collaboration with Colorado State University (CSU), Save the Elephants, and the Wildlife Care teams at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park in order to 1) explore individual and environmental variables influencing acoustic properties in elephant communication, 2) describe structural components encoding information and their behavioral context, and 3) explore how vocalizations may be used for applications in elephant conservation and welfare. The Associate will build a behaviorally and individually labelled dataset of elephant vocalizations from elephants at SDZWA using on-animal and array-based passive acoustic recording devices, and will have access to existing elephant vocalization datasets from wild elephants for analyses. Ideal candidate will have a PhD in computer science, ecology, or a related field with a focus in ML, with a preference for candidates with experience in applying ML to acoustic data to develop detection and classification models. Ideal candidates will have background in Python programming, linguistic analysis, or advanced work in animal communication, and possess in-depth knowledge about contemporary methods in machine learning. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong record of collaboration and research creativity and productivity. The position is co-advised within the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at CSU and the Associate will spend time in both locations. The selected candidate will have opportunities to work with a diverse group of collaborators within SDZWA and CSU and with global partners, and will receive training in using the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation for the planning and adaptive management of conservation projects.

JOB EXPERIENCE

Position responsible for ensuring compliance with established guidelines.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

Post Doctorate or Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine or equivalent specialized training required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Specialization area preferred. (i.e. population biologist, demography, or genetics)
Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs
Demonstrated ability to work with others in a diverse environment.
Knowledge of science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts.

SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Family Passes
Complimentary Tickets
Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Local and In-House Discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

Location: Escondido, CA
Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Three Year Post Doctoral Associate Position
Salary Range: $87,264 to $98,172

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.