• 02/06/2026 7:53 PM | Colton Meier (Administrator)

    Elephant Odyssey Wildlife Care Specialist - Part Time

    Apply at: Elephant Odyssey Wildlife Care Specialist - Part Time - San Diego Zoo | Dayforce Jobs

    HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
    The Wildlife Care Specialist performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission and vision of saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in wildlife care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature and leading the fight against extinction. The Wildlife care specialist, under general supervision, feeds and provides for the general care and welfare of assigned wildlife (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates or birds). This position reports to a Lead or Supervisor.

    This class is distinguished from the Senior Wildlife care specialist class in that the Wildlife care specialist works under supervision. The Wildlife care specialist performs a wide range of semi-routine functions at either the Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This class also consistently demonstrates the desire and ability to engage in positive relationships with internal and external customers.

    WHAT YOU WILL DO

    • Decision-making: Must have independent and critical thinking ability to respond appropriately to expected and unexpected animal care situations. Must be able to problem solve based on experience and observation and must be able to follow proper procedures.

    • Prepares food and water for animals, Loads and unloads food from trucks, Feeds animals

    • Observes assigned animals

    • Safety: Must be able to safely manage the daily care of non-domesticated wild animals representing multiple dangerous species. This requires the knowledge of and ability to follow SOPs in each animal area.

    • Maintains appropriate health and behavior records on assigned animals. Provides species-appropriate enrichment to assigned animals.

    • Participates in assisting medical staff in treating wildlife and moving animals

    • Performs minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures. Reports maintenance needs. Operates a variety of light and medium equipment.

    • Professionalism: Employees are expected to abide by the SDZWA Rules of Engagement. Must foster a positive work environment that promotes trust and integrity. Must be able to accept responsibility and be accountable. Must make decisions that support the goals of the organization.

    • Cleans habitat areas, pools, animal sleeping areas and service areas

    • Reports abnormal conditions

    • Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers

    • Participates in and supports animal training programs

    • Administers prescribed medication and keeps feeding records

    • Flexibility/Adaptability: Must be able to quickly process and respond to novel situations with professionalism and clear judgment. Must be able to accept irregular shift times, last minute schedule changes, variance in workload, and changing of daily tasks. Must be able to respond appropriately to the animals’ dynamic social and physical states. Must be able to work at variable locations (Zoo, Safari Park, field, CS).


    WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

    Minimum of one year of carnivore and/or hoof stock experience required, elephant experience is preferred.


    JOB EXPERIENCE

    • Education, training and/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined. Examples would be 12 to 16 college credit hours in zoology, animal biology or animal husbandry; or, work experience in a Zoo or similar environment where appropriate knowledge and skills in animal care could be acquired preferred.

     

    EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

    • High School Diploma Required

    • California Driver License within 30 Days required

    SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

    Knowledge of:

    • Animal behavior

    • Animal biology and zoology 

    • Care, feeding and handling of wild animals 

    • Safety practices around wild animals 

    • Techniques for restraining or capturing wild animals 

    • Public Speaking 

    Ability to:

    • Respond to cautions from co-workers 

    • Monitor animal behavior and appearance 

    • Operate motorized equipment and vehicles 

    • Use computer programs (Word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and Internet) 

    • Communicate and work effectively with others 

    • Work in a diverse team environment and motivate others 

    • Multi-task and prioritize 

    • Understand and follow directions effectively 

    • Deal tactfully and courteously with others 

    • Adhere to the organization’s policies, procedures and regulations 

    • Competently perform the essential functions outlined above 

     

    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: San Diego, CA 

    • Position Type: Hourly Part-Time Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union

    • Hourly Rate: $31.98

  • 02/06/2026 7:50 PM | Colton Meier (Administrator)

    Assistant Curator, Elephants

    Apply at: https://careers-columbuszoo.icims.com/jobs/3082/assistant-curator%2c-elephants/job

    Join the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (CZA), a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, sustainability, education, and community engagement, and play a pivotal role in advancing our mission in Empowering People. Saving Wildlife. We accomplish this by inspiring every visitor, with wildlife, every day by providing opportunities to be close enough to care.

    As the Assistant Curator of Elephants, you will lead our world-class elephant program, working closely with the VP of Animal Care to execute the Zoo’s vision for elephant sustainability, progressive care, and safety.

    In this dynamic role, you’ll be at the forefront of a team that shapes the future of Asian elephant care and conservation. Collaborating with fellow curators and animal care staff, you will help drive forward a cutting-edge breeding program that not only focuses on the wellbeing and sustainability of elephants but also leads the way in advancing animal welfare across AZA-accredited zoos.

    As the Assistant Curator, you will ensure that the Zoo meets and exceeds the AZA’s rigorous standards of elephant care, fostering an environment where innovation and compassion come together. You will be a key player in the ongoing evolution of an elephant program that is not only a model for excellence but also contributes to the long-term sustainability and preservation of elephants worldwide.

    Take the next step in your career and make a lasting impact on the future of elephant care at the Columbus Zoo, a leader in animal conservation and well-being.

    Responsibilities

    Animal Care & Wellbeing

    • Assists the VP of Animal Care in creating, implementing, and managing policies relating to the overall care and well-being of the region’s animal and plant collection (e.g., animal health, medical treatment, development of husbandry protocols, animal nutrition, enrichment, and other activities related to animal and plant care).
    • Ensures area compliance with animal wellbeing best practices and all professional standards. Manages and assists/organizes/ensures compliance with USDA, AZA, AAMPA, and ZAA inspections/accreditations.
    • Ensures area compliance with Asian elephant animal wellbeing best practices and all professional standards.
    • Makes recommendations to the VP of Animal Care regarding modifications to all aspects of animal care including husbandry, diet, training, enrichment, habitat redesign, record-keeping, and operational efficiencies. Works with the VP of Animal Care to implement all new changes.
    • Supports the VP of Animal Care in developing short-term and long-term objectives for the animal collection, educational graphics, conservation initiatives, research, visitor amenities and services, and habitat enhancements.
    • Oversees the development and documentation of the region’s enrichment program, ensuring opportunities for animals to engage in natural behaviors.
    • Effectively and efficiently oversees, advises, and supports animal training for husbandry purposes using operant conditioning techniques, positive reinforcement, and building resiliency. Responsible for tracking behavioral husbandry consistency and progress for the region.
    • Initiates wellbeing assessments and facilitates those opportunities, working with the team to develop action plans for all opportunities identified during the wellbeing assessment process.
    • Serves as the liaison to the Conservation Medicine department. Oversees or delegates planning and coordination of veterinary procedures.
    • Supports the VP of Animal Care with animal acquisitions/dispositions, including the review of recommendations, completion of paperwork, logistical preparations, and physical transport.
    • Assists with the development and updating of all departmental documents, including (but not limited to) species-specific SOPs and guidelines, breeding and rearing protocols, training plans, and safety manuals.

    Staff Management & Development:

    • Supervises staff in daily operations, issues instructions (written and verbal) for completion of all required work, determines performance standards and work objectives, and identifies staff development opportunities.
    • Assists the VP of Animal Care with the selection and hiring of all full- and part-time team members.
    • Oversees the hiring, evaluation, and budgetary management of seasonal staff.
    • Oversees staff training and clearance to work in specific areas/species in the region.
    • Sets individual goals for each member of the team and coaches professional development accordingly.
    • Identifies and acts upon disciplinary issues, while holding staff accountable to policies.
    • Responsible for the development of staff schedules and approval of time off requests.
    • Holds regularly scheduled staff meetings within the region and attends required Zoo-wide staff meetings.
    • Performs staff duties and related tasks within the region to maintain intimate knowledge of daily operations for the department—up to 20% of work hours per week.

    Operations, Budget & Planning:

    • Assists the VP of Animal Care with the development and implementation of the annual operation plan as it relates to guest experiences.
    • Oversees the creation of work orders and prioritizes their need as related to animal and staff wellbeing.
    • Assists the VP of Animal Care in the development and oversight of zoo projects, including the construction of new habitats or the upgrading of existing facilities to support animal wellbeing.
    • Responsible for staying informed on all aspects of the region through the monitoring of daily records and ensuring the staff is appropriately recording required information.

    Representation, Outreach & Other Responsibilities:

    • Acts as Curator on Duty when scheduled. Assumes the leadership role during times of animal or other zoo emergencies as needed.
    • Represents the Zoo nationally and/or internationally when requested.
    • Submits articles to zoo-related publications.
    • Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
    • Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.

    Operations, Compliance & Safety:

    • Assists with the development and updating of all departmental documents, including (but not limited to) species-specific SOPs and guidelines, breeding and rearing protocols, training plans, and safety manuals.
    • Ensures compliance with all Zoo safety protocols and policies. Ensures the safety of self, animals, co-workers, and visitors through the implementation and oversight of departmental and zoo-wide policies.

    External Relations, Communication & Mission Support:

    • Performs other duties as assigned.

    Experience Required

    Education & Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required. B.S. in life sciences or equivalent required. Equivalent work experience may be substituted for degree. Minimum 8-10 years working with Asian elephants. Experience in leading and managing a work team. Minimum two years’ experience. Experience with interpreting and meeting professional standards. Minimum one-year experience required. Demonstrated experience and knowledge managing an elephant program, including breeding, foot care, wellbeing, and safety. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with professional standards related to the AZA and ZAA. Ability to ensure institutional compliance with professional standards through the AZA, and ZAA. Animal Care & Wellbeing Knowledge: Proficient in AZA Standards for elephant care. Knowledge of animal and conservation issues. Knowledge of animal husbandry, wildlife laws, and zoo exhibitry are required. Ability to stay current and follow all related institutional safety protocols as assigned. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with professional standards related to animal care and wellbeing, including the specifics of Asian elephant care. Skills & Abilities: Ability to successfully lead a team. Ability to work as a team with other staff members. Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing. Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision. Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests to empower people to save wildlife. Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business. Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures, including but not limited to safety protocols. Ability to work a non-standard work week, including non-paid overtime, weekend work, evening work as needed, and be on call 24 hours a day to respond to issues related to the region as required. Ability to remain current with certifications, including C.P.R./First Aid and S.C.U.B.A. (if required), and ability to pass any relevant exams or safety protocols. Licenses & Certifications: C.P.R./First Aid certification ability to obtain within the first year. S.C.U.B.A. certification required (if assigned duties include diving). Possession of a valid state-issued motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required. Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required. Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s drug-free workplace policy, including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and follow-up treatment required. Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.

    Perks

    www.columbuszoo.org/jobs

    Salary

    $73,551 to $93,777 depending on experience

  • 02/06/2026 7:48 PM | Colton Meier (Administrator)

    Seasonal Animal Care - Elephant Team

    Apply at: https://hcm.paycor.com/l/r/C2FF8948

    POSITION DESCRIPTION:

    The Animal Care Seasonal employee performs routine work assignments involving the care of Zoo & Aquarium animals, as well as maintenance of habitats, enclosures, service areas, and animal holding areas. This position performs related work, as required.

     

    This position will work with the Elephant Team, which is responsible for the daily husbandry of African elephants.

     

    This is a seasonal position, working 40 hours a week, beginning the end of February and potentially running through early September. Seasonal start and end dates can vary based upon individual availability and team needs

     

     

    POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

    Duties

    Percentage

    Assists with the daily care of assigned team’s animals, including:

    • Preparing diets.
    • Observing, logging, and reporting issues concerning animal behavior, health, and welfare.
    • Assisting with training animals for basic husbandry behaviors.
    • Aiding with animal health procedures, under supervision.
    • Assisting with the creation of various enrichment items/strategies.

    40%

    Assists with daily maintenance of exhibits and holding areas, including:

    • Cleaning habitats, holding stalls and animal areas.
    • Performing minor repairs and improvements of habitats, under supervision.
    • Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate manager.
    • Performing lawn and other horticultural maintenance.

    45%

    Interacts with Zoo & Aquarium guests and staff, including:

    • Performing or assisting with various animal chats and animal shows.
    • Engaging with visitors to answer questions about the Zoo & Aquarium and animals.
    • Learning to work professionally as part of a team.

    15%

    *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:

    1. EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
      1. High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate required.
      2. Completing coursework for a degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field desired.
    2. EXPERIENCE:
      1. Previous exposure to Zoo and Aquarium animals through internships, seasonal work, or other similar experiences in the care of animals is desired.
      2. Knowledge of animal behavior and procedures used for the proper care of handling exotic and domestic animals.
      3. Strong observational skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets, and behavior.
      4. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including procedures for care and maintenance of animals, habitats, service areas, and holding areas.
      5. Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
    3. OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
      1. Must have valid driver’s license.
      2. Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test.
      3. Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment.
      4. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
      5. Must be able to manage stress and make immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, staff, or the public.
      6. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
      7. Must pass a background and drug screening.

    Salary

    $15.25/hour

  • 02/06/2026 7:46 PM | Colton Meier (Administrator)

    Zookeeper II, Elephants

    Apply at: https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/houstonzoo/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/3388

    A successful candidate for this position is motivated, energetic, and a team-oriented individual with good problem solving written/oral communication, and organizational/interpersonal skills. This candidate will have solid knowledge in operant conditioning, implementation of animal training and enrichment programs, as well as being comfortable with public speaking.

     

    Our Mission:  Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. 

    Our Vision:  Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

     

    Job Duties and Responsibilities

    • Observes and evaluates animal condition, behavior and responses and communicates observations orally and on written reports.
    • Prepares and feeds appropriate diets, noting conformance of foods provided to diets prescribed for each animal.
    • Administers prescribed medications and dietary supplements and monitor food and medicine consumption.
    • Checks on integrity of enclosures and structures, ensuring safety and welfare of animals, Zoo visitors, and staff in accordance with established guidelines.
    • Maintains live plants within enclosures ensuring neat, attractive exhibits.
    • Performs minor repairs and preventative maintenance as necessary.
    • Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.
    • Improves the quality of life of the animal collection by providing environmental and behavioral enrichment opportunities.
    • Trains selected animals through operant conditioning for purposes of gaining cooperation for veterinary treatment and/or public demonstrations.
    • Installs exhibit furnishings, props, and decorations safely, attractively and in a manner consistent with Zoo guidelines.

     

    Education and Experience

    • One year of experience in animal care in a zoo setting or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian is required, which may be gained through internships, volunteer experience, or employment.
    • Extensive domestic animal experience may qualify for substitution for exotic animal management experience.
    • Specific training and work experience in other settings, such as aquaculture, schools, nature centers, agricultural operations, or conservation centers may be considered on a case-by-case basis as fulfillment for the experience requirements.

     

     

    ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO

    The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.  

    Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities.  Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

    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.  

  • 02/06/2026 7:44 PM | Colton Meier (Administrator)

    Associate Veterinarian, Part-time

    Apply at: https://elephants.com/careers-and-internships

    Department: Veterinary Care
    Reports To: Associate Director, Elephant Health and Wellness
    Status: Exempt

    The Elephant Sanctuary Mission

    To provide a natural habitat refuge developed around the needs of Asian and African elephants where elephants are provided with lifetime care; To support and promote elephant welfare and conservation; To provide and support public education regarding the complex needs of elephants and the challenges facing elephants in the wild.

    Position Purpose:
    The Elephant Sanctuary is looking to grow our team. We are searching for an individual who is looking for a unique part time opportunity working with elephants and wanting to practice high quality medicine. This individual would work an average of eight hours per week, be on call when the Associate Director of Elephant Health and Wellness is on PTO or traveling for work and share weekend and holiday on call coverage. There is some flexibility to the schedule that can be discussed. The Associate Veterinarian is responsible for ensuring that the highest standards of veterinary care are maintained at The Sanctuary, with a focus on preventative care. Ensure efficient communication within the veterinary department. Help manage and maintain thorough and accurate veterinary medical records entries. Participate in vet rounds and prescribe veterinary treatments, and document and record pertinent information. Play a vital role in emergency response and end of life care, including euthanasia and necropsy

    Responsibilities and Tasks:

    • Maintains highest standards of veterinary care for all animals kept at The Sanctuary
    • Responsible for providing comprehensive medical care from a preventative medical approach including, but not limited to physical examinations, diagnostics, and treatment
    • Respond to information requests from elephant care staff concerning potential or emergency medical care
    • Administer and monitor sedation or anesthesia when appropriate, including for euthanasia, under the direction of the Associate Director
    • Prescribe, administer, and evaluate results of diagnostic examinations, radiographs, and clinical pathology specimens including microbiology, blood samples, and fecal tests
    • Recognize various symptoms, diagnose, and isolate causes of acute or chronic illnesses, infectious and noninfectious diseases, or injuries affecting elephants
    • Perform basic, in-house laboratory work
    • Help perform gross necropsies
    • Remain current on elephant veterinary knowledge as well as pertinent regulations and veterinary standards
    • Keep medical records up to date, ensuring they are complete and thorough
    • Must be familiar with the protocols for handling Class II narcotics and all controlled substances and be able to safely and accurately use a dart gun
    • Maintain a clean, safe facility
    • Ensure clear communications of record between veterinary and husbandry departments
    • Ensure the privacy, confidentiality, and security of elephant medical and behavioral information
    • Opportunity to participate in research and veterinary medical publications
    • Provide on call services weekends and holidays, select other occurrences.  Must be within 45min of the Sanctuary when on call.

      Direct Reports: None

    Experience Required

    Qualifications: • Degree in Veterinary Medicine from accredited institution. • Advanced degree or background in zoo or wildlife medicine is highly desirable. Strong equine medicine background may also be beneficial. • Recognized peer reviewed publications in wildlife and/or conservation medicine and science are desirable. • Excellent knowledge of the full Microsoft Office suite and specifically Excel database entry, management, and reporting. • Public presentation skills, preferred • Ability to multi-task and prioritize • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Flexible and adaptable • Highly collaborative and team-oriented • Passion for The Elephant Sanctuary’s mission and genuine appreciation for elephants and conservation • The ideal team player will: o be resilient, show initiative, and demonstrate a healthy commitment to going above and beyond. o focus on team success and define success collaboratively versus individually. o work with colleagues in mind, be a good listener, and be willing to seek information and assistance when necessary. Special Working Conditions: Must have valid drivers’ license. Must be able to attain practicing veterinary license in the State of Tennessee Must have ability to perform job duties in external environments, including exposure to weather elements.

    Salary

    To be discussed at screening.


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