Elephant & Ungulate Keeper

Candidates can apply by sending their cover letter and resume to hr@wildlifesafari.net.

Position Overview

This is a full-time staff position responsible for the daily animal husbandry of the Elephants, Rhinos, Giraffes, and many more hoofstock. The keeper works in coordination between the Elephant Department and Ungulate Department to cover priority duties for the day. The scheduled shift is four days a week, 10-hour shifts, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, unless otherwise decided by the department supervisor or Curator. Works independently and in a team environment to apply the highest standards of animal care, enrichment and training.  Interacts with the public to educate them about the collection and conservation concerns, providing keeper talks and encounters. Works closely with the veterinary staff to maintain animals’ good health and well-being.

Responsibilities

• Works in coordination between the Elephant Department and Ungulate Department to perform the general daily care of the animals in assigned exhibit and holding areas.  Maintains exhibits and holding areas in a clean and presentable condition at all times.
• Abides by department or species’ protocols to assure the highest level of keeper and public safety.
• Carefully observes the animal collection for signs of illness or injury and reports problems to the department Supervisor.  
• Works closely with the vet staff to diagnose and treat medical needs of the collection.  Assists with examinations, knock downs, and procedures. Administers prescribed treatments.
• Responds to department emergencies to maintain guest and animal safety.
• Prepares food in accordance with dietary requirements and restrictions.
• Provides enrichment as agreed to by department management.
• Trains animals for husbandry behaviors and guest demonstrations.
• Conducts keeper talks and animal encounters as scheduled by the Guest Services Department.
• Maintains accurate and complete records as required by the department.
• Performs restraint, crating/uncrating and general transport of animals as needed.
• Participates in all safari activities and events, for example, shows and after hour fundraisers, as required by management.
• Assists in data collection for approved research projects.
• Assists department supervisor as needed and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications                           

• Previous experience working in a drive thru or other zoo environment preferred. College education in a zoological or related field is preferred.
• Valid driver license for a minimum of three-years with a clean driving record.
• Able to endure extreme weather conditions.  
• Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces, and lift up to 50 lbs.  
• Able to pass pre-employment substance, and annual TB tests.
• Able to work in a team and independently as needed.
• Ability to be flexible on schedule between Elephant and Ungulate Departments

Benefits

• Health and dental benefits after 60 days
• Aflac benefits
• 40% off in Restaurant and Gift Shop
• Sick leave and paid time off
• Veterinarian and vehicle services at cost
• Free membership with reciprocal zoo
• Free animal encounters
• Employee parties throughout the year

This is a permanent, full-time position. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Wildlife Safari is a drug-free workplace and applicants must pass a drug screen (including for Marijuana) prior to being offered a position.

Wildlife Safari will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Wildlife Safari will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of physical or mental disability in regard to any position for which the applicant is qualified.

Experience Required

Animal husbandry & public speaking.

Perks

Wildlife Safari offers health insurance, dental, 401(k) with match up to 3%, supplemental insurance, paid time off, and vet and vehicle services at cost.

Salary

$15.50 an hour, full time

Intern (Paid) - Elephants

Apply at: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/0F311A9CB0E06646E60CCE5E069A1F85/jobs/402124

The Birmingham Zoo Internship (PAID) position assists the Animal Department with a focus on elephant care, providing hands-on experience in husbandry, nutrition, behavioral observation, and enrichment. Interns will engage directly with the elephant care team, supporting the mission of the zoo while developing skills in animal care, team collaboration, and program implementation.
This is a full-time, 40 hours/week summer internship for up to 12 weeks. The first 4 weeks focus on learning the fundamentals of elephant care. After gaining foundational skills, interns will select a project from three pre-crafted options or propose their own project, with milestones pre-defined and tailored to individual interests. Interns will present their project and experience at a department, zoo-wide, or volunteer meeting.

Full-Time Keeper Assistant - Elephants

Qualified individuals should submit the following materials to:

Daniel Meates, Director

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

1 Conservation Place

Syracuse, NY 13204

danmeates@ongov.net

• resume, including education and relevant experience
• cover letter with statement of personal goals
• two references 

Rosamond Gifford Zoo
1 Conservation Place
Syracuse, NY 13204
Phone: (315)435-8511
Fax: (315)435-8517

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is looking for a highly motivated individual interested in a Keeper Assistant position in the Elephant Department. Prior experience in an AZA accredited zoological institution is required as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, Biology, or a related field.

Qualified individuals will be expected to assist in the care of the animal collection under the supervision of senior animal keepers and department manager. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Husbandry - including cleaning, scrubbing/disinfecting enclosures
• Implementing approved enrichment
• Notifying senior animal keepers and department manager of any inconsistencies in the health or behavior of animals in the zoo’s collection
• Diet preparation
• Assisting in ZIMS data entry
• Horticulture and maintenance of exhibits and grounds

Individuals applying for a position must possess the following:

• Working knowledge of animal care and feeding practices
• Working knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment used in cleaning and caring for buildings and grounds
• Ability to understand and recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior, indicators of stress, social dominance, reproductive behavior, territoriality, etc.
• Ability to interface with coworkers and zoo visitors
• Public speaking skills
• Ability to cope with the physical demands of the profession (i.e. must be able to lift 50 pounds, work outside in all seasons/weather, stand for prolonged periods of time, etc.)

Applicants must possess a valid driver license. Housing is not provided.