North Carolina Zoo is currently seeking two elephant keepers to join their team. For more information and to apply, please visit: 

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/northcarolina/jobs/4568828/zookeeper-elephants?keywords=zookeeper&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

***Pay Grade NC05 - Recruitment Range - $32,000 - $43,800***

Positions: 60033451 & 60033415
Re-posting - All previous applicant must reapply to be considered

Primary Purpose of this Position:
The NC Zoo is seeking two enthusiastic team members to be part of its Watani Grasslands section working with African elephants. Responsibilities include the daily assessment and care of elephants both on-habitat and off-habitat animal areas. 

Daily duties also include:

• Systematic observation of animal health and behavior. Participation in a behavior focused program that utilizes trust based relationships, animal choice and control, and positive reinforcement operant conditioning to work cooperatively with the elephants to provide optimal care.
• Participation in the Elephant Care Specialist staff development program which is based on proficiency.  The program provides a framework for learning and the ability to achieve greater opportunities and responsibilities for improving the care and management of the elephants.
• Development and implementation of a holistic behavioral management program which utilizes training, enrichment, variability, and research to provide a dynamic environment for optimal welfare.
• Heavy lifting of hay, grain, manure, substrates, etc; heavy duty cleaning and scrubbing is a routine occurrence.
• Record keeping for computer databases.
• Participation in NC Zoo programs, to include: behavioral management, enrichment and Environmental Management System (EMS) programs.
• May be assigned to work with other animal species in other work units as needed.

Position/Physical Requirements:

• Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider.  
• Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program due to potential exposure to zoonosis.
• Must be able to work a rotating schedule that involves working weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts.
• Position is considered "Essential/Mandatory Staff" requiring work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
• Must be able to capture, handle and restrain live exotic and potentially dangerous animals and use associated capture equipment.
• Must have the ability to perform strenuous physical work with alertness to surroundings in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments with or without an accommodation .
• Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 lbs with or without an accommodation.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid NC driver's license to drive a state vehicle.

Learn about the NC ZOO: https://www.nczoo.org   
Learn about employee perks/benefits: https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

**To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.**

• Demonstrated hands-on animal care experience with elephants and/or large potentially dangerous animals at an AZA accredited zoo, sanctuary setting or related facility to include the following:             

1. Positive reinforcement based operant conditioning
2. Environmental enrichment
3. Observing and understanding the complexities of animal behavior, including individual animals and larger social context

• Demonstrated experience of animal husbandry to include thorough working knowledge of biology, including animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior and safe practices around dangerous animals and mammals gained from working at an AZA accredited zoo, sanctuary setting or related facility.
• Demonstrated experience with record-keeping.
• Demonstrated experience using computers and MS Office.
• Proven communication skills such as visitor interactions, public speaking, reporting and/or team interactions.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for detail.

Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, natural sciences,

or related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and

one year of experience working in a zoo-based or related animal care facility;

or

an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental and Contact Information

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit: 
The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of all of North Carolina's citizens and visitors to the zoo. The mission of the zoo is to encourage the understanding of and commitment to the conservation of the world's wildlife and wild places through the recognition of the interdependence of people and nature. The Zoo displays, conserves and protects representative examples of natural beauty, plant and animal species and ecological features of the North American and African regions of the world through the presentation of live animal exhibits from these regions.
 
Department Information:
The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' (DNCR) vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Our mission is to improve quality of life by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature throughout North Carolina.  The Department works to stimulate learning, inspire creativity, preserve the state's history, conserve the state's natural heritage, encourage recreation and cultural tourism, and promote economic development.  Our goal is to promote equity and inclusion among our employees and our programming to reflect and celebrate our state's diverse population, culture, and history by expanding engagement with diverse individuals and communities. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team. Visit - https://www.ncdcr.gov/

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation or political influence.
 
Please be sure to complete the application in full. Resumes may be uploaded with your application, but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit.  "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will NOT be accepted.
 
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application.
 
To obtain veterans preference, you must scan and upload a copy of your DD-214 or discharge orders.
 
Technical issues submitting your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627.
 
Applicants requesting and receiving an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax.  Please call the human resources office for assistance.
 
If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.
 
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take an average of 6 – 8 weeks.  
 
It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment.   We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).
 
CONTACT INFORMATION: 
 N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
 Division of Human Resources
 Ellie Meadows
 4401 Zoo Parkway
 Asheboro, NC 27205
 336-879-7310
 employment@dncr.nc.gov

Please visit our website at www.nczoo.org for more information regarding our facility.