Animal Keeper - Elephant Department

Cincinnati Zoo • Cincinnati, OH

4d • $24 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is seeking an experienced Elephant Keeper to join our Asian Elephant Program. This position plays a key role in the daily care, behavioral management, and long-term success of a multi-generational, breeding elephant herd. The successful candidate will have significant experience with protected contact management, operant conditioning, behavioral observations and problem-solving. Additional consideration will be given to candidates with hands-on experience managing multiple herds, bulls, introductions, and calf management. We are looking for a highly motivated keeper who excels at teamwork and open communication, and who demonstrates strong situational awareness and professionalism when working with large animals.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years professional elephant care experience in the last 10 years
• Experience working with elephants in a protected contact management system
• Demonstrated experience with operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training
• Degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• Strong understanding of elephant behavior, husbandry, and safety practices
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet CZBG employment requirements

Nice To Haves

• Experience with multiple herds, bulls, introductions, and calf management
• Elephant introductions and herd management
• Breeding and reproductive management
• Calf care and development
• Elephant foot care and preventative medical training
• Behavioral observation and welfare monitoring
• EEHV monitoring or treatment protocols

Responsibilities

• Provide daily husbandry care including feeding, habitat maintenance, enrichment, and behavioral observation.
• Participate in a protected contact elephant management program following established safety protocols.
• Monitor elephant behavior and welfare and report abnormalities to supervisors and veterinary staff.
• Maintain clean and safe indoor and outdoor elephant facilities.
• Support exercise, enrichment, and environmental management programs that promote natural behaviors and activity.
• Participate in an operant conditioning program using positive reinforcement training.
• Train elephants to voluntarily participate in husbandry and veterinary procedures.
• Assist with development and implementation of individual training plans.
• Maintain consistent communication with team members regarding training progress and behavioral changes.
• Assist in management of a multi-generational elephant herd, including monitoring social dynamics and compatibility.
• Participate in elephant introductions and social management under the direction of supervisors.
• Assist with breeding management and reproductive monitoring in coordination with veterinary staff.
• Support calf rearing and maternal care management.
• Participate in husbandry and training programs that support calf development and socialization.
• Participate in preventative care practices including: Foot care, Skin care, Blood collection and trunk washes, Behavioral medical training.
• Maintain accurate daily records related to husbandry, enrichment, behavior, and training.
• Work collaboratively with elephant team members, veterinary staff, and other animal care departments.
• Assist in training and mentoring interns, volunteers, and seasonal staff.
• Maintain strong team communication regarding daily operations and animal management.
• Participate in keeper chats, tours, and other educational programs.
• Represent the elephant program professionally when interacting with zoo guests.

Benefits

• Union negotiated pay rates, with a starting hourly rate between $23.83 - $28.24 determined by years of field experience.
• 200 PTO hours accrued throughout the first year of service, 80 of which is loaded into the PTO bank upon hire
• Competitive benefit packages and retirement matching programs
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Facility culture that highlights the following core values: Collaborative Relationships, Pride, Passion, and a Sense of Ownership, Positivity and Energy, Accountability, Mutual Trust, and Respect, Progressive Thinking
• Intentional professional development opportunities, for both animal care and "people” skills
• Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Generous paid time off (vacation, holiday and sick leave)
• Company-paid disability & life insurance
• Park discounts and free passes

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree