Zookeeper - Elephant

State of North Carolina

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The NC Zoo is seeking an enthusiastic team member to be part of its Elephant team working with African elephants. Responsibilities include the daily assessment and care of elephants both on-habitat and off-habitat animal areas. In addition to a rewarding work environment, Zookeepers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of conservation initiatives, involvement in Zoo committees, and other professional development opportunities. The Zoo is centrally located on a beautiful 500+ acre site in the heart of the North Carolina Piedmont plateau region and the Uwharrie Mountains. Multiple hiking trails are located on property with quick access to the Piedmont Triad cities, Appalachian Mountains, and coastal towns providing the opportunity for a positive, work-life balance.

Requirements

• 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.
• Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider.
• Work schedule - between the hours of 7:30am - 5:30pm, 8 - 9 hour shifts (seasonally dependent)
• 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.
• Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program.
• Must be able to capture, handle and restrain live exotic and potentially dangerous animals and use associated capture equipment.
• Heavy lifting of hay, grain, manure, substrates, etc; heavy duty cleaning and scrubbing is a routine occurrence.
• Must have the ability to perform strenuous physical work with alertness to surroundings in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with a variety of hooved animals and/or Elephants gained from working at an AZA accredited zoo or related facility
• Demonstrated experience with record keeping and comfort utilizing computers.
• Proven communication skills to include guest interactions, public speaking, reporting, and or team interactions.
• Experience with positive reinforcement-based operant conditioning and environmental enrichment

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care of animal collection, maintenance of animal habitats and holding areas.
• 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.
• Conduct systematic observation and monitoring of animal health, behavior and welfare.
• Interact with zoo guests in formal and informal setting.
• Work as a team to develop and implement holistic behavioral management program which utilizes positive reinforcement training, behavior-based enrichment variability, and utilizing research to provide a dynamic environment for optimal animal welfare.
• Ensure thorough and accurate animal records are maintained
• Be an active, productive member of the team to ensure highest quality of animal care and welfare, problem solve issues and engage in decision making processes.
• May be assigned to work with other animal species in other work units as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level