Facility
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Columbus Zoo is currently seeking an Elephant Keeper to provide support to our growing herd.
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of experience working with elephants, be up-to-date on current events and news in the elephant community, have a proven and diverse background in training skills and experience, and be able to bring value to the team that supports our overall mission.
Sample of Essential Duties:
• Performs care of the region’s animals, including food preparation, feeding, monitoring diets, watering, bathing, enrichment, water changes, observing medical and behavioral changes, and behavioral stimulation and may assist with medical treatment as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarians.
• Cleans and maintains animal exhibit areas, performs basic horticulture work (e.g. caring for region’s egress/ingress, general grounds beautification) and disinfects animal enclosures.
• Assures the safety of self, animals, co-workers and visitors by observing safety guidelines when working with animals, equipment and vehicles.
• Provides educational information about the region’s animal population through such activities as interacting with the public, conducting keeper talks, staffing interpreter stations, conducting tours and workshops, attending docent meetings, composing articles for zoo publications and conducting volunteer trainings.
Education and Pre-requisites
Sample of Skills and Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal science, biology or relevant field required. Four years of relevant zoo keeping experience may be substituted for degree.
• Previous animal husbandry experience preferred in one or more of the following: primates, reptiles, carnivores, herbivores and birds.
• 5 years’ experience in working with elephants required (8-10 years preferred).
• Experience with a wide variety of training techniques preferred.
• Ability to successfully perform zookeeper duties within a diverse animal collection preferred.
• Basic knowledge of research techniques and practices with solid observation skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action
• Must be able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with all levels.
• Ability to develop and deliver informational presentations to small, medium or large groups required.
Compensation and benefits
Our mission at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. When you are a part of our team, you are helping us to achieve that mission! We offer competitive wages, excellent benefits, and OPERS retirement. Did we mention the perks? Zoo family membership, free admission and discounts at all of our parks, team member appreciation events, wellness program, and more.
Application instructions
For full description and to apply, please visit:
https://columbuszoo.org/job-details/zoo/year-round?job=df7acf32-bd2f-67d7-bdc2-ff0000bf4b43