Assistant Curator - Elephants

Apply at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cabq/jobs/5321042-0/assistant-curator-biopark

The ABQ BioPark seeks a dynamic team-orientated leader to support the area curator in managing the elephant department. The ideal candidate will demonstrate hands-on leadership, be proficient in verbal and written communication, possess strong knowledge of elephant management, AZA elephant standards and their implementation, and have a working knowledge of facility maintenance. As part of our team, you will actively help the ABQ BioPark foster meaningful connections between people and nature.

The Albuquerque (ABQ) BioPark, the most visited attraction in New Mexico (1.2M annual visitors) is a dynamic cultural facility including an AZA accredited zoo and aquarium, a botanic garden and public park with fishing ponds.  The BioPark is a beloved community jewel. The voters of the Albuquerque community voted in favor of a fifteen-year 1/8 cent gross receipts tax (GRT) in 2015 to support the implementation of the BioPark’s master plan. This support has allowed the BioPark Zoo to make important additions to the zoo including a new elephant barn, Asia, Birds of Prey exhibit, nearly $10M in maintenance infrastructure improvements and the opening of new Asia and Australia exhibits in 2023.  In addition to broad community support for capital improvements, the BioPark is currently in the midst of strategic planning process that has identified a new mission, core values and strategic program pillars to guide our work over the next five years. We are excited to have this process evolve alongside a master plan review and update process that aligns capital improvements with program development that is focused on community engagement and conservation impacts.

The City is committed to providing employees one of the most comprehensive and reasonably priced benefit packages available in New Mexico. We hope that you will find the coverage offered provides you with the choices and options necessary to keep you and your family healthy and well. The City offers regular, full-time and part-time employees the option of participating in a variety of group insurance plans. Both Regular and Temporary (non-seasonal) employees participate in the state's retirement system. Additional Benefit information is available by clicking on the link below. General Benefits: http://www.cabq.gov/humanresources/employee-benefits/new-employee-information

Position Summary

Supervise, plan and coordinate staff engaged in a variety of ABQ BioPark services, activities and operations with the focus on providing highly responsible care and husbandry of the BioPark's diverse living collection. This includes the maintenance of exhibits and facilities.  Assignment will be in one of the BioPark facilities:  Zoo (exotic animals); Botanic Garden (plants, trees, farm animals and displays); Aquarium (salt and fresh water aquatic animals and plants).

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

1. Coordinate the organization, staffing and operational activities for a variety of Biological Park services, activities and operations including the care and husbandry of animals; the care of Botanical Garden displays including trees, farm crops,  the maintenance of animal enclosures and facilities and the provision of educational services.
2. Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities; recommend and implement resulting policies and procedures.
3. Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures, identify resource needs; review with appropriate management staff, implement improvements.
4. Direct, coordinate and review the work plan for assigned Biological Park services, assign work activities and projects; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures, meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
5. Monitor animal diets, enclosures and transportation; ensure health and welfare of animals and farm crops.
6. Conduct research on assigned sections of the plant or animal collections; maintain and update collection inventory and records.
7. Assist with the evaluation of exhibit needs and tree health care; participate in the design, construction, and security of various animal habitats; coordinate assigned tasks with maintenance and construction divisions and staff as specified; manage facility as designated.
8. Assist with monitoring animal husbandry methods, diets, enclosures and transportation; ensure health and welfare of animals; consult with veterinarians as directed.
9. Participate in the preparation of documents and reports related to the inventory, equipment, supplies and products.
10. Research specific animal or plant history prior to acquisition; make recommendations for acquisition and disposition of animals, plants and trees.
11. Assist with analyzing Bio Park visitor needs; participate in the design of programs to fit those needs.
12. Respond to public inquiries regarding plants or animals and their behaviors; may evaluate, prepare and modify various educational materials and curricular; assist with the education programs as needed.
13. Assist in selection, training and evaluation of animal care personnel and the coordination of staff training.
14. Participate as assigned, in the development and administration of budget, forecast funds for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies, etc. as necessary.
15. Assist Bio Park Curator as needed.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Participate on a variety of committees and boards relative to assigned area of responsibility; prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence as necessary.
2. Attend and participate in professional group meetings, seminars training sessions as needed.
3. Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Zoo, Aquarium and Botanical Garden operations, including arboriculture; maintain awareness of new developments in the field assigned; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.
4. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Experience Required

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in zoology, animal husbandry or biology; and Three (3) years of management of exotic animals and exotic animal husbandry experience; and To include one (1) year of supervisory or lead experience. Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred.

Further Comments

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days from date of hire. Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire. Working Conditions Environmental: Outdoor facilities; may work in an animal environment including a variety of domestic, exotic, aquatic animals and animal waste; Work in or with water; work on slippery or uneven surfaces; exposure to chemicals and pesticides, noise, dust, heat, cold and inclement weather conditions. Physical: Essential and supplemental functions may require physical condition necessary for; light to heavy lifting; for walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping; kneeling, crawling for prolonged periods of time; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.

Zookeeper - Elephants (Full Time)

Apply at: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/MEM1007MEMZ/JobBoard/589ecc50-d631-48cf-b243-6b42ca5abc8a/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=25596d0d-c198-4f35-b692-5e542ae20c67

This position is primarily responsible for the daily husbandry of five female African elephants. Now is an exciting time to join our team as we begin the process of designing a new Africa habitat for our elephants, rhinos, giraffe and hoofstock. This renovation and expansion will serve to further the Memphis Zoo’s commitment to elephants in the future. The ideal candidate would be proficient in all aspects of zoo animal care including husbandry, enrichment, training, exhibit maintenance, record keeping, public presentations, and conservation. Candidates for this position should be self-motivated, hard-working, positive, dependable, who can work independently, but also thrive in a team setting.

Essential Job Functions:

• Daily husbandry of assigned animals.

• Facilitates formal and informal public presentations to engage guests and provide a positive guest experience.

• Actively observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address medical needs.

• Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets and maintain accurate records of assigned animals.

• Appropriately cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures/habitats according to written protocols and ensures a sanitary and safe environment.

• Exercises good judgement when making decisions that affect our collection.

• Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section.

• May incorporate modern behavioral husbandry techniques such as operant conditioning and environmental enrichment into animal care.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent. 

• Some college level coursework in the fields of Zoology, Biology, Psychology, or related field.

• Experience working with animals in a zoological setting and/or similar experience working large mammals in the field of agriculture.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Previous experience working with elephants in a captive setting.

Competencies:

• Written and oral communication. 

• Proficient in MS office, current technology and applications for communication, research, and record keeping.

• Records and reports creation and management.

• Critical thinking.

• Problem Solving/Analysis.

• Stress Management/Composure.

• Flexibility. 

• Teamwork Orientation.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Associate Curator, Team Lead.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Full-time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager. This position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends. 

This position is considered non-exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws. 

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of the job, the employee will frequently work in outdoor settings (Zoo grounds). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold. 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  This position requires frequent sitting/standing/walking/bending/kneeling and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements:

• 18 years or older.

• Clear background check.

• Clear drug screening.

• Clear TB screening.

Benefits & Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.  

EEOC and Inclusion Statement: 

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. 

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org. 

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Salary

16.00 - 17.50/hour

Zookeeper - Elephants/Hoofstock

Apply at: https://recruitingbypaycor.com/career/JobIntroduction.action?clientId=8a788267579857af01579ba25bb200a7&id=8a78859f9de070d0019e1d0c881b5a6b&source=&lang=en

Your Role: Zookeeper – Elephants/Hoofstock

Your Manager: Zoological Supervisor/Manager

Your Pay Structure (FLSA Status): Full-time, hourly/nonexempt

Safety Sensitive: This is a safety-sensitive position.  Regardless of whether you are a medical marijuana licensee, you must receive a negative result on a 10-panel, pre-placement drug screening to include THC, prior to beginning work.

The Zoo

Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. (TZMI) is nonprofit organization driven by our mission of Connecting, Caring, Advocating for Wildlife, People, and Wild Places.  From trumpeting elephants to squawking parrots, each member of our team is integral to the success of the Zoo as Green Country’s largest paid daily attraction.  At Tulsa Zoo, the IDEA is a zoo for all. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.  Apply today for your opportunity to join our dynamic group of passionate individuals who bring the zoo to life each day, 365 days per year, caring for animals, interacting with guests, educating the public, and managing the Zoo’s grounds, operations, and facilities. 

A Few of Your Many Benefits

• Free family-level Tulsa Zoo membership
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits beginning your first day of employment
• 401k
• Unlimited virtual visits with a mental health therapist at no cost to you
• Food, beverage, and retail discounts on zoo grounds
• Generous paid time off plans

Your Job

Zookeeper – Elephants/Hoofstock is responsible for the daily care, maintenance, and observation of assigned animal collection and associated facilities.  This position will be involved with exhibit maintenance, diet preparation, conservation breeding programs, veterinary procedures, animal training and enrichment, education programs, and addressing guests.

This Zookeeper position is focused in hoofstock.  The ideal candidate will have strong working knowledge of large ungulate habitat and husbandry practices.

Your Essential Responsibilities

If you disclose different abilities, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable you to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Other duties may be assigned to you.

• Daily cleaning of animal exhibits, service areas and holding units utilizing various tools, instruments, disinfectants.
• Diet preparation and feeding such as restock, inventory, ordering feed supplies as needed and as prescribed.  Maintain food preparation areas and equipment.
• General maintenance of exhibits, service areas, and holding units such as fence repair, decoration, mister systems, automatic drinkers, shade cloth, filling holes, etc.
• Maintain exhibits and holding units to ensure animal, keeper, and visitor safety, and in good appearance for public viewing at all times.
• Design and construct exhibits/holding units by cutting and moving branches to plant or secure them to walls with dirt, cement, wire, nails; install nest boxes and barrels; attach burlap to cage walls to provide privacy; maintain plants in exhibits.
• Capture and restrain animals by hand, net, catchpole, or by corralling them under direction of supervisor for shipping/loading or routine/non-routine medical procedures.
• As assigned, assist Animal Health department with medical treatments such as prescribed medication/treatments, weighing/measuring, surgery, restraint/capture, and euthanasia of animals.
• Daily observation of animal collection for injury, illness, aggression, stress, breeding activity, diet intake, behavior, enrichment, capture/restraint, prescribed medical treatments, in-house moves, acquisitions/de-acquisitions, and fecal consistency and maintain accurate record of these observations.
• Maintains accurate records of daily observations of animal collection containing information regarding behavior, intake, fecal output, breeding behavior, aggression, behavioral enrichment, capture/restraint, prescribed medical treatments in-house moves and acquisitions/de-acquisitions.
• Monitor life support systems including but not limited to water filtration, ozone generators, HVAC, and backup generators as needed.
• Identify and communicate situations for repair and maintenance for the safety of animals, visitors, and staff as well as overall upkeep of the facilities.
• In conjunction with animal care leaders including Behavioral Husbandry department, work with animal collection on a one-to-one basis such as crate training, practicing commands, clicker training, and orientating animals to new enclosures.
• Apply appropriate techniques and opportunities for enrichment of the animal collections.
• Under direction of animal care leaders, devise and implement breeding protocols, diet revisions, exhibit designs, and maintenance.
• Research the animal collection and scientific journals, observe and recognize a variety of courtship behaviors, and create environments that induce breeding.
• Assist in acquisition/de-acquisition of animal collection by crate training, crating of animal, loading, transportation, and shipment.
• Train, assist, and oversee work of volunteers/interns and ensure their safety while performing these duties.
• Fill in for zookeepers in other departments as requested.
• Recognize signs of pest infestation in animal areas and combat pests/nuisance wildlife as directed.
• Maintain area compliance with all local, state, federal, and international regulations and ensure standards are met (USDA, AZA, etc.).
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and assigned training sessions.
• Participate in visitor education programs, formal and informal animal presentations and outreach programs, scheduled keeper talks, and provide accurate information to the public.
• Maintain necessary certifications as required (SCUBA, AZA Elephant Management, Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) etc.).
• Maintain necessary testing/vaccinations as required (TB, rabies, respiratory mask fit testing, etc.).
• Respond to emergency calls after normal operating hours.
• Effectively communicate and demonstrate interpersonal skills with all levels of employees in a clear and professional manner.
• Demonstrate and adhere to TZMI’s workplace values.
• Know and follow zoo policies and procedures, including emergency protocols.

Supervisory Responsibilities                                                        

This position has no direct reports.

What We Expect

Required Qualifications, Education and/or Experience

• Must be 18 years or older, possess a valid driver’s license, and be insurable on TZMI’s insurance carrier
• Must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, animal science, environmental resources, wildlife management or a related field from college or university; six months of exotic animal experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Generally, one year of full time exotic animal experience will translate to one year of college.
• Ability to read and comprehend documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals; to write routine reports and correspondence; to communicate effectively before groups of customers, employees of TZMI, and the general public

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
• Ability to work with potentially dangerous animals (i.e. large ungulates, carnivores, venomous animals) and around hay/alfalfa, and substrate indoor environments
• Ability to operate various equipment and vehicles including but not limited to golf carts, utility task vehicles, large trucks, and farm/construction equipment
• Microsoft Word; Microsoft Excel; Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) a plus; Internet Browser(s)- Explorer, Chrome, Safari, etc.

What You can Expect

Our Values

• We are enthusiastically committed to be part of the Tulsa Zoo community.
• We will all work together as one Zoo Team to support the Zoo’s mission.
• We will value and appreciate everyone and create a safe, understanding, and welcoming environment for all.
• We will all be accountable for achieving excellence.
• We will earn the trust of one another, acting honestly and treating each other with respect. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Moving about - constantly
• Sitting – rarely
• Standing - constantly
• Reaching with hands and arms – constantly
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling - constantly
• Climbing and/or balancing – occasionally
• Exchange of in-person, phone, radio, or digital communication - frequently
• Carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds – frequently
• Pushing and/or pulling up to 50 pounds - frequently
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions - constantly
• Exposure to high noise levels- frequently
• Gripping, pinching, writing, and other hand movements – constantly
• Exposure to strong smells – frequently
• Work near moving mechanical parts – occasionally
• Wet or humid environment - frequently

Intern - 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.

Lead Keeper - Elephants (Animal Training)

Apply at: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/77B425C21C6E28F6E3B0849B4A14F1B5/jobs/274990

Job Title: Lead Keeper - Elephants (Animal Training)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Classification: Full-time

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday; 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM with a half day on Thursday

Pay Rate: Range starts at $22.53/hour

Summary:

The Lead Keeper of Animal Training has a core focus on animal training and behavioral management. They also provide daily husbandry and behavioral management for a multigenerational African elephant herd and daily exhibit and building maintenance in a 4+ acre outdoor exhibit space and 25,000 square foot barn within the African Grasslands exhibit. The Lead Keeper of Animal Training is expected to collaborate with the Lead Keeper of Staff Training to ensure all staff and elephant development goals are met. They will perform at a high level in a proactive leadership role and communicate regularly with the area supervisor regarding animal management. They will assist in hiring and the development of departmental goals and plans, as well as aid in establishing work priorities for the department, especially related to husbandry and welfare, and ensure compliance with all zoo policies and procedures. They will help cultivate an understanding of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium’s mission to inspire, educate, and engage people to serve as lifelong stewards for the conservation of animals and their habitats, while creating a feeling of purpose for the members of the team.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions (include but not limited to):

• Manage and coordinate animal training schedules within daily operations.
• Expected to be an active department leader and can be expected to cover department function and emergency response coordination in the absence of Elephant Manager.
• Collaborate with the Elephant Manager to establish training priorities and goals for each elephant on a monthly basis.
• Collaborate with the Lead Keeper of Staff Training and Elephant Manager to ensure all priorities are being met with the staff, herd, and barn.
• Provide input and cost estimates for necessary training and enrichment items for annual budget planning.
• Demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements within the department.
• Direct involvement in maintaining records including ZIMS animal records, daily reports, enrichment logs, training logs, welfare assessments, and other required building SOPs.
• Assist the Elephant Manager with animal husbandry and welfare protocols.
• Contribute to the development of birth transport and introduction plans.
• Ensure adherence to regulations according to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, AZA, and USDA/APHIS.
• Knowledge of all functions of the elephant sections of African Grasslands, including animal enclosures/habitats, life support systems, safety concerns, and overall building/grounds maintenance, including ability to problem solve when issues arise.
• Competent in all duties, responsibilities, and essential functions of a Keeper and Senior Keeper position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven knowledge of basic training techniques, theory and application. Internal candidates should have completed OHDZA animal trainer requirements.
• Expected to have or develop the appropriate level of knowledge of elephant natural history and zoological management of elephants, with an emphasis on least intrusive principles to ensure the best possible physical and psychological well-being of the animals in their care.
• Excellent communication skills. Public speaking experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, as well as knowing when to delegate tasks.
• Excellent time management and staff/volunteer supervision skill sets.
• Creative, positive, and self-motivated.
• Ability to collect and identify approved browse species.
• Ability to maintain a safe work environment for all staff, guests, and animals in the department.

Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative TB test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays and some night programs.
• Ability to work outdoors for prolonged periods of time in inclement weather/temperatures on a consistent basis.
• Must be able to travel long distances across the zoo, on foot and on motor vehicles.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to sit, kneel, bend, twist, stoop, crawl, reach above head and climb.
• Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds routinely and occasionally up to 80 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.

Travel Required:

• Some travel may occur

Education and Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Animal Science, Behavior or related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in an AZA accredited institution or related organization.
• Successful completion of AZA’s Principles of Elephant Management I.
• Experience with mixed gender and multigenerational herd management, elephant management in a variable climate/seasonal environment, neonate care and calf training, birth and postpartum care, adaptable management considerations, and work environment safety considerations preferred.
• Internal candidates should have completed ICS 100 and 700.
• Exotic/zoo animal husbandry experience preferred.
• Operant conditioning experience with positive reinforcement and adherence to least intrusive principles preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.