Fort Worth Zoological Association

Job Description

Job Title: Manager of Elephants

Department: Animal Programs

Reports To: Director of Animal Programs

FLSA Status: Exempt

Prepared By: Animal Programs 

Prepared Date: September 2025

Summary: 

This position will direct, manage, supervise and coordinate the activities and operations of the Elephant Department of the zoo; coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public; and provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Director of Animal Programs & Conservation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assume management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Elephant Department within the zoo
• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the quality, responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness of elephant management, work with elephant staff on the continuous improvement of elephant care, handling, training and procedures
• Direct the husbandry and care of elephants and Asian rhino in and around existing quarters; coordinate cleaning, sanitizing, maintenance and repair of animal quarters
• Oversee the implementation of diets for animals; ensure proper cleanliness and maintenance of work area and food storage containers
• Oversee the implementation of the behavioral management program 
• Oversee the implementation of approved research projects
• Lead and participate in regular meetings
• Lead conceptual and detail efforts for all renovation and exhibit expansion plans
• Coordinate observations of animal behavior for signs of illness or injury; report any signs of illness or injury; assist veterinarians in minor operations or related activity as needed
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner
• Serve as a spokesperson for the Zoo’s elephant programs as needed
• Supervise the husbandry methods, diets, enclosures and transportation of assigned animal collection; ensure health and wellbeing of animals; consult with veterinarians and nutritionist as needed
• Research and evaluate animals prior to acquisition; make recommendations for acquisition and disposition of animals
• Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the division's annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments
• Serve as the liaison for the assigned animal section with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues as needed
• Attend and participate in professional meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of elephant management 
• Maintain a safe working environment for staff, train safety procedures and insure the availability of all necessary supplies and inventories related to safety (equipment, etc.)

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Ensure all elephant related equipment, hydraulic gates, restraint device and facilities are functioning and properly maintained
• Plan, direct, coordinate the work plan for staff; assign work activities, projects and programs; continuously review and evaluate methods and procedures 
• Select, hire, train, motivate and evaluate assigned elephant keeper personnel, keeping abreast of innovation in elephant care and management; provide or coordinate employee training; work with subordinate employees to correct deficiencies and resolve problems
• Monitor work environment of staff; participate in the review, investigation and implementation of discipline and termination procedures in conjunction with Human Resources
• Communicate information to staff as appropriate to their level
• Supervise and participate in the construction and maintenance of facilities; coordinate with maintenance and construction departments

• Provide responsible staff assistance to assigned zoo collection management staff

• Demonstrates leadership of employees through ongoing training to include applicable laws, Zoo policies, business conduct and ethics and the provision of quality services to guests and employees supporting the highest level of program integrity. 

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years increasingly responsible experience in the care, training, handling and breeding of elephants
• Minimum of 5 years administrative and supervisory experience within an elephant program required
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability

Must possess ability to: 

• Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive elephant program utilizing both free and protected contact
• Supervise husbandry methods including proper foot care, diets, enclosures and transportation of elephants
• Oversee the direction and coordination of the work and safety of subordinate employees 
• Participate in the development and administration of goals, policies and procedures
• Prepare and manage the administration of large program budgets
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of 

proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals

• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships 
• Maintain mental capacity which permits making sound decisions, using 

good judgment, demonstrating intellectual capabilities

• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities  

Education and/or Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Specialized training or experience in zoology or a related field
• Experience in operant conditioning 
• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in zoology, zoo management or a related field beneficial

Physical Demands: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, or crawl; and talk or hear.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 75 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Team oriented environment
• Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends)
• Ability to work special events and functions as required
• Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold and inclement weather
• This position may be safety sensitive 
• This position may work around animals susceptible to specific diseases, thus may be subject to regular tuberculosis and rabies titer testing, and the routine use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, face masks

Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. 

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.