Elephant Keeper
Location
Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
1+ years
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Posted
8h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Elephant Keeper is responsible for the daily care and maintenance of elephants and other assigned species, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and assisting veterinary staff. This role involves observing animal behavior, participating in training and enrichment programs, and engaging with the public through keeper talks.
Summary
The Elephant Keeper is responsible for the daily care, feeding, training, and welfare of elephants and other assigned species. This role supports veterinary care, maintains animal habitats, monitors animal health, and contributes to conservation, research, and guest education.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Care
Feed, water, and prepare diets for elephants and assigned animals.
Clean, sanitize, maintain, and repair animal habitats and food preparation areas.
Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or behavioral changes and report concerns.
Maintain accurate daily records of animal care and activities.
Veterinary & Animal Management
Assist veterinary staff with examinations, treatments, medication administration, and sample collection.
Support approved research projects and behavioral management programs.
Participate in animal training using operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.
Assist with animal restraint, transport, crating, and exhibit transfers.
Facility & Guest Support
Maintain exhibits, equipment, and life support systems as trained.
Deliver educational keeper talks and respond professionally to visitor inquiries.
Support special events and other assigned duties.
Qualifications
Required
Must be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum one year of zoo keeping experience; elephant care experience preferred.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Negative tuberculosis (TB) screening within the previous six months before hire and annually thereafter.
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Wildlife Management, Biology, Animal Behavior, Ecology, Psychology, or a related field.
Specialized training in zoology or a related discipline.
Skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong observation, communication, and recordkeeping skills.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Capable of building effective working relationships.
Physically able to perform demanding outdoor work, including lifting up to 75 lbs.
Work Environment
Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
Weekend, holiday, and irregular schedules as required.
Regular exposure to animals, animal waste, odors, cleaning chemicals, and potentially dangerous species.
May require TB and rabies testing and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Position may be designated as safety sensitive.
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage.
Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short- and long-term disability.
Supplemental life insurance and Flexible Spending Account.
401(k) retirement plan.
Paid Time Off (equivalent to approximately 5 weeks annually), rollover, and sell-back options.
Free zoo membership and guest passes.
Employee discounts on admissions, attractions, food, merchandise, and programs.
Updated 8h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
1+ years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Benefits and perks
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Fort Worth Zoo
Team size
Growing team
Location
Fort Worth, Texas, United States
The Fort Worth Zoo is dedicated to the care and conservation of a diverse range of animal species, providing engaging experiences for visitors and contributing to wildlife management and research.
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Elephant Keeper
Fort Worth, Texas, United States • Full Time