Elephant Keeper
Location
Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
1+ years
Compensation
$32.8K - $32.8K per year
Posted
4d ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The responsibility of this position is to maintain and care for elephants and other assigned species; to assist veterinary staff as needed; and to perform a variety of activities relative to the assigned area of responsibility.
Job Summary
The responsibility of this position is to maintain and care for elephants and other assigned species, assist veterinary staff as needed, and perform animal care and facility-related duties within the assigned area.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Feed and water animals; clean, sanitize, maintain, and repair animal quarters and facilities as required.
Prepare animal diets and maintain clean food preparation areas and storage containers.
Maintain accurate daily records and monitor animal behavior and condition for signs of illness, injury, or changes in weight; promptly report concerns.
Assist veterinary staff with minor procedures and related activities; administer prescribed medications and collect/submit fecal and other samples.
Assist with animal training and guide animals through established daily routines, schedules, and training guidelines.
Follow animal diet directives from the Nutritional Services Department.
Participate in the zoo-wide behavioral management program through approved training and enrichment projects.
Participate in approved research projects.
Respond courteously to public inquiries and complaints; conduct keeper talks and presentations for visitors and media as required.
Assist with the proper restraint, crating, movement, and uncrating of animals.
Maintain exhibits, animal facilities, equipment, and applicable life support systems as trained.
Understand and apply operant conditioning principles in the daily management and care of assigned species.
Qualifications
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Minimum one year of zoo keeping experience; elephant zoo keeping experience preferred.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record meeting zoo insurance requirements.
Proof of negative TB screening within six months prior to placement and annually thereafter.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, zoology, animal behavior, biology, ecology, psychology, or a related field preferred.
Specialized training in zoology or a related field is desirable.
Required Skills and Abilities
Ability to work independently with limited immediate supervision.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Physical ability and stamina to perform assigned animal care and facility duties safely.
Physical Demands
The position frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, handling objects, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, talking, and hearing. Must regularly be able to lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
Work Environment
Team-oriented work environment.
Ability to work irregular hours, including weekends, holidays, special events, and functions.
Exposure to domestic, wild, and potentially dangerous animals; animal odors and body fluids.
Exposure to all types of weather conditions.
Exposure to cleaning chemicals, water treatment chemicals, and additives.
Position may be safety-sensitive.
May work around animals susceptible to specific diseases and may be subject to routine TB and rabies titer testing and use of PPE, including gloves and face masks.
Benefits
Full-time employees receive:
Medical and prescription drug coverage
Vision and dental coverage
Employer-paid basic life/AD&D
Employer-paid short- and long-term disability
Supplemental life insurance
Flexible Spending Account
401(k)
Paid Time Off equivalent to approximately 5 weeks per year
PTO rollover and sell-back options
Free zoo membership and guest passes
Discounts on food, merchandise, attractions, admission, and programs
Updated 4d 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
$32.8K - $32.8K per year
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 responsibility of this position is to maintain and care for elephants and other assigned species; to assist veterinary staff as needed; and to perform a variety of activities relative to the assigned area of responsibility.
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Elephant Keeper
Fort Worth, Texas, United States • Full Time