Elephant Keeper
Location
Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
1-5 years
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Posted
11h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
This position is responsible for the daily care and maintenance of elephants and other assigned species, assisting veterinary staff, and performing various related activities. Key duties include feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and participating in animal training and enrichment programs.
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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Feed and water animals in and around existing quarters; clean, sanitize, maintain and repair animal quarters as required; shovel, rake, hose, sweep, dust and mop floors
Prepare diets for animals; clean and maintain work area and food storage containers
Maintain adequate records on daily activities; observe animal behavior for signs of illness, weight loss/gain or injury; report any signs of illness or injury
Assist veterinarians in minor operations or related activity, administer prescribed medications, submit fecal samples and other duties as needed
Assist in the training of assigned animals; guide animals through daily routines according to established training schedules and guidelines
Carry out animal diet directives from Nutritional Services Dept; clean and maintain food storage containers
Participate in the zoo-wide behavioral management program by implementing approved animal training and enrichment projects
Participate in and implement approved research projects
Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner; Present keeper talks to park visitors and media as required
Assist in directing the proper restraint, crating, moving and uncrating of animals
Properly maintain exhibits, animal facilities, equipment and life support systems (as apply) as trained for specific positions
Understand and implement operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under his/her care
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Must be 18 years of age or older
Must have one year of zoo keeping experience, elephant zoo keeping experience preferred
Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability
Proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) screening within previous six months prior to placement and annually thereafter
Must possess ability to:
Work independently in the absence of immediate supervision
Understand and follow oral and written instructions
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Establish and maintain effective working relationships
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities
Education and/or Experience:
High School diploma or equivalent
Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, zoology, animal behavior, biology, ecology, psychology or related field preferred
Specialized training in zoology or a related field desirable but not required
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 75 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)
Exposure to a variety of domestic and wild or potentially dangerous animals; animal odors and animal body fluids
Exposure to all types of inclement weather conditions
Exposure to chemicals (cleaning, water chemicals, additives, etc.)
Ability to work special events and functions as required
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
Updated 11h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
1-5 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 a zoological park dedicated to wildlife conservation, education, and providing a safe and enriching environment for its animal residents and visitors.
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Elephant Keeper
Fort Worth, Texas, United States • Full Time