Elephant Keeper
Location
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
1-5 years
Compensation
$18 - $26 per hour
Posted
1d ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
Zoo Atlanta is seeking an Elephant Keeper to join its Mammal Department, responsible for the welfare and husbandry of African elephants and meerkats. The role involves animal training, enrichment, health monitoring, habitat maintenance, and guest interactions within the new African Savanna facility.
Animal Keeper I, II & III – Elephant Team
Zoo Atlanta’s Elephant Team, part of the Mammal Department, cares for African elephants and meerkats within the African Savanna. Animal Keepers are responsible for high-quality animal welfare and husbandry, including training, enrichment, health monitoring, habitat maintenance, record keeping, guest engagement, and support of departmental programs.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide excellent daily animal care, husbandry, training, enrichment, and welfare monitoring.
Participate in behavioral management, operant conditioning, enrichment, research, education, and animal welfare programs.
Monitor animal health and behavior and promptly communicate concerns to supervisors and veterinary staff.
Assist with or oversee medication administration as directed.
Follow all animal care, safety, and operational policies and procedures.
Maintain habitats, holding areas, work spaces, and assigned public areas.
Complete daily reports, animal records, logs, and other required documentation.
Participate in scheduled guest talks and maintain positive, professional guest interactions.
Coordinate and supervise interns and volunteers and assist coworkers in developing animal care knowledge.
Support special projects, departmental goals, procedures, and collaborative initiatives.
Serve as a resource for effective communication and information sharing.
Work independently, solve problems, meet deadlines, and respond effectively to changing priorities.
Promote Zoo Atlanta’s mission, values, strategic plan, and environmental sustainability efforts.
Maintain professional relationships with coworkers, supervisors, veterinary staff, guests, and the broader zoological community.
May serve as a point person in the absence of area managers.
Work flexible schedules, including weekends and holidays.
Qualifications & Skills:
Prior elephant or related exotic animal care experience required.
Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment strongly preferred.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and maintain strong attention to detail.
Strong organization, time management, critical thinking, problem-solving, and stress-management skills.
Dependable, responsive, organized, and able to meet deadlines.
Computer proficiency required.
Ability to safely use light power tools after appropriate training.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Four-year degree in biology, psychology, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
Experience Requirements:
Keeper I:
Prior elephant or related exotic animal care experience required.
Paid experience at an AZA-accredited facility preferred.
Keeper II:
Prior elephant or related exotic animal care experience required.
Minimum 3 years of related paid animal care experience required.
Paid experience at an AZA-accredited facility preferred.
Keeper III:
Prior elephant or related exotic animal care experience required.
Minimum 5 years of related paid animal care experience required.
Paid experience at an AZA-accredited facility strongly preferred.
Driving & Physical Requirements:
Must obtain and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license with a safe driving record.
Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform strenuous physical work routinely.
Employees working with or around dangerous animals must be able to carry and use OC spray after completing required training.
The position requires a strong commitment to animal welfare, safety, teamwork, guest service, conservation, and the continued development of Zoo Atlanta’s elephant program.
Updated 1d 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
$18 - $26 per hour
Benefits and perks
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Zoo Atlanta
Team size
Growing team
Location
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Zoo Atlanta’s Elephant Team, part of the Mammal Department, currently cares for 2.2 African elephants and meerkats. In 2019, Zoo Atlanta opened the new African Savanna, which includes a state-of-the-art elephant facility and an expanding elephant program.
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Elephant Keeper
Atlanta, Georgia, United States • Full Time