The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is seeking an experienced Elephant Keeper to join our Asian Elephant Program. This position plays a key role in the daily care, behavioral management, and long-term success of a multi-generational, breeding elephant herd. The successful candidate will have significant experience with protected contact management, operant conditioning, behavioral observations and problem-solving.
Additional consideration will be given to candidates with hands-on experience managing multiple herds, bulls, introductions, and calf management. We are looking for a highly motivated keeper who excels at teamwork and open communication, and who demonstrates strong situational awareness and professionalism when working with large animals.
Position Benefits:
- Union negotiated pay rates, with a starting hourly rate between $23.83 - $28.24 determined by years of field experience.
- 200 PTO hours accrued throughout the first year of service, 80 of which is loaded into the PTO bank upon hire
- Competitive benefit packages and retirement matching programs
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Facility culture that highlights the following core values:
- Collaborative Relationships
- Pride, Passion, and a Sense of Ownership
- Positivity and Energy
- Accountability, Mutual Trust, and Respect
- Progressive Thinking
- Intentional professional development opportunities, for both animal care and "people” skills
Minimum Desired Qualifications:
Preferred candidates will have:
- Minimum 2 years professional elephant care experience in the last 10 years
- Experience working with elephants in a protected contact management system
- Demonstrated experience with operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training
Experience with the following is strongly preferred:
- Elephant introductions and herd management
- Breeding and reproductive management
- Calf care and development
- Elephant foot care and preventative medical training
- Behavioral observation and welfare monitoring
- EEHV monitoring or treatment protocols
Additional qualifications:
- Degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
- Strong understanding of elephant behavior, husbandry, and safety practices
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Valid driver’s license and ability to meet CZBG employment requirements
Essential Responsibilities
Husbandry & Welfare
- Provide daily husbandry care including feeding, habitat maintenance, enrichment, and behavioral observation.
- Participate in a protected contact elephant management program following established safety protocols.
- Monitor elephant behavior and welfare and report abnormalities to supervisors and veterinary staff.
- Maintain clean and safe indoor and outdoor elephant facilities.
- Support exercise, enrichment, and environmental management programs that promote natural behaviors and activity.
Behavioral Training
- Participate in an operant conditioning program using positive reinforcement training.
- Train elephants to voluntarily participate in husbandry and veterinary procedures.
- Assist with development and implementation of individual training plans.
- Maintain consistent communication with team members regarding training progress and behavioral changes.
Management
- Assist in management of a multi-generational elephant herd, including monitoring social dynamics and compatibility.
- Participate in elephant introductions and social management under the direction of supervisors.
- Assist with breeding management and reproductive monitoring in coordination with veterinary staff.
- Support calf rearing and maternal care management.
- Participate in husbandry and training programs that support calf development and socialization.
- Participate in preventative care practices including:
- Foot care
- Skin care
- Blood collection and trunk washes
- Behavioral medical training
- Maintain accurate daily records related to husbandry, enrichment, behavior, and training.
Team Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with elephant team members, veterinary staff, and other animal care departments.
- Assist in training and mentoring interns, volunteers, and seasonal staff.
- Maintain strong team communication regarding daily operations and animal management.
Guest Engagement
- Participate in keeper chats, tours, and other educational programs.
- Represent the elephant program professionally when interacting with zoo guests.
Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; bend; climb or balance; lift, grasp; and negotiate stairs and ladders. In addition, the employee may be exposed to Zoonosis, chemicals, and outside weather conditions; Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance; must possess a valid driver’s license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle).
Position Details: This is a full-time (40 hours per week with benefits) Union keeper position, which is subject to the successful completion of a probationary and the deduction of union dues. This position requires weekend work with regular off-days TBD. This is a 4, 10 hr/day schedule.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden offers a comprehensive benefits package including affordable medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off (vacation, holiday and sick leave); company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes.
To Apply: Cover letter & resume should be attached to your online application