Animal Care Specialist - Elephant Team (Part Time)

Elephant Managers; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is seeking an Animal Care Specialist for the Elephant Team in Kansas City, MO. The role focuses on daily care, feeding, health monitoring, habitat maintenance, and visitor education related to elephants.

The position supports public programs and enrichment activities, with responsibilities across animal care, safety, and community outreach. A background in biology/animal science and hands-on elephant care experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field desired.
• Experience with care and management of similar species preferred.
• Strong observational skills to assess animal health and welfare.
• Ability to follow procedures and maintain records.

Responsibilities

• Prepare diets and deliver feedings.
• Administer medications and assist with health procedures.
• Observe, log, and report animal behavior, health and welfare.
• Train elephants for basic husbandry behaviors.
• Create enrichment items and strategies.
• Maintain daily habitat and holding areas: clean and safe.
• Engage with zoo guests through talks and demonstrations.

Skills

Animal care

Observation

Public interaction

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology/animal science/zoology (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Animal Care Specialist - Elephant Team (Part Time)

The Animal Care Specialist is responsible for performing routine work assignments involving the daily care and welfare of animals within their area. This position also performs daily maintenance of animal habitats and holding areas, as well as interacts with the public to provide information related to the Zoo & Aquarium’s animal collection.

This position will work with the Elephant Team, which is responsible for the daily husbandry of African elephants.

POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Duties

Percentage

• Preparing diets and delivering animal feedings.
• Administering medications and assisting with various animal health procedures.
• Observing, logging, and reporting issues concerning animal behavior, health, and welfare.
• Training animals for basic husbandry behaviors.
• Creating and implementing various enrichment items/strategies.

40%

Completes daily maintenance of exhibits and holding areas, including:

• Cleaning habitats, holding areas, and staff areas.
• Performing minor repairs and improvements.
• Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate manager.
• Lawn and other horticultural maintenance within habitats.

40%

Maintains daily reports and other required records.

10%

Interacts with Zoo & Aquarium guests and the public, including:

• Performing various animal chats and animal presentations, as well as assisting with special events related to assigned area.
• Engaging with visitors to answer questions about the Zoo & Aquarium and animals.

10%

*This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Additionally, specific duties and percentages may vary slightly between each Animal Care Team.

*All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field desired.
  • Applicable experience can be substituted in place of formal education on a year-for-year basis for candidates not currently holding a degree.
• EXPERIENCE:
  • Previous hands-on experience with the care and management of similar species is desired.
  • Knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, procedures for proper care, and training of exotic animals.
  • Strong observational skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets, and behavior.
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, required.
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including procedures for care and maintenance of animals, habitats, service and holding areas.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must have valid driver’s license.
  • Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test.
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment.
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to manage stress, endure high risk situations when feeding, transferring, or restraining animals, and make immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, staff, or the public.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
  • Must pass a background and drug screening.

The Elephant Managers Association (EMA) is an international, 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization.