Part-Time Elephant Keeper

Fort Worth Zoo; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fort Worth Zoo in Fort Worth, TX is seeking a dedicated keeper to maintain and care for elephants and other assigned species. You will assist veterinary staff, prepare diets, observe animal health, and support training and enrichment initiatives.

You will work in a team-oriented environment with variable hours, including holidays and weekends, and participate in public programs and keeper talks for park visitors.

Qualifications

• 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 desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Feed and water animals, sanitize and maintain quarters, and perform cleaning duties.
• Prepare diets for animals and maintain food storage areas.
• Observe animal behavior and report signs of illness or injury.
• Assist veterinarians in minor procedures and administer medications.
• Assist in training and daily routines of assigned animals.
• Contribute to behavioral management and enrichment programs.
• Participate in approved research projects.
• Respond to public inquiries and present keeper talks as needed.
• Assist in safe restraint, crating, moving, and uncrating of animals.
• Maintain exhibits, facilities, and life support systems as trained.
• Understand operant conditioning in daily animal management.

Skills

Zoo keeping

Elephant care

Education

High School diploma

Bachelor's degree in wildlife management

Job description

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:

• 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:

• 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

Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.