Zookeeper - Elephants

Elephant Managers; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Audubon Zoo in New Orleans seeks Zookeepers for the Elephant Department to care for 0.3 Asian elephants, report to the Curator, and deliver daily guest experiences. The role involves routine elephant care, enrichment, and public education in a dynamic team environment focused on welfare initiatives.

Candidates should have experience with large mammals, strong observation skills, and the ability to work weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; biology coursework preferred.
• Experience with large mammals and elephant care preferred.
• Able to work weekends/holidays and lift up to 50 pounds as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily guest experience of outstanding quality.
• Engage guests in conservation conversations and educational programs.
• Perform daily elephant care including health observations and enrichment.
• Maintain records of health, feeding and behavior as directed.
• Assist in training new personnel and volunteers as needed.
• Participate in AZA programs and team-led projects.

Skills

Elephant care

Public engagement

Safety awareness

Education

High School diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Computer proficiency

Job description

This is an exciting time for the Audubon Zoo Elephant Department as we are adding three new positions to the team! This team will be fully dedicated to the care of 0.3 Asian Elephants. The selected team members will provide technical work in the daily care of elephants and report directly to the Curator of Elephants. Zookeepers: perform routine zookeeper duties; work under minimal supervision in a wide range of functions; may supervisor volunteer staff; initiate and participate in training and behavioral enrichment. This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic and enthusiastic team that is focused on long term welfare initiatives and providing exceptional and progressive elephant care.

To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Zookeeper will:

Provide daily guest experience of outstanding quality.

• A strong willingness to engage our guests about the Audubon Zoo’s mission statement. Looks to have genuine conversations about conservation, wildlife, and take-home messages.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment to evaluate and respond to any emergency situations that arise with our guests or facility.
• Willingness to present highly engaging educational programs as assigned.
• Participates in demonstrations/chats/feeds for our guests daily.
• Conducts behind-the-scenes tours for VIP’s, donors, and Audubon Education programs as scheduled.
• Extensive interaction with the public which may include on and off grounds educational and media presentations.

Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through welfare initiatives and research

• Identifies and corrects minor or routine maintenance problems and reports other maintenance needs directly to supervisor(s).
• Performs and initiates behavior modification and behavioral enrichment programs in assigned areas as designated by supervisor(s).
• Provide elephant-specific husbandry, such as footcare, baths sessions, etc.
• Observes general animal health and behavior daily and reports any abnormal situations to a supervisor(s).
• Maintains daily records of health and behavior status of animals in designated areas as directed.
• Prepares and follows prescribed diets and feeding procedures as directed by supervisor(s).
• Will assist in training new personnel in methods of animal care consistent with policies and procedures .
• Will value the contribution of every team member.
• May assist in the selection, training, supervision, evaluation, and assignment of volunteers as needed.
• May assist in developing new facilities and improving existing ones as assigned by supervisor(s).
• Composes technical reports on various aspects of captive animal management and exhibition as assigned by supervisor(s).
• Participates in restraining elephants under the supervision of the curator.
• Assists veterinary and curatorial staff in treating animals as assigned and prescribed, including administering medications.
• Assists in operant conditioning with the elephants and guide the elephants through the daily routine utilizing these positive and controlled training techniques.
• Makes decisions consistent with Audubon policies and procedures when required.
• Strong skills in time management.
• Ability to stay f lexible with team, supervisor(s), elephants and daily routine.
• Willingness to participate in AZA programs as assigned by supervisor(s).
• Take initiative by leading co-workers, Interns and Volunteers in coordinating and leading group projects.
• Brings a positive attitude and is accountable for their actions.
• Take personal responsibility for their surroundings.
• Displays actions that are moral and ethical.
• Looks to provide alternate solutions whenever possible.
• Maintain empathic behavior towards team members and supervisor(s).
• Willingness to receive and give feedback f rom team members and supervisor(s).

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

To deliver on the Audubon service promise, the Zookeeper will:

Welcome

• Make eye contact with every customer encounter, smile at every person, and offer f riendly phrases and greetings.

Share

• Always engage team members and guests in a positive manner.
• Utilizes the power of teamwork to provide excellent service.
• Know when to involve the management team.

Inspire

• Strives to share their passion and experiences for the conservation of wildlife.
• Empowered to take ownership of opportunities to exceed expectations.

Experience:

• Diverse and strong knowledge of the principles of large mammal management. Elephant experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of zoonotic diseases and prevention.
• Strong ability to exercise sound judgment to evaluate each animal’s health, diet, behavior, and any emergency situations that arise.
• Considerable experience in care, restraint, and handling of exotic animals.
• Excellent safety track record.
• Working knowledge of USDA and AZA requirements.
• Strong knowledge of animal training and application.
• With 6+ years of experience, an individual can qualify for a Senior Keeper position. Additional benchmarks would need to be met and/or a timeline created to achieve benchmarks.

Education:

• High School degree or equivalent
• Accurate oral and written communication skills
• College credits in Biology or related f ields
• Bachelor’s degree in related f ield preferred
• Ability to take required webinar courses.

Licensure/Certification:

• Must be fully Covid vaccinated
• Ability to obtain Incident Command System 100 and 200

Software Requirements:

• Proficiency in computer processing

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements:

• Ability to learn and operate medium and heavy equipment as needed.
• Ability and willingness to operate power tools, lawn equipment, etc.
• Ability and willingness to operate complex pump systems.

Physical Requirements

• The ability to work outdoors in extreme weather patterns, including heat, humidity, and heavy rain.
• Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and per OSHA regulations : Heavy work involving lif ting no more than 100 pounds at a time with f requent lif ting or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Risk periodic exposure to predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases.
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE when designated by employer.
• Must be able to manage stress during high-risk situations when working around elephants, such as feeding, shifting, and husbandry duties.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

• Ability to work effectively and positively in a team and with volunteers.
• Daily cleaning of animal habitats, stalls, and grounds.
• Lawn and other horticultural maintenance required.
• Maintains off-exhibit areas in a clean and organized manner.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays, including overtime and be available based on special needs/circumstances on a 24-hour basis.
• Must be able to work alone or in close contact with team members.
• Willing to perform Pest Control duties as necessary.
• Willingness to serve on the zoo’s Hurricane Team, if needed.
• Ability to understand and operate moat pump systems.
• Ensures work area is f ree of food, drink, socialization, and personal business .

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