Operations Coordinator- Elephants

The Indianapolis Zoo is a national leader of animal conservation, and one of the top tourist destinations in Indiana.  We’re located on a 93-acre campus in the heart of vibrant downtown Indianapolis.  In addition to our animal exhibits, gardens, and aquarium, we support local and international animal conservation efforts.   Your passion for animal conservation, and your particular area of interest and experience in African elephants may qualify you for our full time Operations Coordinator of Elephants position in our Elephant Department.  We have a progressive and internationally respected elephant program, and have conducted pioneering research in training, reproduction, and artificial insemination. 

• The ideal candidate is committed to advancing the Zoo’s mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. 
• The successful candidate will have at least five (5) years of full-time experience working with Elephants in a keeper capacity.  Must have a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Life Sciences, Zoology, Animal Psychology or a related field.   
• This role will ensure consistent training and scheduling among all department staff, incoming and current. 
• This position will also work closely with the Assistant Curator of Elephants to implement departmental trainings an assist with day-to-day operations.
• This is a full-time position, approximately forty (40) hours per week. Daily shifts may vary, weekends and evenings are required.  Holiday and overtime may be required as needed.

Working with elephants requires a very specific skills set and strenuous physical responsibilities that include but are not limited to:

• Must have good observational skills and temperamentally suited to working with animals, especially Elephants.
• Responsible for improving and maintaining a high level of husbandry including preparing diets, cleaning the animal exhibit and holding areas.
• Observes animals under their care including bringing any issues to the attention of the Assistant Curator and/ or Curator.
• Has the working knowledge of all areas of the Elephant department.
• Assists with training, enrichment, restraining and transferring of elephants as directed by the Assistant Curator and/ or Curator.
• Has direct responsibility and accountability for the medical care of animals as directed by the Assistant Curator and/ or Curator.
• Assists with and coordinates with the Veterinarians for routine, elective procedures, and urgent animal issues and attends vet rounds.
• Acts immediately on issues of safety or security as it relates to the animals, visitors, and staff as related to level of experience.
• Handles day-to-day operations as directed by the Assistant Curator and/ or Curator.
• Assists and coordinates training Keeper staff and sets a good example with other staff members by soliciting feedback in all aspects.
• Must have a valid Indiana driver’s license (or has the ability to obtain one within 30 days of starting) and a record that is insurable by the Zoo’s insurance.
• Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently. 
• Ability to transport and move items, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/ or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
• Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium to perform various jobs.
• Ability to detect, assess, identify, and observe surroundings to make sound judgments, along with the ability to communicate verbally, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio and telephone.

To apply:

• Interested candidates must complete an online Zoo application
• Interested candidates must include a resumé, cover letter, and salary requirements to be considered.

Perks

• Work for the wildest employer in Indianapolis!
• Some perks include,
• Medical (Health Savings Account with employer contribution included), Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability paid through the Zoo for eligible employees;
• 403(b) Retirement Plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Immediate Paid Holidays, complimentary Zoo Membership, Reciprocal Benefits to other local institutions, and many, many more!!!

Salary

• negotiable