Zoo Keeper - Elephant Team

Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona is seeking a Zoo Keeper to join the Reid Park Zoo’s progressive Elephant Care Team. Bachelor’s degree in a science-based field of study with one year of paid experience working with elephants required OR Associate’s degree with three years paid experience.

• This is a positive reinforcement program that emphasizes choice and control for the elephants.
• The zoo has been a contributor to the African elephant SSP and currently is home to six elephants ranging in age from 17 months to 35 years old.
• RPZS is committed to African elephant conservation and is invested in continuing to contribute to AZA initiatives for the species.
• We are a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create inspiring memories for all by connecting people and animals to ensure the protection of wild animals and wild places.
• We provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages. Reid Park Zoo is the largest attended cultural attraction in Southern Arizona with approximately 500,000 visitors annually.
• Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo implements an exciting master plan, including “Pathway to Asia”, the zoo’s Asia-themed expansion expected to open in 2025 with additional zoo improvement projects and renovation to follow.
• No phone calls or visits please.
• This position is open until filled.
• We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
• We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.
• Reports To: Animal Care Supervisor

Overview:      

• This Zoo Keeper position works on a team of nine to provide high quality care to a breeding herd of African elephants.
• The Keeper progresses through a training program that begins with program foundation and learning of the routine.
• After demonstrating competency, the Keeper progresses to working directly with the elephants in a protected contact, positive reinforcement training system.
• Keepers on the team must provide high quality care for the animals through cleaning, training, enrichment, detailed record keeping, medical care, welfare tracking, and collaborative work alongside departments.
• The Keeper may work a variable shift to meet the needs of the animals and the team.
• Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for wild animals in human care.

Essential Duties and Functions:

• Be an Ambassador for the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS) at all times
• Be a team player, providing internal customers and external guests exemplary customer service at all times by leading by example and following RPZS Values 
• Work collaboratively on a team of seven total animal care professionals, one team lead, and one area supervisor
• Provide daily husbandry to a growing family herd of six African elephants including but not limited to: cleaning, training, diet preparation, and enrichment
• Under the direction of veterinary professionals, administer medications and/ or treatments
• Able to communicate effectively and quickly with coworkers
• Able to follow verbal instructions for animal shifts, training sessions, and more
• Select, train, and oversee area volunteers, interns, and docents
• Assist with training new team members
• Adhere to all safety protocols of the RPZS Elephant Care Center
• Knowledge of browse programs and ability to learn plant ID required for feeding out browsable plant species to animals
• Knowledge of African elephant behavior and natural history and ability to interpret and communicate it to staff and guests
• Timely report any abnormalities or discrepancies to zoo management
• Maintain existing behavioral repertoires and help build new behaviors in a protected contact setting
• Assist in full life care of a dynamic, social family herd including but not limited to: transports, neonate care, breeding, animal introductions, emergency response, and more
• Habitat maintenance including but not limited to heavy machinery operation, power tool use, plant care, and more
• Heavy machinery operation of zoo vehicles including but not limited to: trucks, skid steers, tractors, forklifts, excavators, and more
• Provide educational opportunities to zoo guests through public talks, tours, and programs requiring strong public speaking skills
• Maintain thorough, detailed records on training, diet, health status, enrichment, welfare, and more
• Emergency response preparedness for drills and true emergent situations
• Work cooperatively alongside other departments such as maintenance, grounds, education, administration, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of RPZS and coworkers as well as diverse volunteers, guests, donors, community partners, vendors, and others
• Comply with all USDA, OSHA, AZA, and City of Tucson regulations
• Complete all trainings as required
• Be able to perform those tasks that are essential to the job, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-based field of study with one year of paid experience working with elephants OR Associate’s degree with three years paid experience
• Current, valid, unrestricted driver’s license
• Successful completion of a criminal history background check and pre-employment drug screen (non-THC) (company paid)
• Evidence of a negative TB test within the immediate past 12 months, or, complete a pre-hire TB test (company paid) and undergo annual renewals
• Most recent COVID-19 Booster
• Knowledge and skills in positive reinforcement operant conditioning training to achieve complex animal husbandry behaviors voluntarily
• Ability to work a flexible, sometimes variable schedule, including weekends, holidays, evenings, special events, and overnight shifts
• Able to lift at least 50 pounds regularly
• Able to stand and walk for prolonged periods on various terrains, including trails, paved and unpaved surfaces, and uneven ground
• Able to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, push/pull, crouch, climb ladders and reach areas of habitats and zoo grounds
• Regular and consistent physical attendance at work
• Ability to work effectively in and promote a team environment that emphasizes uplifting and supporting coworkers
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback for program improvement
• Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, negotiate and resolve conflicts, maintain confidentiality and to respect and observe organizational protocol
• Possession of critical analysis, customer service, problem solving, conflict resolution, decision making, leadership, team building, time management, and motivational skills
• Preferred Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:
• Previous paid work experience working with elephants
• PEM I and/ or PEM II certification
• Knowledge of AZA regulations

Participation in the AZA community 

• Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship.
• The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process.
• If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the HR Dept.

Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-based field of study with one year of paid experience working with elephants OR Associate’s degree with three years paid experience

Perks

• Medical, 401(k), etc.

Salary

• $17.67 ‒ $20.69 Hourly