Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona is seeking a Zoo Keeper to join the Reid Park Zoo’s progressive elephant care team. 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 four female elephants ranging in age from 3-33 years old with a calf expected in 2024. RPZ 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.
Responsibilities:
- 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 four African elephants including but not limited to: cleaning, training, diet preparation, and enrichment.
- Under the direction of veterinary professionals, administer medications and/ or treatments.
- Ability 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 RPZ 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Emergency response preparedness for drills and true emergent situations.
- 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.
- Please note that this document is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.
EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITES
Minimum Qualifications:
- Possession of or able to acquire a valid US driver’s license
- 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.
- Willing to undergo annual TB testing and stay current on relevant vaccinations.
- Able to lift at least 50 lbs.
- Regular 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.
- 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.
- Bachelor’s degree in a science-based field of study with one year of paid animal care experience OR Associate’s degree with three years paid animal care experience.
- PEM I and/ or PEM II certification.
- Knowledge of AZA regulations. Participation in the AZA community.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- The hiring range listed is $17.67 – $20.69 hourly.
- We have four healthcare plans, two dental plans, vision, life insurance, pet insurance and some free benefits including Short & Long Term Disability and life insurance.
- We offer 12 vacation days, 11 paid holidays plus 40 hours sick time annually.
- We offer a 401k plan with employer matching.
- In addition, we have staff discounts and fun employee events throughout the year and zoo membership for your family.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
- Please apply via our website www.reidparkzoo.org/employment
Experience Required
- Previous paid work experience working with elephants.
- Bachelor’s degree in a science-based field of study with one year of paid animal care experience OR Associate’s degree with three years paid animal care experience.
- PEM I and/ or PEM II certification.
Perks
- We have four healthcare plans, two dental plans, vision, life insurance, pet insurance and some free benefits including Short & Long Term Disability and life insurance.
- We offer 12 vacation days, 11 paid holidays plus 40 hours sick time annually.
- We offer a 401k plan with employer matching.
- In addition, we have staff discounts and fun employee events throughout the year and zoo membership for your family.
Salary
- $17.67 – $20.69 hourly.