Zoo Keeper - Elephant

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.