Zoological Manager - Elephants

Supervises, trains, and monitors zookeepers in the care and management of a multi-generational, multi-sex herd of African elephants. This position requires occasional participation in the care of elephants in a team oriented atmosphere. Ideally this will be no more than 16 hours per week but may on occasion be more. Inspects facilities for security, safety and for repair and maintenance. Interacts and provides customer service to all Zoo-defined customers. This position participates in a mandatory on-call rotation.

Supervision of Zookeepers

• Monitor and acquire area supplies and resources, under the direction of curator.
• Train and mentor zookeepers, recognize performance deficiencies, and takes corrective action when needed.
• Produce SOPs and other documents for the areas of responsibility including employees, facilities, and animals within the area.
• Supervise and monitor animal introductions and animal restraint.
• Participate and assist curator and registrar in planning animal transfer activities. Work with veterinary staff to facilitate associated medical testing needs.
• Participate in evaluating zookeeper applications for open positions and in selecting final candidates.

Animal Well-being, Care and Management

• Maintain a current understanding of African elephant natural history, behavior, and terminology.  Interpret elephant behavior, recognize abnormalities and potential medical conditions. Under the direction of veterinarians and/or curators, administer medications or treatments as needed.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of AZA Accreditation Standards for elephant management, training, enrichment, and welfare.
• Uses operant conditioning in a restricted contact environment to conduct and evaluate trainingthat proactively prepares elephants for the requirements of the elephant management plan and AZA standards.
• Communicate observations of animal behavior and health condition to veterinary department and/or curators, administer medications or treatments as needed.
• Ensure regular and timely recording of animal behavior observations, training and enrichment activities, and animal health conditions.
• Monitor and participate in the preparation of animal diets. Communicate nutritional needs and concerns to curator and veterinary staff.
• Drive Zoological Society-owned vehicles, as needed, to care for or transfer animals to other zoological facilities. Animal transfer trips may occasionally require overnight travel.
• Safely work with and around delicate, wild, and potentially dangerous animals.  Complete required training and safely operate all zoo-required equipment for completion of job duties.

Area Maintenance

• Ensure service areas, animal habitats and public viewing areas meet safety requirements and properly maintained.
• Monitor and ensure usability and availability of tools used regularly  by team including: wheel barrows, rakes, shovels, hoses, scrub brooms, tubs and a variety of other tools used in the care of animals.
• Regularly inspect animal habitats and associated facilities for security and safety.
• Complete or conduct minor repairs to facilities as needed.

Experience Required

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Resources, Wildlife Management, or a related field.
• 2 years of animal care experience working with elephants.
• Per Sedgwick County policy, this is a driving level position that requires a valid US driver’s license without restrictions and current proof of automobile insurance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3 years of animal care experience working with elephants at an AZA Facility.
• Master’s Degree in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Resources, Wildlife Management, or a related field.

Further Comments

• Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation reviews, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.
• For more detailed information, please visit our benefits page at SCBenefits.
• It is the policy of Sedgwick County not to discriminate in its programs or services provided to the general public, including employment and all other activities, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other similarly protected status.
• Sedgwick County is committed to making the application, interview, and pre-employment testing process accessible to persons with disabilities.
• If you wish to volunteer information regarding any special assistance you may need, please notify Human Resources by phone at (316) 660-7050, TDD (Kansas Relay at 711 or 800-766-3777). Do not use this phone number for employment questions.
• This number is provided only for those requiring ADA assistance. You will be contacted should the department feel that you are a qualified candidate.

Salary

• $23.27