Animal Keeper - Elephant Dept.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden • Cincinnati, OH • 8h ago

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is seeking an experienced Elephant Keeper to join our Asian Elephant Program. This position plays a key role in the daily care, behavioral management, and long-term success of a multi-generational, breeding elephant herd. The successful candidate will have significant experience with protected contact management, operant conditioning, behavioral observations and problem-solving.

Additional consideration will be given to candidates with hands-on experience managing multiple herds, bulls, introductions, and calf management. We are looking for a highly motivated keeper who excels at teamwork and open communication, and who demonstrates strong situational awareness and professionalism when working with large animals.

Position Benefits:

Union negotiated pay rates, with a starting range between 22.27-28.65 determined by years of field experience.

200 PTO hours accrued throughout the first year of service, 80 of which is loaded into the PTO bank upon hire

Competitive benefit packages and retirement matching programs

Employee Assistance Programs

Facility culture that highlights the following core values:

Collaborative Relationships

Pride, Passion, and a Sense of Ownership

Positivity and Energy

Accountability, Mutual Trust, and Respect

Progressive Thinking

Intentional professional development opportunities, for both animal care and "people" skills

Minimum Desired Qualifications:

Preferred candidates will have:

Minimum 3 years professional elephant care experience

Experience working with elephants in a protected contact management system

Demonstrated experience with operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training

Experience with the following is strongly preferred:

Elephant introductions and herd management

Breeding and reproductive management

Calf care and development

Elephant foot care and preventative medical training

Behavioral observation and welfare monitoring

EEHV monitoring or treatment protocols

Additional qualifications:

Degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)

Strong understanding of elephant behavior, husbandry, and safety practices

Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Valid driver's license and ability to meet CZBG employment requirements

Essential Responsibilities

Husbandry & Welfare

Provide daily husbandry care including feeding, habitat maintenance, enrichment, and behavioral observation.

Participate in a protected contact elephant management program following established safety protocols.

Monitor elephant behavior and welfare and report abnormalities to supervisors and veterinary staff.

Maintain clean and safe indoor and outdoor elephant facilities.

Support exercise, enrichment, and environmental management programs that promote natural behaviors and activity.

Behavioral Training

Participate in an operant conditioning program using positive reinforcement training.

Train elephants to voluntarily participate in husbandry and veterinary procedures.

Assist with development and implementation of individual training plans.

Maintain consistent communication with team members regarding training progress and behavioral changes.

Management

Assist in management of a multi-generational elephant herd, including monitoring social dynamics and compatibility.

Participate in e

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