Animal Keeper - Elephant Dept.

Animal Keeper - Elephant Dept.

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 elephant introductions and social management under the direction of supervisors.
• Assist with breeding management and reproductive monitoring in coordination with veterinary staff.
• Support calf rearing and maternal care management.
• Participate in husbandry and training programs that support calf development and socialization.
• Participate in preventative care practices including:
  • Foot care
  • Skin care
  • Blood collection and trunk washes
  • Behavioral medical training
  • Maintain accurate daily records related to husbandry, enrichment, behavior, and training.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with elephant team members, veterinary staff, and other animal care departments.
• Assist in training and mentoring interns, volunteers, and seasonal staff.
• Maintain strong team communication regarding daily operations and animal management.

Guest Engagement

• Participate in keeper chats, tours, and other educational programs.
• Represent the elephant program professionally when interacting with zoo guests.

Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; bend; climb or balance; lift, grasp; and negotiate stairs and ladders. In addition, the employee may be exposed to Zoonosis, chemicals, and outside weather conditions; Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance; must possess a valid driver's license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle). Position Details: This is a full-time (40 hours per week with benefits) Union keeper position, which is subject to the successful completion of a probationary and the deduction of union dues. This position requires weekend work with regular off-days TBD. This is a 4, 10 hr/day schedule. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden offers a comprehensive benefits package including affordable medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off (vacation, holiday and sick leave); company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes. To Apply: Cover letter & resume should be attached to your online application

Not familiar with Cincinnati? Check out the following:

• Cincinnati Named One of the Best Cities in the Midwest for 2026
• Cincinnati Region's Official Travel and Tourism Guide | Visit Cincy
• Is Cincinnati a good place to live? Yes, and here's why - University of Cincinnati: Founder of Co-op, Leader in Co-op | University of Cincinnati

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/protected veterans

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