Animal Keeper - Elephant Department

Position:Animal Keeper - Elephant Department

Location: Cincinnati, OH

Job :1494

# of Openings:1

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is seeking an experienced Elephant Keeper to joinour Asian Elephant Program . This position plays a key role in the daily care, behavioral management, and long-term success ofa multi-generational, breeding elephant herd. The successful candidate will havesignificantexperiencewithprotected contact management,operant conditioning,behavioralobservationsand problem-solving.

Additional consideration will be given to candidates with hands-on experiencemanagingmultiple herds, bulls,introductions, andcalf management.

We are looking for a highly motivated keeperwho excels at teamwork and open communication, andwhodemonstratesstrong situational awareness and professionalismwhenworking with large animals.

• Union negotiated pay rates, with a starting hourly rate between $23.83 - $28.24 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 2 years professional elephant care experience in the last 10 years
• Experience working with elephants in a protected contact management system
• Demonstrated experience with operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training

• 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
• 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
• 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.

• 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 membersregardingtraining progress and behavioral changes.

• Assistin management of a multi-generational elephant herd, including monitoring social dynamics and compatibility.
• Participate in elephant introductions and social management under thedirectionof 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
  • Maint…