Zoo Keeper - Elephant Team

Come join us at the Reid Park Zoological Society!

Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona is seeking a Zoo Keeper to join the Reid Park Zoo’s progressive Elephant Care Team . 

Bachelor’s degree in a science-based field of study with one year of paid experience working with elephants required  OR Associate’s degree with three years paid experience.

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 six elephants ranging in age from 17 months to 35 years old. RPZS 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.

Essential Duties and Functions:

• Be an Ambassador for the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS) at all times
• Be a team player, providing internal customers and external guests exemplary customer service at all times by leading by example and following RPZS Values 
• 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 six African elephants including but not limited to: cleaning, training, diet preparation, and enrichment
• Under the direction of veterinary professionals, administer medications and/ or treatments
• Able 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 RPZS 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
• Timely 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
• Emergency response preparedness for drills and true emergent situations
• 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
• 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

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-based field of study with one year of paid experience working with elephants OR Associate’s degree with three years paid experience
• Current, valid, unrestricted driver’s license
• Successful completion of a criminal history background check and pre-employment drug screen (non-THC) (company paid)
• Evidence of a negative TB test within the immediate past 12 months, or, complete a pre-hire TB test (company paid) and undergo annual renewals
• Most recent COVID-19 Booster
• 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
• Able to lift at least 50 pounds regularly
• Able to stand and walk for prolonged periods on various terrains, including trails, paved and unpaved surfaces, and uneven ground
• Able to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, push/pull, crouch, climb ladders and reach areas of habitats and zoo grounds
• Regular and consistent 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
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• 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
• PEM I and/ or PEM II certification
• Knowledge of AZA regulations
• Participation in the AZA community 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the HR Dept.