Job Postings

Manager, Elephants

Facility

Houston Zoo

Closing Date
September 30, 2018
Description

The Elephant Manager is directly responsible for supervising a team of keepers providing counsel and direction regarding animal husbandry and ensuring compliance and exceptional standard of our elephant herd care/management. The ideal candidate will be a team-oriented individual with experience training elephants and mentoring staff. This program allows for the opportunity to work with and care for calves, bulls, cows and participate in numerous research and conservation projects.

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
-Directs personnel, including volunteers, in the care, maintenance and display of domestic and exotic animals
-Interviews, recommends hiring, pay changes, and recommends and administers disciplinary actions
-Directs, organizes, prioritizes, and schedules work assignments within section
-Observes and evaluates animal conditions, behaviors, and responses and communicates observations orally and on written reports
-Improves the quality of life of the animal population by providing environmental and behavioral enrichment opportunities
-Trains selected animals through operant conditioning for purposes of gaining cooperation for veterinary treatment and/or public demonstrations
-Design and maintains exhibit furnishings, props and decorations providing safe, attractive and enriching environments
-Participates in the development of educational programming and materials to communicate with and educate visitors about animals and conservation
-Provides direct animal care as needed for health and well-being of animals within assigned areas
-In collaboration with the Curator and Veterinary staff, may administer medication as directed
-Develops and prepares operational procedures
-Serves as institutional representative for selected species to national taxa advisory groups, attending conferences and meetings as required
-Directly involved in acquisition/disposition of specific animals
-Initiates requisitions for equipment and supplies

Education and Pre-requisites

-Minimum of five (5) years’ experience with increasing responsibility in the care, training, handling and breeding of elephants.

-Associate degree or two (2) years of college level education in zoology, biology, animal husbandry, or related field in life sciences or physical sciences.

-Advanced knowledge of natural history and management of elephants in a zoo setting.

-Completion of AZA Principles of Elephant Management 1 and 2

-Three (3) years supervisory/management experience

-Excellent elephant handling abilities; strong leadership and partnering skills; ability to operate as a member of a diverse team, strong organizational and time management skills, problem-solving skills, and proven ability to successfully develop and implement a keeper training program and operant conditioning training program for elephants.

-Proficiency in basic computer skills including Word, Excel, Microsoft Office.

-Must provide documentation of current, negative TB test within the last year.

-Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

To apply please visit: https://www.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/houstonzoo