Facility

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Closing Date

Description

Responsible for all aspects of daily husbandry and care of the Columbus Zoo’s elephant herd, which involves food preparation, feeding, exhibit maintenance, reproductive management, and maintaining a safe work environment.

Responsibilities
Performs care of the region’s animals, including food preparation, feeding, monitoring diets, watering, bathing, enrichment, water changes, observing medical and behavioral changes, and behavioral stimulation and may assist with medical treatment as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarians.
Cleans and maintains animal exhibit areas, performs basic horticulture work (e.g. caring for region’s egress/ingress, general grounds beautification) and disinfects animal enclosures.
Assures the safety of self, animals, co-workers and visitors by observing safety guidelines when working with animals, equipment and vehicles.
Provides educational information about the region’s animal population through such activities as interacting with the public, conducting keeper talks, staffing interpreter stations, conducting tours and workshops, attending docent meetings, composing articles for zoo publications and conducting volunteer trainings.
Provides input to Assistant Curator and Elephant Manager on all aspects (e.g. safety, animal husbandry) of assigned areas.
Maintains daily and monthly records on animals.
May provide leadership to seasonal employees, interns, volunteers and zooschool students (e.g. provide daily work direction, inform management of problems).
Participates in training and operant conditioning programs and follows standardized reporting mechanisms.
Attends departmental meetings and participates in developmental seminars and workshops as required.
Other responsibilities may include duties related to the operation of other species located in the Asia Quest Region which includes, rhinos, tigers, aviary, variety of ungulates and birds, flying foxes, langurs, sloth bears, pallas cats, snow leopards and stellar sea eagle.
May establish and maintain contacts with other zookeepers outside of the Columbus Zoo, field researchers and other specialists.
Participates in cross-training activities as directed.
Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club and The Wilds.
Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Pre-requisites

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal science, biology or relevant field required. Four years of relevant zoo keeping experience may be substituted for degree.
Previous animal husbandry experience preferred in one or more of the following: primates, reptiles, carnivores, herbivores and birds.
5 years’ experience in working with elephants required (8-10 years preferred).
Experience with a wide variety of training techniques preferred.
Ability to successfully perform zookeeper duties within a diverse animal collection preferred.
Basic knowledge of research techniques and practices with solid observation skills.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action
Must be able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with all levels.
Ability to develop and deliver informational presentations to small, medium or large groups required.
Ability to perform strenuous physical work required.
Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required.
Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision required.
Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the Make it G.R.E.A.T. standards required.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business required.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays required.
Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
Possession of a valid Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required, as well as ability to operate standard shift vehicles required.
Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required.
Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.

Compensation and benefits

Our mission at the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks is to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. When you are a part of our full-time Columbus Zoo and Aquarium team, you are helping us achieve that mission! We offer competitive wages, paid time off, excellent benefits including covered premiums for vision, dental, basic life and disability insurance, and OPERS retirement. Did we mention the perks? Company provided tuition reimbursement, Zoo family membership, free admission and discounts at all of our parks, team member appreciation events, wellness program, and more. Plus, as a nonprofit organization, our employees can take advantage of the student loan forgiveness through the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Application instructions

Please Apply Online at:
https://careers-columbuszoo.icims.com/jobs/2307/zookeeper%2c-elephants/job