Zoo Keeper - Temporary - Elephant Team

Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona is seeking a temporary Zoo Keeper to join the Reid Park Zoo’s progressive elephant care team. 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 four female elephants ranging in age from 3-34 years old with a calf expected in the first half of 2024. RPZ 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.

Overview: 

This temporary Zoo keeper position works on a team of 9 to provide high quality care to a breeding herd of African elephants. This position plays a support role, with an emphasis on cleaning, diet preparation, restocking supplies, sorting browsable plants, preparing enrichment, area maintenance, record keeping, animal behavior observation, etc. Successful candidates will be able to operate independently and alongside the team at various points in the work day. This position will not interact directly with elephants but will work in close proximity with them and may be involved in watching training sessions, observing procedures, etc. 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.

Reports to Animal Care Supervisor.

Responsibilities:

● Work collaboratively on a team of 7 total animal care professionals, 1 team lead, and 1 area supervisor.

● Provide daily husbandry to a growing family herd of four African elephants including but not limited to: cleaning, diet preparation, and enrichment.

● Ability to work independently or on a team. 

● Able to do physical labor that may sometimes be strenuous. 

● Ability to communicate effectively and quickly with teammates. Able to successfully follow verbal instructions.

● Work alongside and sometimes direct area volunteers, interns, and docents.

● Adhere to all safety protocols of the RPZ Elephant Care Center

● Ability to learn plant ID required for feeding out browsable plant species to animals.

● Ability to learn African elephant behavior and natural history. Ability to learn to interpret this when communicating with staff. 

● Report any abnormalities or discrepancies to zoo management.

● Ability to learn and understand elephant behavior and social dynamics to effectively monitor herd interactions.

● 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 elephants’: diet, health status, enrichment, welfare, and more.

● Work cooperatively alongside other departments such as maintenance, grounds, education, administration, etc.

● Emergency response preparedness for drills and true emergent situations.

● Adhere 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.

● Please note that this document is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Minimum Qualifications:

● Possession of or able to acquire a valid US driver’s license

● Ability to work a flexible, sometimes variable schedule, including weekends, holidays, evenings, special events, and overnight shifts.

● Ability to work effectively in and promote a team environment that emphasizes uplifting and supporting one’s teammates.

● Ability to give and receive constructive feedback for the betterment of the program.

● Willing to undergo annual TB testing and stay current on relevant vaccinations.

● Able to lift at least 50 lbs.

● Regular physical attendance at work.

● Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

● 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:

● COVID booster acquired after September 2022. 

● Knowledge of AZA regulations and 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.