Animal Keeper African Elephant Crossing

An Animal Keeper possesses a proven working knowledge of animal husbandry, a strong conservation ethic, exceptional interpersonal skills and strong leadership abilities to provide high quality care for assigned areas.

QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES

There is an Animal Keeper position available in the African Elephant Crossing area of the zoo. The person will primarily work as an elephant keeper but will also work with African birds, meerkats, naked mole rats, and a rock python. The person accepting this position needs to be skilled in dealing with certain area specific responsibilities that include: husbandry knowledge specific to this area, learning all aspects of the area's Standard Operating Procedures, the Elephant Management Guidelines and be willing to be trained on the operation of a skid steer. The person taking this position is also subject to 6 month performance and safety evaluations to progressively attain skill levels. The person working in this area will be expected to work effectively in a close team environment, adhere to all guidelines, and support the philosophy designed to make the elephant program successful. The elephant program specifically focuses on: Keeper safety, increased elephant activity and social integration, improved elephant participation in training sessions, increased public interaction and elephant reproductive assessments.

HUSBANDRY

• Provides food, water, medications, and supplements as indicated by schedules, prescriptions, or diet boards. To include loading and unloading animal feeds, hay, bedding, and animal care supplies.
• Completes and reviews daily activity reports, diet consumption reports, behavior and/or training records, enrichment records, or any other written documentation on assigned animals.
• Cleans, maintains, and disinfects animal enclosures and service areas.
• Observes individual animals daily and reports animal behavior, appearance, fecal conditions, and unique characteristics.
• Performs proper restraint techniques for crating, transferring, or veterinary procedures.
• Monitors, reports, and performs pest control in assigned areas.
• Prepares and continually enhances animal areas for aesthetic, reproductive, behavior, and animal safety (i.e. perching material, nest boxes, “furniture”, live or artificial plants, etc…).
• Samples and records water analysis.
• Provides continual environmental enrichment by approved methods.
• Trains assigned animals for husbandry and enrichment.
• Responds to hazardous or potentially unsafe situations by taking corrective action and promptly notifying supervisory staff.

CONSERVATION and SCIENCE

• Participates in ex situ and/or in situ conservation initiatives (i.e., studbooks, field research, public education, marketing, etc.)
• Supports, accommodates, and/or participates in on-ground research initiatives (i.e., research proposal review, assist outside researchers, systematic record-keeping, behavior observations, literature searches, presentations to staff/volunteers, data or sample collections, etc.)
• Possesses knowledge of research and conservation initiatives in nature and in zoos. This may include Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's involvement, AZA's, or any organization within his or her area of interest or expertise.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Communicates regularly with peers and managers concerning matters of animal care, safety, and work schedules.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers (i.e. keepers, education, maintenance, marketing, volunteers) and the public.
• Understands and follows verbal and written instructions.
• Demonstrates initiative, dependability, teamwork, resourcefulness, good judgment, a positive attitude, and common sense.
• Voices concerns constructively.
• Participates in available task forces.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Works assigned shifts any day of the week with varying days off.
• Performs related duties as apparent or assigned
• Reports maintenance issues through the use of work orders.
• Attends scheduled meetings.
• Operates a motor vehicle and other mechanical tools and equipment (i.e. hand tools, computers, incubators, etc...).
• Assist in the training of seasonal employees.
• Supports the mission statement of the zoo and established animal care programs.
• Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, animals, co-workers, and public.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree in animal sciences or related field preferred.
• Two years full time experience with captive exotic animals, six months if possess a Bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrated education, training and experience supporting the Essential Functions (listed above).
• Demonstrated ability to work in hot or cold weather, dusty, wet, and odorous conditions. Must be able to maneuver 75 pounds.
• Possess a valid Ohio Driver's License.

WORK DAYS: Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday

CURRENT DAYS OFF: Wed, Thurs, Friday

FILING DEADLINE: 02/28/2025