Job Abstract

The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden is seeking an enthusiastic and passionate Animal Caretaker to join the Elephant/Rhino team. With the anticipation of two elephant calf births in 2025, our team is growing along with our herd. Currently consisting of 3.5 Asian elephants and 0.2 Indian rhinoceros, the Elephant/Rhino program at the Oklahoma City Zoo is a dynamic and progressive breeding program with a strong focus on behavioral husbandry training. The Oklahoma City Zoo boasts a total of approximately nine acres of outdoor habitat that is inhabited by both elephants and rhinos, in addition to two state-of-the-art holding barns.

Animal Caretakers on the Elephant/Rhino team actively participate in husbandry techniques for the elephants and rhinos, as well as assist in veterinary medical procedures and care. Animal Caretakers also enhance guest experiences and education through daily interactions, public training presentations, and frequent behind-the-scenes tours. The ideal candidate must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, function effectively in an energetic team environment, and possess excellent communication and organizational skills. Under the direct supervision of the Curator of Elephants/Rhinos, this position performs a variety of skilled/semi-skilled work required for the care and safety of animals, staff, and the public.

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Starting Pay: $15.31-$17.61 Hourly

Experience Required: One (1) year of paid experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) accredited facility with relevant taxa OR, an equivalent combination of education and experience, including qualifying unpaid AZA internships, to successfully perform the essential duties.

Minimum Education Requirements: High school diploma or G.E.D.

Department: Animal Management.

Direct Supervisor: Curator Elephants & Rhinos.

Supervisory Responsibility: Direct (0); Indirect (0)

Primary Work Location: Zoo Setting both indoors and outdoors.

Certification: Valid Oklahoma driver’s license within thirty (30) days of hire and pass driver’s history check. Completion of OKC Zoo Global Academy training in the first six (6) months of employment.

Other: This position is safety sensitive. It is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing. This position works around animals susceptible to specific respiratory diseases, thus is subject to annual tuberculosis testing.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:

• Maintain a high level of safety when working with and around the assigned animal collection through the implementation of safety protocols and procedures.
• Actively participate in daily animal husbandry techniques and assessments related to food, water, cleanliness, health, animal transfers, and behavior.
• Observe, monitor, and report animal behavior changes and medical problems; keep detailed records of animal weight, health, enrichment, training and behavior.
• Maintain and renovate exhibits, service areas, and equipment.
• Move sand, gravel, and other materials using a skid steer or other heavy machinery.
• Support daily purposeful enrichment and documentation to promote, encourage, and evaluate natural and guest-engaging behaviors.
• Serve as a qualified Elephant Caretaker to perform elephant husbandry procedures.
• Develop an understanding of and the ability to perform operant conditioning training; Participate in animal training programs, including during public presentations.
• Assist in veterinary medical procedures; provide medication and treatment as directed by veterinary staff.
• Educate and interact with guests in both formal and informal settings; provide positive guest experiences.
• Collaborate with other zoo departments.
• Participate in and respond to safety-related issues and drills.
• Participate in collaborative efforts to research natural behaviors and life histories of the animals in the area; research both current species and new species, as assigned.
• Work effectively in a team environment, including volunteers.
• Plan and organize work projects for the areas assigned; acquire supplies and materials.
• Participate in animal transfers, both off and on site.
• Participate in conservation activities that support the zoo’s mission.
• Support OKC Zoo’s strategic management plans and institutional goals.
• Work in a manner that supports and protects the health of the assigned collection, including wearing assigned PPE and limiting exposure to known contagions.