Job Details

Asian Elephant Keeper

A successful candidate for this position is motivated, energetic, and a team-oriented individual with proven working experience being responsible for the care, husbandry, and training of the Zoo's resident Asian elephants. 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

• Carries out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities.
• Maintains clean and organized exhibits, holding areas, service areas and equipment.
• Prepares and feeds appropriate diets as per established feeding practices and diet sheets.
• Administers prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.
• Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the Zoo Supervisor.
• Maintains daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with TRACKS and Microsoft Office software applications.
• Understands and applies a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under his/her care.
• Understands and applies the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management of species under his/her care.
• Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.

Education and Experience

• The position requires a minimum of 2 years of animal experience, graduation from a college or university with major course work in the biological sciences or related fields.
• Strong interpersonal, team-building, and communication skills.
• Valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.
• Ability to lift up to 80 lbs.
• Elephant zookeeper experience, is a plus.

About Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.

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.