The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is seeking an experienced Elephant Keeper to join our Asian Elephant Program. This position plays a key role in the daily care, behavioral management, and long-term success of a multi-generational, breeding elephant herd. The successful candidate will have significant experience with protected contact management, operant conditioning, behavioral observations and problem-solving.

Additional consideration will be given to candidates with hands-on experience managing multiple herds, bulls, introductions, and calf management. We are looking for a highly motivated keeper who excels at teamwork and open communication, and who demonstrates strong situational awareness and professionalism when working with large animals.

Position Benefits:

Union negotiated pay rates, with a starting range between 22.27-28.65 determined by years of field experience.
200 PTO hours accrued throughout the first year of service, 80 of which is loaded into the PTO bank upon hire
Competitive benefit packages and retirement matching programs
Employee Assistance Programs
Facility culture that highlights the following core values:
- Collaborative Relationships
- Pride, Passion, and a Sense of Ownership
- Positivity and Energy
- Accountability, Mutual Trust, and Respect
- Progressive Thinking
Intentional professional development opportunities, for both animal care and "people” skills

Minimum Desired Qualifications:

Preferred candidates will have:

Minimum 3 years professional elephant care experience
Experience working with elephants in a protected contact management system
Demonstrated experience with operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training

Experience with the following is strongly preferred:

Elephant introductions and herd management
Breeding and reproductive management
Calf care and development
Elephant foot care and preventative medical training
Behavioral observation and welfare monitoring
EEHV monitoring or treatment protocols

Additional qualifications:

Degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
Strong understanding of elephant behavior, husbandry, and safety practices
Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet CZBG employment requirements

Essential Responsibilities

Husbandry & Welfare

Provide daily husbandry care including feeding, habitat maintenance, enrichment, and behavioral observation.
Participate in a protected contact elephant management program following established safety protocols.
Monitor elephant behavior and welfare and report abnormalities to supervisors and veterinary staff.
Maintain clean and safe indoor and outdoor elephant facilities.
Support exercise, enrichment, and environmental management programs that promote natural behaviors and activity.

Behavioral Training

Participate in an operant conditioning program using positive reinforcement training.
Train elephants to voluntarily participate in husbandry and veterinary procedures.
Assist with development and implementation of individual training plans.
Maintain consistent communication with team members regarding training progress and behavioral changes.

Management

Assist in management of a multi-generational elephant herd, including monitoring social dynamics and compatibility.
Participate in elephant introductions and social management under the direction of supervisors.
Assist with breeding management and reproductive monitoring in coordination with veterinary staff.
Support calf rearing and maternal care management.
Participate in husbandry and training programs that support calf development and socialization.
Participate in preventative care practices including:
- Foot care
- Skin care
- Blood collection and trunk washes
- Behavioral medical training
- Maintain accurate daily records related to husbandry, enrichment, behavior, and training.

Team Collaboration

Work collaboratively with elephant team members, veterinary staff, and other animal care departments.
Assist in training and mentoring interns, volunteers, and seasonal staff.
Maintain strong team communication regarding daily operations and animal management.

Guest Engagement

Participate in keeper chats, tours, and other educational programs.
Represent the elephant program professionally when interacting with zoo guests.

Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; bend; climb or balance; lift, grasp; and negotiate stairs and ladders. In addition, the employee may be exposed to Zoonosis, chemicals, and outside weather conditions; Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance; must possess a valid driver’s license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle).

Position Details: This is a full-time (40 hours per week with benefits) Union keeper position, which is subject to the successful completion of a probationary and the deduction of union dues. This position requires weekend work with regular off-days TBD. This is a 4, 10 hr/day schedule.

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden offers a comprehensive benefits package including affordable medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off (vacation, holiday and sick leave); company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes.

To Apply: Cover letter & resume should be attached to your online application

Not familiar with Cincinnati? Check out the following:

Cincinnati Named One of the Best Cities in the Midwest for 2026
Cincinnati Region's Official Travel and Tourism Guide | Visit Cincy
Is Cincinnati a good place to live? Yes, and here’s why - University of Cincinnati: Founder of Co-op, Leader in Co-op | University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden jobs

Animal Keeper - Elephant Dept.

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