Careers and Internships

Elephant Caregiver

Position Summary

Provides daily care for elephants utilizing 'Protected Contact' elephant management and using only positive reinforcement.

Roles and Responsibilities

Elephant Care

• Prepares pre-established daily diets; feeds in accordance with animal care protocols and related safety guidelines.
  
• Observes, appropriately interprets and appropriately responds to elephant behaviors to optimize elephant husbandry and minimize environmental stressors for the elephants.
  
• Adheres to weekly schedules for both day care and night feedings.
  
• Observes/notes consumption; distinguishes/reports significant changes in consumption.
  
• Is proficient in or has the ability to develop proficiency in implementation of foot care.
  
• Assists Veterinary staff in assessments of animal health and implementation of preventative care and other medical care.
  
• Ability to interpret and reports signs of elephant health issues.
  
• Assists in preparation and deliveries of browse and other forms of environmental enrichment.
  
• Safely and efficiently works with the elephants, with the elephant’s behavioral responses in mind, to effectively shift or move elephants within their barn, into or out of their barn, or within habitats.
• Provides husbandry training to all elephants in order to learn new behaviors and maintain pre-existing behaviors to meet all facility and governing agency requirements. This includes health checks, blood collection, vaccinations, trunk wash, medication consumption, foot care, and implementation of other husbandry or veterinary procedures to ensure the health and well-being of the elephants.
• Implements behavior modification program utilizing Protected Contact elephant management using only positive reinforcement.
• Maintains daily logs and record keeping.

Facilities

• Consistently ensures/checks containment infrastructure (e.g. fence, gates) to ensure elephant containment. Monitors and ensures infrastructure in constant working order; reports breakage/failures in a timely manner to supervisor.
  
• Provides daily cleaning and upkeep of elephant facilities, including but not limited to barn service areas, elephant stalls, habitats, and any other related infrastructure, all in Protected Contact system of elephant management.
  
• Makes minor repairs to infrastructure; contacts Lead when nature of repair requires assistance.
• Understand and implement seasonal fixtures/protocols to the barn.

Maintenance / Supplies

• Assists in unloading hay deliveries.
  
• Monitors and maintains feeds and husbandry supplies. Orders/purchases supplies at best prices following existing ordering protocols.
  
• Performs basic maintenance on vehicles; ensures the safety of all vehicles at all times.

Safety

• Ensures that all tasks are performed in a safe manner around elephants: maintains safe distances from elephants or elephant barriers in accordance with existing safety guidelines; is constantly aware of own, elephant, and other Caregiver's posture and position when working in protected contact in close proximity to elephants; maintains a constant awareness of elephants and safety of other Caregivers in proximity.
• Observes established protocol in regards to all equipment, ATV’s and vehicles.
• Observes established protocol in regards to TB and other related safety precautions as necessary.
• Follows and understands any updates to safety protocols.
• Participates in elephant escape and other emergency practice protocols and in real emergencies, if required.

Administration/Other

• Participate in any training as required by supervisor or Sanctuary policies.
  
• Monitor EleCam location and provide appropriate text
  
• Make presentations to the local community at events as required
  
• Provide written updates for internal newsletter (EleBuzz) and other communications as needed
  
• Observes and adheres to all policies of the Sanctuary.
  

Success Factors and Expectations

Team Oriented – Develop strong working relationships with other Sanctuary employees, senior management and the board. Keep supervisor and the Director of Elephant Husbandry informed of issues, concerns and problems and be prepared with recommendations to resolve issues as they arise.

Good Communicator – Communicate respectfully and effectively with others. Keep management informed of both internal and/or external issues and concerns. Good communication skills both verbal and written.

Self-Motivated – Perform the job with minimal supervision and learn other general aspects of The Sanctuary. Strong work ethic and professional demeanor. Ability to recognize and understand issues and problems, then resolve them in a practical manner.

Dependable and Reliable – Come to work and be on time. Follow procedures and maintain accurate records related to all aspects of elephant care and all areas of responsibility.

Training – Identify and engage in ongoing training for self. Work with supervisor to address training needs and develop a training plan to ensure ongoing professional development.

Job Requirements and Prerequisites

• One year combined volunteer, intern, or paid experience working with exotic or native wildlife preferred; elephant experience preferred.
  
• One year preferred experience working in protected contact and positive reinforcement-based training systems.
  
• Bachelor's Degree in related field preferred.
  
• Valid Driver's License, insurable to drive company vehicles, and ability to provide own transportation to/from work.
  

Physical Demands

• Must be able to stand/work for 8 hours in all weather conditions.
  
• Must be able to lift 50lbs repeatedly during loading/unloading supplies.
  
• Must be able to drive, or learn to drive, large farm equipment.
• Must be able to use standard small tools (screwdriver, hammer, cutting saw, drills)
• Must be able to perform repetitive manual tasks, (cutting produce, pressure washing, raking).

Other

At-Will Employment: The State of Tennessee and The Sanctuary recognize all employment to be "at-will." This means that you, the employee, as well as The Sanctuary can terminate employment at any time, with or without advance notice and with or without cause.

Equality Employment Opportunity: It is our policy to treat you and all employees equally without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug-Free Workplace: The Sanctuary is a drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free workplace and prohibits all employees from using non-prescribed drugs, alcohol, or tobacco in any form while on duty.

Employees are subject to E-Verify to ensure they are eligible to work in the United States.

To Apply, please send your resume and cover letter to

Email: humanresources@elephants.com or
Fax: 931-796-7493
No telephone calls, please. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Elephant Caregiver

Position Summary

Provides daily care for elephants utilizing 'Protected Contact' elephant management and using only positive reinforcement.

Roles and Responsibilities

Elephant Care

• Prepares pre-established daily diets; feeds in accordance with animal care protocols and related safety guidelines.
  
• Observes, appropriately interprets and appropriately responds to elephant behaviors to optimize elephant husbandry and minimize environmental stressors for the elephants.
  
• Adheres to weekly schedules for both day care and night feedings.
  
• Observes/notes consumption; distinguishes/reports significant changes in consumption.
  
• Is proficient in or has the ability to develop proficiency in implementation of foot care.
  
• Assists Veterinary staff in assessments of animal health and implementation of preventative care and other medical care.
  
• Ability to interpret and reports signs of elephant health issues.
  
• Assists in preparation and deliveries of browse and other forms of environmental enrichment.
  
• Safely and efficiently works with the elephants, with the elephant’s behavioral responses in mind, to effectively shift or move elephants within their barn, into or out of their barn, or within habitats.
• Provides husbandry training to all elephants in order to learn new behaviors and maintain pre-existing behaviors to meet all facility and governing agency requirements. This includes health checks, blood collection, vaccinations, trunk wash, medication consumption, foot care, and implementation of other husbandry or veterinary procedures to ensure the health and well-being of the elephants.
• Implements behavior modification program utilizing Protected Contact elephant management using only positive reinforcement.
• Maintains daily logs and record keeping.

Facilities

• Consistently ensures/checks containment infrastructure (e.g. fence, gates) to ensure elephant containment. Monitors and ensures infrastructure in constant working order; reports breakage/failures in a timely manner to supervisor.
  
• Provides daily cleaning and upkeep of elephant facilities, including but not limited to barn service areas, elephant stalls, habitats, and any other related infrastructure, all in Protected Contact system of elephant management.
  
• Makes minor repairs to infrastructure; contacts Lead when nature of repair requires assistance.
• Understand and implement seasonal fixtures/protocols to the barn.

Maintenance / Supplies

• Assists in unloading hay deliveries.
  
• Monitors and maintains feeds and husbandry supplies. Orders/purchases supplies at best prices following existing ordering protocols.
  
• Performs basic maintenance on vehicles; ensures the safety of all vehicles at all times.

Safety

• Ensures that all tasks are performed in a safe manner around elephants: maintains safe distances from elephants or elephant barriers in accordance with existing safety guidelines; is constantly aware of own, elephant, and other Caregiver's posture and position when working in protected contact in close proximity to elephants; maintains a constant awareness of elephants and safety of other Caregivers in proximity.
• Observes established protocol in regards to all equipment, ATV’s and vehicles.
• Observes established protocol in regards to TB and other related safety precautions as necessary.
• Follows and understands any updates to safety protocols.
• Participates in elephant escape and other emergency practice protocols and in real emergencies, if required.

Administration/Other

• Participate in any training as required by supervisor or Sanctuary policies.
  
• Monitor EleCam location and provide appropriate text
  
• Make presentations to the local community at events as required
  
• Provide written updates for internal newsletter (EleBuzz) and other communications as needed
  
• Observes and adheres to all policies of the Sanctuary.
  

Success Factors and Expectations

Team Oriented – Develop strong working relationships with other Sanctuary employees, senior management and the board. Keep supervisor and the Director of Elephant Husbandry informed of issues, concerns and problems and be prepared with recommendations to resolve issues as they arise.

Good Communicator – Communicate respectfully and effectively with others. Keep management informed of both internal and/or external issues and concerns. Good communication skills both verbal and written.

Self-Motivated – Perform the job with minimal supervision and learn other general aspects of The Sanctuary. Strong work ethic and professional demeanor. Ability to recognize and understand issues and problems, then resolve them in a practical manner.

Dependable and Reliable – Come to work and be on time. Follow procedures and maintain accurate records related to all aspects of elephant care and all areas of responsibility.

Training – Identify and engage in ongoing training for self. Work with supervisor to address training needs and develop a training plan to ensure ongoing professional development.

Job Requirements and Prerequisites

• One year combined volunteer, intern, or paid experience working with exotic or native wildlife preferred; elephant experience preferred.
  
• One year preferred experience working in protected contact and positive reinforcement-based training systems.
  
• Bachelor's Degree in related field preferred.
  
• Valid Driver's License, insurable to drive company vehicles, and ability to provide own transportation to/from work.
  

Physical Demands

• Must be able to stand/work for 8 hours in all weather conditions.
  
• Must be able to lift 50lbs repeatedly during loading/unloading supplies.
  
• Must be able to drive, or learn to drive, large farm equipment.
• Must be able to use standard small tools (screwdriver, hammer, cutting saw, drills)
• Must be able to perform repetitive manual tasks, (cutting produce, pressure washing, raking).

Other

At-Will Employment: The State of Tennessee and The Sanctuary recognize all employment to be "at-will." This means that you, the employee, as well as The Sanctuary can terminate employment at any time, with or without advance notice and with or without cause.

Equality Employment Opportunity: It is our policy to treat you and all employees equally without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug-Free Workplace: The Sanctuary is a drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free workplace and prohibits all employees from using non-prescribed drugs, alcohol, or tobacco in any form while on duty.

Employees are subject to E-Verify to ensure they are eligible to work in the United States.

To Apply, please send your resume and cover letter to

Email: humanresources@elephants.com or
Fax: 931-796-7493
No telephone calls, please. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Intern - Paid Position

Position Summary:

12-week Internship Program (August 30, 2021 - November 19, 2021) focused on providing experiential learning opportunities to individuals seeking to understand, develop and establish careers in the fields of elephant care and conservation. Interns work closely with Caregivers as well as Education, Development, and Communications staff for a multi-departmental learning experience. This internship provides an individual with the opportunity to gain work experience at an elephant sanctuary accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

On-Site housing available.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Assist elephant care staff in day-to-day activities
• Record keeping and welfare assessment skills
• Public presentation opportunities
• Assist with enrichment, literature research and/or other specific projects
• Assist with animal training projects
• Follow all safety instructions and procedures
• Gain valuable skills working in a dynamic team environment
• Any other duties and/or assignments as needed

Please note this is not meant to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The requirements of the internship are subject to change as deemed necessary by The Sanctuary.

Success Factors and Expectations

Team Oriented – Develop positive working relationships with other Sanctuary employees, senior management and the board. Provide recommendations to resolve issues as they arise. Interact professionally with staff, board members and volunteers.

Good Communicator – Communicate respectfully and effectively with others. Keep Intern Mentor and supervisor informed of both internal and/or external issues and concerns. Good communication skills both verbal and written.

Self-Motivated – Strong work ethic and professional demeanor.

Dependable and Reliable – Come to work and be on time. Follow procedures and maintain accurate records related to all aspects of elephant care and all areas of responsibility.

Training – Work with Intern Mentor and supervisor to address training needs and develop a training plan to ensure ongoing professional development.

Job Requirements and Prerequisites

• At least 18 years of age
• GPA of 2.20 or higher
• Completed at least two years of secondary education; this program is designed for students and recent graduates pursuing a career in large exotic mammal husbandry and/or wildlife conservation
• Willing to commit to a 12-week term (5 days/week, 40 hours per week)
• Proof of current tetanus vaccination, TB test and signed physician form to approve mask-fit testing is required.
  All tests/vaccinations are at the applicant’s expense.
• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination

Physical Demands

• Must be able to stand/work outdoors for 8 hours in ALL weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs repeatedly.
• Must be able to perform repetitive manual tasks, (cutting produce, pressure washing, raking).

Other

At-Will Employment: The State of Tennessee and The Sanctuary recognize all employment to be "at-will." This means that you, the employee, as well as The Sanctuary can terminate employment at any time, with or without advance notice and with or without cause.

Equality Employment Opportunity: It is our policy to treat you and all employees equally without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Free Workplace: The Sanctuary is a drug, alcohol, and tobacco free workplace and prohibits all employees from using non-prescribed drugs, alcohol, or tobacco in any form while on duty.

Employees are subject to E-Verify to ensure they are eligible to work in the United States.

To Apply, please send your resume and cover letter to

Email: humanresources@elephants.com or Fax: 931-796-7493
No telephone calls, please. All applications will be held in strict confidence.