Careers and Internships

Elephant Caregiver

Providing home, herd, and whole life care for elephants

The intent of the Elephant Care Program is to provide exceptional whole life care for The Sanctuary’s resident elephants. We strive to expand and improve opportunities for elephants to thrive and to support elephants as they age relevant to Sanctuary resources and infrastructure.

The Elephant Caregiver is a member of the elephant husbandry team providing quality daily care, social and herd opportunity, nutrition, and treatments using Protected Contact and Positive Reinforcement for aging African and Asian elephants housed at The Sanctuary. Caregivers play an important role in maintaining the elephant barns and habitats to provide safe and secure housing.

Position Objectives

• Actively participate with The Sanctuary team supporting all aspects of daily and year-round elephant and facility care.
• Ensure best possible wellness practices to meet the changing health and social needs of elephants as they age. Prepare for and manage end of life palliative care and ensure quality of life.
• Manage seasonal elephant care requirements to the best of our ability.
• Employ “Protected Contact” best practice elephant management through Positive Reinforcement.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Elephant Care

• Safely and efficiently work directly with elephants to effectively provide daily care in barns and habitats.
• Prepare and provide daily diets and medications in accordance with animal care protocols and related safety guidelines.
• Observe and interpret elephant behavior and diet consumption, report significant changes. Adapt with seasonal changes and elephant health status.
• Develop proficiency in implementation of treatment(s), foot care, and preventative care in collaboration with the Veterinary team.
• Promote elephant autonomy, social opportunity, and herd building dynamics.
• Assist in the procurement, preparation and delivery of browse, and other forms of enrichment.
• Provide husbandry training support for elephants to maintain and teach behaviors required to meet elephant program objectives.
• Prepare for and manage geriatric and end of life elephant care circumstances.

Facilities & Supplies

• Monitor, inspect and maintain elephant and safety infrastructure (e.g., barns, fence, gates) and report breakage/failures in a timely manner to supervisor.
• Provide daily cleaning and upkeep of elephant facilities, including barns, service areas, habitats, and other related infrastructure.
• Implement seasonal procedural changes for barn and habitat management, as directed.
• Ensure work areas, access, parking, and offices are cleaned and maintained daily in a safe, neat, and orderly fashion.
• Assist in unloading and storage of feed and hay deliveries.
• Monitor and maintain feed and husbandry supplies. Order supplies as needed and requested.
• Perform daily basic maintenance safety checks on vehicles and equipment; report as requested.

Safety

• Understand and participate with all assigned safety training protocols for The Sanctuary and department.
• Safely operate ATVs, vehicles and equipment on roads, trails and in habitats, per established protocols.
• Perform elephant care tasks in accordance with existing safety guidelines; maintain constant awareness of elephants and co-worker proximity.
• Participate in elephant escape, elephant down, and other emergency training protocols as requested.

Administrative / Other

• Maintain daily animal care and observation logs and record keeping.
• Adhere to weekly schedules for both daily animal care and night feedings, as weather requires.
• Actively participate in barn meetings to ensure daily goals are understood and met.
• Monitor Ele-cam location and provide appropriate reporting.
• Represent The Elephant Sanctuary in internal and local community and public events as required.
• Provide written updates for internal newsletter (Ele-buzz) and other communications as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

SUCCESS FACTORS AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Team Oriented – Develop cooperative working relationships with other Sanctuary employees, departments, senior management.
• Good Communicator – Communicate respectfully and effectively with others. Good verbal and written communication skills. Report internal and/or external issues and concerns to supervisor.
• Self-Motivated – Perform the job responsibilities with minimal supervision, takes initiative without direction. 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 professional development. Develop self-training plan with supervisor and play a support role to help train co-workers.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES:

• Three years combined volunteer, intern or paid experience working with exotic or native wildlife. Elephant experience preferred. Significant domestic large animal experience will be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. A combination of experience and education is acceptable.
• Require animal training experience working in protected contact and positive reinforcement systems.
• Valid Driver’s License, insurable to drive company vehicles, and ability to provide own transportation to/from work.
• Require equipment & tool operating experience including mowers, weed-eaters, chainsaws, and power tools. Heavy equipment operation a plus (skid steer loaders, farm tractors).
• Require vehicle operating experience including 4-wheel drive trucks, ATVs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to stand/work for 8 hours in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50lbs repeatedly during loading/unloading supplies.
• Walk in various terrain-uneven, sloped, rocky, etc.
• Pushing, pulling, reaching overhead, reaching at or below shoulder level, keyboarding, seizing, holding, grasping, turning, touching, pinching, picking, stooping, crouching, kneeling, climbing
• Use of one or both feet to move controls on machinery or equipment
• Driving (tractor, mower, ATV, etc.)
• Speaking- convey detailed spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly (ex. communicate on the radio while on an ATV, shout to co-workers when not in visual contact, speak quickly and accurately)
• Hearing- Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds to include the ability to hear and respond quickly to radio calls, communicate while riding an ATV, understand commands from co-workers)
• Visual- ability to see 20 feet or more and to recognize features; peripheral
• Must be able to perform repetitive manual tasks, (cutting produce, pressure washing, raking).
• Ability to react quickly due to movements of elephants

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to humanresources@elephants.com

No telephone calls, please. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Outreach Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Outreach Coordinator (OC) will be working alongside The Elephant Sanctuary’s Education team with the primary responsibility for coordination and implementation of The Sanctuary’s successful volunteer programs as well as coordinating and managing outreach events in the Middle TN community and beyond. Outreach Coordinator is tasked with managing, coordinating, and expanding existing programs (EleAmbassadors and On-Site Volunteer Program), working with Development and Communications teams expanding our existing Group Volunteer program and developing and delivering additional outreach programs as well as collecting data evaluating the program for improvement.

In addition to volunteer program responsibilities, the OC will work in collaboration with the Education Team supporting day-to-day operation for The Elephant Discovery Center. Responsibilities include greeting and informing visitors, as well as planning and delivering Sanctuary education programming through a variety of outlets to the widest possible audience.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Outreach Programs

• Oversee, develop, and guide the Ele Ambassador program, recruitment and continued training of outreach volunteers across the country.
• Oversee and coordinate on-site Sanctuary Volunteer Program e.g. coordinates volunteer dates and participates, reviews, develops, and distributes volunteer orientation packages prior to volunteer arrival, train staff as volunteer day leaders, organize volunteer assignments, coordinate day-of projects and communications with other departments as needed.
• Manage communications with volunteers and develop and distribute volunteer orientation packages prior and during volunteer day.
• In collaboration with Education Manager, develop and maintain Discovery Center Volunteer program, recruitment, training, and retainment of education focused volunteers in EDC museum.
• Work with the Development team to oversee, create relationships with and expand Group Volunteer programs including alternative spring break programs, corporate volunteer programs, etc.
• Assist with the preparation and management of the Outreach annual expense budget with the Education Manager
• Collaborates with Donor Services and Development teams to ensure cultivation and retention of volunteer and corporate partnerships.
• Ongoing evaluation of efficacy of volunteer programs
• Coordinate, plan, and present outreach events in community and Middle TN regions; train team members and volunteers on outreach events for additional support
• Other duties as assigned

Education Discovery Center Support

• Support Education Team with delivery of education programs to individuals and groups, as needed.
• Participate in planning, organizing, and implementing special educational/ outreach events as needed.
• Assist in daily Discovery Center operation
• Interacting with the public—offering education, information, and assistance.
• Engage with guests in a helpful patient manner, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere.
• Open museum and secure space at end of day, as needed.
• Handle merchandise sales as needed.
• Live camera monitoring and labeling
• Adaptability to latest forms of technology when implementing programming
• Other duties as assigned

Program/Organizational Support

• Deliver education and volunteer-based onboarding to new staff as assigned
• Host guests and give Elephant Sanctuary and Discovery Center tours as needed
• Represent The Elephant Sanctuary within the community.
• Maintain accurate records
• Maintain an attitude of flexibility and readiness in a team environment.
• Able to adapt to changing technology on a normal basis.
• Keeping EDC, office, and area clean and organized.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUCCESS FACTORS AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Relationship-Building – Develop positive working relationships with internal (other Sanctuary employees, senior management and the board) and external (community, volunteers) constituents. Provide recommendations to resolve issues as they arise. Interact professionally with staff, board members and volunteers.
• Excellent Communicator – Communicate respectfully and effectively with others. Keep management informed of both internal and/or external issues and concerns. Practice good communication skills both verbal and written.
• Self-Motivated – Perform the job with minimal supervision and learn all aspects of The Sanctuary as related to the position.
• Dependable and Reliable – Come to work and be on time.
• Organized – Able to multi-task, shift priorities, and manage multiple projects
• Tech Savvy-Utilizes various platforms to effectively recruit and communicate with volunteers and the community.

JOB PREREQUISITES:

• Minimum 2-3-year prior work experience in volunteer programs, museum or equivalent setting is required; experience building volunteer programs is preferred
• Bachelor's degree in education, non-profit management, wildlife management or similar is preferred
• Public speaking, comfortable with virtual technology, and public relations skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Adaptability to latest forms of technology
• Relates to people of all backgrounds and age groups
• Working knowledge of Microsoft computer programs to include Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Experience with a non-profit is a plus
• Must be on-site 5 days a week in Hohenwald, includes weekends
• Ability to count money/change accurately for gift store purchases
• Bilingual-Spanish is ideal

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting; standing; stooping, bending
• Continuous work on a computer
• Ability to work outside in different weather conditions
• Walking on all types of terrain including uneven and sloping
• Driving in different terrains
• Speaking to groups in person and remotely
• Hearing in person and remotely for online teaching
• Near and far vision
• Must be able to sit / stand for 8 hours. 
• Lifting or carrying up to 50lbs
• Gross manipulation
• Reaching overhead, as well as at or above shoulder level.

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to humanresources@elephants.com

No telephone calls, please. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Elephant Caregiver

Providing home, herd, and whole life care for elephants

The intent of the Elephant Care Program is to provide exceptional whole life care for The Sanctuary’s resident elephants. We strive to expand and improve opportunities for elephants to thrive and to support elephants as they age relevant to Sanctuary resources and infrastructure.

The Elephant Caregiver is a member of the elephant husbandry team providing quality daily care, social and herd opportunity, nutrition, and treatments using Protected Contact and Positive Reinforcement for aging African and Asian elephants housed at The Sanctuary. Caregivers play an important role in maintaining the elephant barns and habitats to provide safe and secure housing.

Position Objectives

• Actively participate with The Sanctuary team supporting all aspects of daily and year-round elephant and facility care.
• Ensure best possible wellness practices to meet the changing health and social needs of elephants as they age. Prepare for and manage end of life palliative care and ensure quality of life.
• Manage seasonal elephant care requirements to the best of our ability.
• Employ “Protected Contact” best practice elephant management through Positive Reinforcement.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Elephant Care

• Safely and efficiently work directly with elephants to effectively provide daily care in barns and habitats.
• Prepare and provide daily diets and medications in accordance with animal care protocols and related safety guidelines.
• Observe and interpret elephant behavior and diet consumption, report significant changes. Adapt with seasonal changes and elephant health status.
• Develop proficiency in implementation of treatment(s), foot care, and preventative care in collaboration with the Veterinary team.
• Promote elephant autonomy, social opportunity, and herd building dynamics.
• Assist in the procurement, preparation and delivery of browse, and other forms of enrichment.
• Provide husbandry training support for elephants to maintain and teach behaviors required to meet elephant program objectives.
• Prepare for and manage geriatric and end of life elephant care circumstances.

Facilities & Supplies

• Monitor, inspect and maintain elephant and safety infrastructure (e.g., barns, fence, gates) and report breakage/failures in a timely manner to supervisor.
• Provide daily cleaning and upkeep of elephant facilities, including barns, service areas, habitats, and other related infrastructure.
• Implement seasonal procedural changes for barn and habitat management, as directed.
• Ensure work areas, access, parking, and offices are cleaned and maintained daily in a safe, neat, and orderly fashion.
• Assist in unloading and storage of feed and hay deliveries.
• Monitor and maintain feed and husbandry supplies. Order supplies as needed and requested.
• Perform daily basic maintenance safety checks on vehicles and equipment; report as requested.

Safety

• Understand and participate with all assigned safety training protocols for The Sanctuary and department.
• Safely operate ATVs, vehicles and equipment on roads, trails and in habitats, per established protocols.
• Perform elephant care tasks in accordance with existing safety guidelines; maintain constant awareness of elephants and co-worker proximity.
• Participate in elephant escape, elephant down, and other emergency training protocols as requested.

Administrative / Other

• Maintain daily animal care and observation logs and record keeping.
• Adhere to weekly schedules for both daily animal care and night feedings, as weather requires.
• Actively participate in barn meetings to ensure daily goals are understood and met.
• Monitor Ele-cam location and provide appropriate reporting.
• Represent The Elephant Sanctuary in internal and local community and public events as required.
• Provide written updates for internal newsletter (Ele-buzz) and other communications as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

SUCCESS FACTORS AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Team Oriented – Develop cooperative working relationships with other Sanctuary employees, departments, senior management.
• Good Communicator – Communicate respectfully and effectively with others. Good verbal and written communication skills. Report internal and/or external issues and concerns to supervisor.
• Self-Motivated – Perform the job responsibilities with minimal supervision, takes initiative without direction. 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 professional development. Develop self-training plan with supervisor and play a support role to help train co-workers.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES:

• Three years combined volunteer, intern or paid experience working with exotic or native wildlife. Elephant experience preferred. Significant domestic large animal experience will be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. A combination of experience and education is acceptable.
• Require animal training experience working in protected contact and positive reinforcement systems.
• Valid Driver’s License, insurable to drive company vehicles, and ability to provide own transportation to/from work.
• Require equipment & tool operating experience including mowers, weed-eaters, chainsaws, and power tools. Heavy equipment operation a plus (skid steer loaders, farm tractors).
• Require vehicle operating experience including 4-wheel drive trucks, ATVs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to stand/work for 8 hours in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50lbs repeatedly during loading/unloading supplies.
• Walk in various terrain-uneven, sloped, rocky, etc.
• Pushing, pulling, reaching overhead, reaching at or below shoulder level, keyboarding, seizing, holding, grasping, turning, touching, pinching, picking, stooping, crouching, kneeling, climbing
• Use of one or both feet to move controls on machinery or equipment
• Driving (tractor, mower, ATV, etc.)
• Speaking- convey detailed spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly (ex. communicate on the radio while on an ATV, shout to co-workers when not in visual contact, speak quickly and accurately)
• Hearing- Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds to include the ability to hear and respond quickly to radio calls, communicate while riding an ATV, understand commands from co-workers)
• Visual- ability to see 20 feet or more and to recognize features; peripheral
• Must be able to perform repetitive manual tasks, (cutting produce, pressure washing, raking).
• Ability to react quickly due to movements of elephants

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to humanresources@elephants.com

No telephone calls, please. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Outreach Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Outreach Coordinator (OC) will be working alongside The Elephant Sanctuary’s Education team with the primary responsibility for coordination and implementation of The Sanctuary’s successful volunteer programs as well as coordinating and managing outreach events in the Middle TN community and beyond. Outreach Coordinator is tasked with managing, coordinating, and expanding existing programs (EleAmbassadors and On-Site Volunteer Program), working with Development and Communications teams expanding our existing Group Volunteer program and developing and delivering additional outreach programs as well as collecting data evaluating the program for improvement.

In addition to volunteer program responsibilities, the OC will work in collaboration with the Education Team supporting day-to-day operation for The Elephant Discovery Center. Responsibilities include greeting and informing visitors, as well as planning and delivering Sanctuary education programming through a variety of outlets to the widest possible audience.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Outreach Programs

• Oversee, develop, and guide the Ele Ambassador program, recruitment and continued training of outreach volunteers across the country.
• Oversee and coordinate on-site Sanctuary Volunteer Program e.g. coordinates volunteer dates and participates, reviews, develops, and distributes volunteer orientation packages prior to volunteer arrival, train staff as volunteer day leaders, organize volunteer assignments, coordinate day-of projects and communications with other departments as needed.
• Manage communications with volunteers and develop and distribute volunteer orientation packages prior and during volunteer day.
• In collaboration with Education Manager, develop and maintain Discovery Center Volunteer program, recruitment, training, and retainment of education focused volunteers in EDC museum.
• Work with the Development team to oversee, create relationships with and expand Group Volunteer programs including alternative spring break programs, corporate volunteer programs, etc.
• Assist with the preparation and management of the Outreach annual expense budget with the Education Manager
• Collaborates with Donor Services and Development teams to ensure cultivation and retention of volunteer and corporate partnerships.
• Ongoing evaluation of efficacy of volunteer programs
• Coordinate, plan, and present outreach events in community and Middle TN regions; train team members and volunteers on outreach events for additional support
• Other duties as assigned

Education Discovery Center Support

• Support Education Team with delivery of education programs to individuals and groups, as needed.
• Participate in planning, organizing, and implementing special educational/ outreach events as needed.
• Assist in daily Discovery Center operation
• Interacting with the public—offering education, information, and assistance.
• Engage with guests in a helpful patient manner, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere.
• Open museum and secure space at end of day, as needed.
• Handle merchandise sales as needed.
• Live camera monitoring and labeling
• Adaptability to latest forms of technology when implementing programming
• Other duties as assigned

Program/Organizational Support

• Deliver education and volunteer-based onboarding to new staff as assigned
• Host guests and give Elephant Sanctuary and Discovery Center tours as needed
• Represent The Elephant Sanctuary within the community.
• Maintain accurate records
• Maintain an attitude of flexibility and readiness in a team environment.
• Able to adapt to changing technology on a normal basis.
• Keeping EDC, office, and area clean and organized.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUCCESS FACTORS AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Relationship-Building – Develop positive working relationships with internal (other Sanctuary employees, senior management and the board) and external (community, volunteers) constituents. Provide recommendations to resolve issues as they arise. Interact professionally with staff, board members and volunteers.
• Excellent Communicator – Communicate respectfully and effectively with others. Keep management informed of both internal and/or external issues and concerns. Practice good communication skills both verbal and written.
• Self-Motivated – Perform the job with minimal supervision and learn all aspects of The Sanctuary as related to the position.
• Dependable and Reliable – Come to work and be on time.
• Organized – Able to multi-task, shift priorities, and manage multiple projects
• Tech Savvy-Utilizes various platforms to effectively recruit and communicate with volunteers and the community.

JOB PREREQUISITES:

• Minimum 2-3-year prior work experience in volunteer programs, museum or equivalent setting is required; experience building volunteer programs is preferred
• Bachelor's degree in education, non-profit management, wildlife management or similar is preferred
• Public speaking, comfortable with virtual technology, and public relations skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Adaptability to latest forms of technology
• Relates to people of all backgrounds and age groups
• Working knowledge of Microsoft computer programs to include Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Experience with a non-profit is a plus
• Must be on-site 5 days a week in Hohenwald, includes weekends
• Ability to count money/change accurately for gift store purchases
• Bilingual-Spanish is ideal

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting; standing; stooping, bending
• Continuous work on a computer
• Ability to work outside in different weather conditions
• Walking on all types of terrain including uneven and sloping
• Driving in different terrains
• Speaking to groups in person and remotely
• Hearing in person and remotely for online teaching
• Near and far vision
• Must be able to sit / stand for 8 hours. 
• Lifting or carrying up to 50lbs
• Gross manipulation
• Reaching overhead, as well as at or above shoulder level.

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to humanresources@elephants.com

No telephone calls, please. All applications will be held in strict confidence.