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Elephant Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

houstonzoo

Zookeeper II Elephant

Houston, TX

Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas. * Improves the quality of life of the animal collection by providing environmental and behavioral enrichment opportunities.

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper II Elephant

Houston, TX · On-site

Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas. * Improves the quality of life of the animal collection by providing environmental and behavioral enrichment opportunities.

NIR Retail LLC

Retail Maintenance Engineer

Nantucket, MA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

... grounds keeping and preventative maintenance work * Maintain timelines and work schedule in ... White Elephant Resorts is a premier employer with spectacular benefits and compensation, including ...

NIR Retail LLC

Retail Maintenance Engineer

Nantucket, MA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

... grounds keeping and preventative maintenance work * Maintain timelines and work schedule in ... White Elephant Resorts is a premier employer with spectacular benefits and compensation, including ...

Lola 41 Restaurant Aspen LLC

Sushi Cook

Aspen, CO · On-site

$27/hr

... Elephant Hotel, Aspen, Colorado About the Role: The Sushi Cook is responsible for preparing menu items as requested by customers, stocking and maintaining sushi prep station, and keeping a clean ...

Howard Brown Health

Mover / Driver

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.61/hr

Ensure Brown Elephant customer service standards are consistently applied by all staff assisting ... Excellent customer service, prioritizing, detailed record keeping, and strong interpersonal ...

Howard Brown

Mover / Driver

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.61/hr

Ensure Brown Elephant customer service standards are consistently applied by all staff assisting ... Excellent customer service, prioritizing, detailed record keeping, and strong interpersonal ...

Howard Brown Health

Mover / Driver

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.61/hr

Ensure Brown Elephant customer service standards are consistently applied by all staff assisting ... Excellent customer service, prioritizing, detailed record keeping, and strong interpersonal ...

Lola 41 Restaurant Aspen LLC

Host/Hostess

Aspen, CO · On-site

$25/hr

Host/Hostess - LoLa 41 White Elephant Hotel, Aspen, Colorado LoLa 41 is a vibrant and globally ... while keeping the dining room running smoothly. You take pride in attention to detail and enjoy ...

Love Management

Bar Back

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$8/hr

... White Elephant Saloon (Fort Worth), Woodshed Smokehouse (Fort Worth), and Atico (Fort Worth). Job ... Your responsibilities include keeping the bar stocked with supplies, such as ice, glassware, and ...

Love Management

Porter

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

... White Elephant Saloon (Fort Worth), Woodshed Smokehouse (Fort Worth), and Atico (Fort Worth). Job ... keeping the kitchen and dining room areas clean, and ensuring adherence to proper sanitation ...

Lola 41 Restaurant Aspen LLC

Back Server

Aspen, CO · On-site

Back Server/Food Runner - LoLa 41 White Elephant Hotel, Aspen, Colorado Start Date: ASAP! LoLa 41 ... You take pride in helping the team shine and keeping the guest experience smooth and enjoyable. You ...

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Elephant Keeper information

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$12

$24

$35

How much do elephant keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for elephant keeper in the United States is $24.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Elephant Keeper position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Elephant Keeper, you need a solid background in animal husbandry, biology, or zoology, often supported by experience working with large mammals and relevant vocational training. Familiarity with specialized equipment such as restraints, feeding mechanisms, and enrichment tools is typically required, and certifications in animal care or safety protocols are highly valued. Strong observational skills, patience, clear communication, and teamwork set top candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure the health, welfare, and safety of both the elephants and the keeper, while supporting effective collaboration within a zoo or wildlife facility.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can pay around $2000 a day often include specialized roles such as senior corporate executives, certain medical specialists, or highly experienced consultants. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve high levels of responsibility or expertise. For example, some top-tier surgeons, legal partners, or executive consultants may reach this level of daily compensation.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Elephant keepers typically do not earn $10,000 a month without specialized experience or certifications; most entry-level animal care roles pay less. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree include sales, real estate, or skilled trades like plumbing or electrical work, which rely on experience, skills, and certifications rather than formal education. These roles often require strong interpersonal skills, training, or apprenticeships to achieve higher income levels.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

Jobs that pay $400 an hour are typically highly specialized and include roles such as experienced surgeons, top-tier legal consultants, executive-level financial advisors, and certain high-profile consultants. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and professional certifications, and they may involve irregular or demanding schedules.

What are some typical challenges Elephant Keepers face in their day-to-day work?

Elephant Keepers often face the challenge of managing the care and enrichment needs of large, intelligent animals that require both physical and mental stimulation. This can include safely carrying out daily routines like feeding, cleaning, health checks, and delivering environmental enrichment while maintaining a strong awareness of animal behavior and safety protocols. The role is physically demanding and can sometimes involve work during weekends, holidays, or in varied weather conditions. Teamwork, adaptability, and keen observational skills are essential to address unexpected situations and to ensure the well-being of the elephants in their care.

Do zoo keepers get paid well?

Zoo keepers, including those who care for elephants, typically earn a moderate salary that varies by location, experience, and employer. Entry-level positions may pay around minimum wage, while experienced keepers with specialized skills can earn higher wages, often supplemented by benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What does an Elephant Keeper do?

An Elephant Keeper is responsible for the daily care, feeding, and overall well-being of elephants in zoos or wildlife sanctuaries. They clean enclosures, prepare diets, monitor health, and provide enrichment activities to ensure the elephants' physical and mental stimulation. Keepers also assist with veterinary care and engage in public education about elephant conservation. The job requires physical stamina, patience, and a deep understanding of elephant behavior.

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What cities are hiring for Elephant Keeper jobs? Cities with the most Elephant Keeper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Elephant Keeper jobs? The most popular types of Elephant Keeper jobs are:
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Elephant Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Elephant Keeper job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 8% Temporary, 15% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,573 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Zookeeper II Elephant

houstonzoo

Houston, TX

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

A successful candidate for this position is motivated, energetic, and a team-oriented individual with good problem solving written/oral communication, and organizational/interpersonal skills. This candidate will have solid knowledge in operant conditioning, implementation of animal training and enrichment programs, as well as being comfortable with public speaking.

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

  • Observes and evaluates animal condition, behavior and responses and communicates observations orally and on written reports.
  • Prepares and feeds appropriate diets, noting conformance of foods provided to diets prescribed for each animal.
  • Administers prescribed medications and dietary supplements and monitor food and medicine consumption.
  • Checks on integrity of enclosures and structures, ensuring safety and welfare of animals, Zoo visitors, and staff in accordance with established guidelines.
  • Maintains live plants within enclosures ensuring neat, attractive exhibits.
  • Performs minor repairs and preventative maintenance as necessary.
  • Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.
  • Improves the quality of life of the animal collection by providing environmental and behavioral enrichment opportunities.
  • Trains selected animals through operant conditioning for purposes of gaining cooperation for veterinary treatment and/or public demonstrations.
  • Installs exhibit furnishings, props, and decorations safely, attractively and in a manner consistent with Zoo guidelines.

Education and Experience

  • One year of experience in animal care in a zoo setting or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian is required, which may be gained through internships, volunteer experience, or employment.
  • Extensive domestic animal experience may qualify for substitution for exotic animal management experience.
  • Specific training and work experience in other settings, such as aquaculture, schools, nature centers, agricultural operations, or conservation centers may be considered on a case-by-case basis as fulfillment for the experience requirements.

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 

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