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Elephant Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elephant Racing LLC

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Fabrication Assembly Technician

Fremont, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Elephant Racing is the established global leader in design and manufacture of performance ... Training is available for candidates with basic skills The successful candidate for the Fabrication ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Elephant Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

... training of assigned animals; guide animals through daily routines according to established ... elephant zoo keeping experience preferred • Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle ...

Elephant Racing LLC

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Fabrication Assembly Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Elephant Racing is the established global leader in design and manufacture of performance ... Training is available for candidates with basic skills The successful candidate for the Fabrication ...

fwzoo

Elephant Keeper

Fort Worth, TX

... training of assigned animals; guide animals through daily routines according to established ... elephant zoo keeping experience preferred • Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle ...

MASHITA 2 LLC

Back Of House Employee

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$13 - $18/hr

Training & development Now Hiring - Back of House Team Elephant Head Restaurant | Downtown Harrisonburg Elephant Head is a new chef-owned restaurant opening in downtown Harrisonburg, and we're hiring ...

MASHITA 2 LLC

Server/Bartender

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$15 - $30/hr

ELEPHANT HEAD RESTAURANT & BAR SERVER / BARTENDER Harrisonburg, VA Elephant Head is a brand new ... Comprehensive training * Growth opportunities within the company * Opportunity to be part of ...

MASHITA 2 LLC

Server/Bartender

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$15 - $30/hr

Opportunity for advancement ELEPHANT HEAD RESTAURANT & BAR SERVER / BARTENDER Harrisonburg, VA ... Comprehensive training * Growth opportunities within the company * Opportunity to be part of ...

MASHITA 2 LLC

Server/Bartender

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$15 - $30/hr

ELEPHANT HEAD RESTAURANT & BAR SERVER / BARTENDER Harrisonburg, VA Elephant Head is a brand new ... Comprehensive training * Growth opportunities within the company * Opportunity to be part of ...

ADP - RNOOID0029460133

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Professional Dog Trainer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$2.4K - $3.0K/mo

Our owner is a previous elephant and rhino trainer, holds CPDT-KA and FDM certifications, and brings over 13 years of advanced training skills and knowledge to her clients and employees. With ...

ADP - RNOOID0029460133

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Professional Dog Trainer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$2.4K - $3.0K/mo

Our owner is a previous elephant and rhino trainer, holds CPDT-KA and FDM certifications, and brings over 13 years of advanced training skills and knowledge to her clients and employees. With ...

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Elephant Trainer information

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$11

$27

$48

How much do elephant trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for elephant trainer in the United States is $27.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an elephant trainer?

An Elephant Trainer is responsible for the care, training, and well-being of elephants in zoos, sanctuaries, or entertainment settings. They build trust with the animals using positive reinforcement techniques, provide daily care such as feeding and bathing, and monitor their health. Trainers also educate the public about elephant behavior and conservation efforts. The role requires patience, physical stamina, and a deep understanding of elephant behavior to ensure their welfare and safety.

What are the day-to-day responsibilities of an elephant trainer?

As an Elephant Trainer, your daily tasks typically include feeding and grooming elephants, conducting behavioral training sessions, and monitoring their health and well-being. You'll also help clean and maintain enclosures, assist with basic veterinary care, and record observations about each animal's behavior. Collaboration with other trainers, zookeepers, and veterinarians is frequent, ensuring a holistic approach to the animals’ care. The work often involves strict adherence to safety protocols and may require flexibility to handle emergencies or special events.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an elephant trainer?

To thrive as an Elephant Trainer, you need extensive animal handling experience, a solid understanding of elephant behavior, and often a background in zoology or animal science. Familiarity with positive reinforcement training methods, safety protocols, and sometimes certification in animal care or related fields is important. Patience, physical stamina, strong observation skills, and excellent teamwork make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and effective management of elephants, as well as successful collaboration with veterinary staff and other caretakers.

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What states have the most Elephant Trainer jobs?

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Elephant Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Elephant Trainer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,233 per year, or $27 per hour.

Elephant Internship (2026)

Powell, OH • On-site

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks
See more jobs at Columbus Zoo Family of Parksexternal

Full-time, Internship

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

This internship offers an opportunity to learn about the general husbandry and care of animals within the Elephant area. Interns will actively assist with daily operations and gain exposure to professional zoo practices. 


Interns will work alongside full-time keeper staff and may assist with:

  • Preparing animal diets
  • Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and exhibits
  • Observing animal behavior and documenting findings
  • Learning basic training concepts through observation
  • Maintaining area grounds and buildings
  • Adhering to all safety guidelines and protocols
  • Interacting with guests and supporting educational programs
  • Performing other duties as assigned

Interns will also complete structured learning components, including quizzes, projects, and a final reflection paper.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the internship, participants will:

  • Understand the fundamentals of elephant husbandry and zoo operations
  • Gain experience in daily care routines for large mammals
  • Learn about animal behavior observation and documentation techniques
  • Develop knowledge of safety protocols and professional standards in animal care
  • Enhance communication and teamwork skills in a zoological setting

Benefits of This Internship

  • Hands-on experience in a professional zoo environment
  • Exposure to career paths in animal care, conservation, and wildlife management
  • Networking opportunities with experienced animal care professionals
  • Development of practical skills that support future employment or advanced studies

  • Second-year college student or recent graduate (within 2 years) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or related field
  • 3.0 GPA or higher preferred
  • TB test required
  • Prior animal care experience preferred
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments
  • Professional appearance and courteous behavior
  • Flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays (e.g., July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day)
  • Subject to BMV and criminal background checks

Physical & Environmental Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Comfortable working outdoors in varied weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow)
  • Ability to walk, bend, and stand for extended periods
 

 Hours:  Minimum of 20 hours a week for 12 to 16 weeks

The RISE Scholarship, generously funded by Battelle, is now open! Eligible interns can apply for a $5,000 scholarship supporting handson, missiondriven internship experiences across the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds—applications are open May 1– June 30, 2026.
To Apply to the RISE Scholarship, please visit: https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships

Apply