Elephant Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title:  Elephant Intern

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification: Seasonal

Hours: Up to 24 hours per week for 12 weeks

Pay Rate: $15.00/hour

This is a seasonal position with a maximum duration of six months, based on individual performance and business operations. The exact end date will be determined by the official start date. 

SCHEDULE: The fall session runs September 22nd - December 14th, 2026. All interns must be available during this time.

• Orientation: First day of each semester from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. All interns must be available to attend orientation in-person.
• Weekly Schedule: Must be available to work up to 24 hours per week and attend one weekly afternoon professional development session starting the second week of their internship. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Schedules will be determined before internships begin by working with the Intern Coordinator and animal area supervisors.

DESCRIPTION: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking an intern in the Elephant Department. Under the direction of the Elephant Care Staff, along with the Elephant Supervisor and the Large Mammal Curator, elephant interns assist animal care staff in most aspects of the daily husbandry requirements for the elephants. This internship is designed to provide an opportunity to form a knowledge base as it pertains to managing elephants in an AZA accredited facility in the following areas: general knowledge, daily husbandry, nutrition, data collection and record keeping, environmental enrichment and animal wellness, behavioral observations, operant conditioning, conservation Issues, and guest interactions.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of animal care staff in the Elephant Department.
• Attend weekly professional development sessions.
• Complete learning goals on internship checklist.
• Participate in and complete a mid-point and final evaluation.
• Assist in and complete tasks as assigned, including but not limited to:
  • Assist in diet preparation and kitchen clean-up.
  • Clean exhibit spaces and holding areas, including 3.5 acres of outdoor habitats and a 25,000 sq ft barn.
  • Identification and collection of browse.
  • Assist with resource management.
  • Preparation and distribution enrichment items.
  • Behavioral observations.
  • Daily cleaning and organization of tools and enrichment items.
  • Read through department protocols and sign upon completion, acknowledging that the information contained within (safety guidelines, daily operations, elephant profiles, etc.) is understood.
  • Interns will not have any direct contact with elephants and will not participate in elephant training. Interns will be provided opportunities to observe animal care staff as they demonstrate proper animal interaction techniques and operant conditioning training techniques when applicable. Interns will always be accompanied by animal care staff when in an unoccupied elephant space and will not be left alone in elephant yards or holding areas.
  • Other duties may be assigned.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must follow safety guidelines and always demonstrate safe working practices. Interns are expected to immediately voice any safety concern they have no matter how minor it may seem.
• Must have effective time management skills for working in a fast-paced and flexible work environment.
• Must possess strong communication skills; Communicate frequently and in a professional manner with supervisor and team members.
• Must work well with others and have the ability to work independently.
• Must be team-oriented and willing to work with other interns, volunteers, and staff members to further not only the goals of the Department but also of the Zoo’s mission statement.
• Must attend shifts on time and as scheduled.
• Must have the ability to follow detailed instructions.

Offered candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening. A negative TB test is also required.

EXPERIENCE: Training and/or experience, through previous internships or employment, that demonstrates the knowledge and skills required to work with elephants or other large animals, is preferred.

EDUCATION: Interns must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university. A minimum of one year of coursework in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. biology, zoology, animal behavior, etc.) is preferred. Knowledge of elephant natural history, biology, captive husbandry, and conservation issues preferred. Must be motivated to continue expanding knowledge base as it applies to elephants.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position requires considerable physical exertion – such as regularly climbing stairs and ladders, climbing over barriers (up to 4’ high) to access exhibits, lifting heavy objects (70+ pounds), and/or assuming awkward positions.  On average, 75% of the day involves cleaning elephant habitats and holding areas. This position also requires working in hot and humid conditions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider these physical requirements before applying for an internship in this area.  Interns that are not able to meet the physical requirements for the position may be reassigned to another department.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Routine exposure to hot and humid conditions. Interns will be working outdoors for prolonged periods in the weather and temperature extremes common to Omaha, Nebraska. The position may involve exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma of a minor nature such as cuts, bruises and minor burns. Exposure to biting flies and mosquitos is also likely. Interns are not allowed to work in direct contact with the elephants but must be aware of and follow the safety guidelines for working in proximity to them.

PUBLIC CONTACT: Interns will interact with the public frequently throughout their internship and are expected to always exhibit professionalism and exceptional customer service. Interns may be asked to engage in public speaking opportunities, including but not limited to informal educational presentations for the public.  Guest concerns, questions or complaints should be promptly addressed to the Lead Keeper, Supervisor or Curator.

TO APPLY:

• Prospective interns can only submit ONE application per person specific to their top their choice but may indicate up to two other areas that interest them on their application.
• Must submit Cover Letter and Resume to Paycom at the time you apply. Applications without these materials will not be considered. 
  • Your cover letter should include clearly defined career goals including how interning in the area you selected as your top choice will help you achieve your goals.

• Interns must provide their availability at the time of their interview. Interviews may be conducted over the phone, in person, or over Zoom.

DISCLAIMER

We will do everything possible to accommodate school requirements for those seeking to earn class credit. We do our best to accommodate the schedules of interns with full or part-time job requirements.

Please note this position does not provide any medical coverage.

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.