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 and medications, feeds in accordance with animal care protocols and related safety guidelines.
• Active participant in morning barn meetings to ensure daily goals are understood and met.
• Observes daily consumption; distinguishes/reports significant changes.
• Observes, appropriately interprets and responds to elephant behaviors to optimize elephant husbandry and minimize environmental stressors for the elephants.
• Adheres to weekly schedules for both daily care and night feedings, as weather requires.
• Is proficient in or ability to develop proficiency in implementation of treatment(s) and foot care.
• Assists Veterinary staff in procedures and assessments of animal health and implementation of preventative care and other medical care.
• Ability to interpret and reports signs of elephant health issues to supervisor.
• Ability to develop ATV skills in order to maneuver in habitat safely.
• Assists in preparation and deliveries of browse and other forms of environmental enrichment.
• Ability to adapt to constant changing of husbandry/facility changes depending on season, elephant health status and other priorities.
• Safely and efficiently works with the elephants, with the elephants’ 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.
• 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 Barn Lead when nature of repair requires assistance.
• Understand and implements 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: maintain 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 constant awareness of elephants and safety of other Caregivers in proximity.
• Observes established protocol in regard to all equipment, ATV’s and vehicles.
• Observes established protocol in regard to TB and other related safety precautions as necessary.
• Follows and understands any updates to safety protocols.
• Participates in elephant escape, elephant down and other emergency practice protocols and in real emergencies, if required.

Administrative / Other

• Participate in any training as required by supervisor or Sanctuary policies.
• Monitor ele-cam location and provide appropriate text.
• Make presentations to the local community at events as required.
• Provide written updates for internal newsletter (Ele-buzz) 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, takes initiative to move to the next task without direction 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 training plan to ensure on going professional development.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES:

• Three-years 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.
• Must be Covid Vaccinate

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, learn to drive, large farm equipment and ATV’s
• 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).

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

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 and medications, feeds in accordance with animal care protocols and related safety guidelines.
• Active participant in morning barn meetings to ensure daily goals are understood and met.
• Observes daily consumption; distinguishes/reports significant changes.
• Observes, appropriately interprets and responds to elephant behaviors to optimize elephant husbandry and minimize environmental stressors for the elephants.
• Adheres to weekly schedules for both daily care and night feedings, as weather requires.
• Is proficient in or ability to develop proficiency in implementation of treatment(s) and foot care.
• Assists Veterinary staff in procedures and assessments of animal health and implementation of preventative care and other medical care.
• Ability to interpret and reports signs of elephant health issues to supervisor.
• Ability to develop ATV skills in order to maneuver in habitat safely.
• Assists in preparation and deliveries of browse and other forms of environmental enrichment.
• Ability to adapt to constant changing of husbandry/facility changes depending on season, elephant health status and other priorities.
• Safely and efficiently works with the elephants, with the elephants’ 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.
• 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 Barn Lead when nature of repair requires assistance.
• Understand and implements 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: maintain 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 constant awareness of elephants and safety of other Caregivers in proximity.
• Observes established protocol in regard to all equipment, ATV’s and vehicles.
• Observes established protocol in regard to TB and other related safety precautions as necessary.
• Follows and understands any updates to safety protocols.
• Participates in elephant escape, elephant down and other emergency practice protocols and in real emergencies, if required.

Administrative / Other

• Participate in any training as required by supervisor or Sanctuary policies.
• Monitor ele-cam location and provide appropriate text.
• Make presentations to the local community at events as required.
• Provide written updates for internal newsletter (Ele-buzz) 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, takes initiative to move to the next task without direction 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 training plan to ensure on going professional development.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES:

• Three-years 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.
• Must be Covid Vaccinate

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, learn to drive, large farm equipment and ATV’s
• 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).

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.