Careers and Internships

Elephant Care Assistant, Seasonal

Elephant Care Assistant, Seasonal

The intent of the Elephant Care Program is to provide exceptional whole life care for the Sanctuary’s resident elephants. Elephant Care Assistants play an important support role for the Elephant Care team by preparing elephant diets and browse, providing goal-based enrichment, and maintaining the elephant barns and habitats.

Pay: $20/hour. This position does not provide benefits.

Work schedule: 8 hour shifts, 5 days per week, August 2025 – January 2026

Status: Full-time; non-exempt

Job Requirements and Prerequisites:

• Agricultural, forestry, or domestic large animal farm experience. Volunteer, intern or paid experience working with exotic or native wildlife a plus.
• Valid Driver’s License, insurable to drive company vehicles, and ability to provide own transportation to/from work.
• Preferred equipment & tool operating experience including mowers, weed-eaters, chainsaws, and power tools. Heavy equipment operation a plus. (skid steer loaders, farm tractors etc.)
• Preferred vehicle operating experience including 4-wheel drive trucks, ATVs.

Physical Demands Include:

• 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 perform repetitive manual tasks (cutting produce, pressure washing, raking etc.).

To apply, email: humanresources@elephants.com

Elephant Care Manager, Bull Program

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is celebrating 30 years of providing elephants with care, the companionship of a herd, and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to their well-being. We are seeking a qualified and experienced candidate to assist with the development and management of the elephant program with emphasis on bull elephants. This is a dedicated position focusing on the expansion of the organization’s capability to care for male and female African and Asian elephants in optimal conditions. This is a full-time position based on site working with the team and elephants in Hohenwald, TN.

Providing home, herd, and care for life

The intent of the elephant care program is to improve the lives of elephants. We strive to improve our care and expand opportunities to support resident elephants to be autonomous and confident.

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Expand organizational capacity and scope to include a successful bull management program.
• Develop a well-rounded balanced team supporting all aspects of daily and year-round elephant and facility/habitat care
• Provide best possible elephant care in balance with lifelong care challenges for older elephants.
• Encourage resident elephant autonomy, minimize dependency and intervention by caregivers, increase elephant social opportunity.
• Expand overall elephant care team bench strength, flexibility and versatility
• Develop and promote the Sanctuary’s elephant care model and leadership.
• Expand Caregiver training to include bull elephant care and social management with focused planning on herd integration.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with the Senior Elephant Care and Elephant Program Managers and Veterinary Services as part of the overall Elephant Care team
• Oversee the Bull program and assist Elephant Care Managers, Specialists and Caregivers
• Manage and oversee the daily care of the bulls, elephants, habitats and barns using Protected Contact techniques
• Develop, train and lead the elephant care teams with Snr. Elephant Care Manager
• Provide consistent backup and serve as a reliable resource for Senior Manager of Elephant Care, across the department
• Develop framework, safety protocols and reporting to help ensure organizational compliance with regulatory agencies and membership organizations.
• Represent the Sanctuary in external professional conferences, meetings and international partner projects with relevance to elephant care.
• Promote Sanctuary mission, values and programs to foster organizational culture and promote sanctuary for elephants

REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of and experience with elephant husbandry, and specifically bull husbandry, training, socialization, natural history, and personnel safety for elephants in protected contact.
• Six or more years’ experience working with bull elephants in Protected Contact management
• Three or more years’ experience as a team leader or managing supervisor
• Effective and respectful communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
• Farm and barn equipment operation experience preferred
• Elephant transport and planning experience ideal
• Must have valid drivers license

Status: Exempt, hours per week

Salary: commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, 401k/ROTH, life insurance, and paid time off.

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.

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

The Sanctuary is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state or local law.

Human Resources Manager

The Elephant Sanctuary in TN is celebrating 30 years’ of providing elephants with care, the companionship of a herd, and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to their well-being. We are seeking a qualified and experienced candidate to manage the organization’s Human Resource program. This is a full-time position working 30 hours per week including 1- 2 days per week on site working directly with the team based in Hohenwald, TN.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee Human Resource Manager (HRM) oversees and coordinates the Human Resource program and processes to support and align with the organization’s mission and goals. The HRM leads and manages the routine HR functions for the organization including hiring staff, administering pay, benefits and leave, compliance, and enforcing company policies and practices. The position oversees all Human Resources processes and identifies and implements opportunities for improvement. Reporting to the CEO, the position partners with Senior Management team providing administrative support and recommendations on HR matters. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, lead, develop, coordinate, and implement policies, processes, training, initiatives, and surveys to support the organization’s human resource compliance and strategy needs.
• Oversee the administration of human resources programs including, but not limited to: performance and talent management; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; productivity, occupational health and safety; training and development; recognition and support of positive work environment.
• Establish and lead hiring best practices to recruit and hire a high performing, talented, diverse workforce.
• Plan and ensure a smooth onboarding experience for new hires, including orientation and enrollment procedures.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Conduct research and analysis of organizational trends including review of reports and metrics from the organization’s human resource information system and/or talent management resources.
• Analyze trends in compensation and benefits, research and propose competitive based pay programs to ensure the organization attracts and retains top talent.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS and talent management systems.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Three years of human resource management experience
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP highly desired.

Status: Exempt, Hourly 30 hours per week

Salary: Commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, 401k/ROTH, life insurance, and paid time off.

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.

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

The Sanctuary is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state or local law.

Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Are you a self-motivated individual who is:

• A relationship-building. You easily make friends and love to talk to a diverse group of people. You also listen intently to others to understand their interests and respond positively.
• Organized. You are able to multi-task, shift priorities, and manage multiple projects.
• An excellent communicator. You can convey ideas and instructions simply using multiple forms of communication including verbal and written.
• Tech savvy. You are able to use various platforms to effectively recruit and communicate with volunteers and the community.
• Share a love of wildlife and conservation.

If you can say yes to all of these questions, our Volunteer Coordinator position may be the right job for you! Please see the job requirements below.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Volunteer Coordinator 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. Volunteer Coordinator is tasked with managing, coordinating, and expanding existing programs (EleAmbassadors, On-Site Volunteer Program, and Group Volunteer Programs) and developing and delivering additional volunteer programs (Interpretative Volunteer Program), and collecting data evaluating the program for improvement.

In addition to volunteer program responsibilities the VC will work in collaboration with the Education Team supporting day-to-day programming and operation for The Elephant Discovery Center and Distance Learning Programs. 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.

REPORTS TO: Education Manager

JOB PREREQUISITES include:

• Bachelor's degree in education, non-profit management, wildlife management or similar preferred.
• Minimum 1-year prior work experience in volunteer programs, museum or equivalent setting required. Experience building volunteer programs preferred.
• Public speaking, comfortable with virtual technology, and public relations skills are required.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft computer programs to include Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Adaptability to latest forms of technology.
• Experience with a non-profit is a plus.
• Ability to count money/change accurately for gift store purchases.
• Must be on-site 5 days a week in Hohenwald, includes evenings and weekends as needed .
• Walking and driving outside on all types of terrain and in different weather conditions.
• Bilingual-Spanish is ideal.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt; some nights and weekends are required

PAY: $18.25 - $22.00/hour. Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance (all paid 100% by organization for employees), paid-time off, retirement, and elective benefits.

To Apply, please send your resume and cover letter to

Email: humanresources@elephants.com or Fax: 931-796-1360

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

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Elephant Care Assistant, Seasonal

Elephant Care Assistant, Seasonal

The intent of the Elephant Care Program is to provide exceptional whole life care for the Sanctuary’s resident elephants. Elephant Care Assistants play an important support role for the Elephant Care team by preparing elephant diets and browse, providing goal-based enrichment, and maintaining the elephant barns and habitats.

Pay: $20/hour. This position does not provide benefits.

Work schedule: 8 hour shifts, 5 days per week, August 2025 – January 2026

Status: Full-time; non-exempt

Job Requirements and Prerequisites:

• Agricultural, forestry, or domestic large animal farm experience. Volunteer, intern or paid experience working with exotic or native wildlife a plus.
• Valid Driver’s License, insurable to drive company vehicles, and ability to provide own transportation to/from work.
• Preferred equipment & tool operating experience including mowers, weed-eaters, chainsaws, and power tools. Heavy equipment operation a plus. (skid steer loaders, farm tractors etc.)
• Preferred vehicle operating experience including 4-wheel drive trucks, ATVs.

Physical Demands Include:

• 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 perform repetitive manual tasks (cutting produce, pressure washing, raking etc.).

To apply, email: humanresources@elephants.com

Elephant Care Manager, Bull Program

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is celebrating 30 years of providing elephants with care, the companionship of a herd, and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to their well-being. We are seeking a qualified and experienced candidate to assist with the development and management of the elephant program with emphasis on bull elephants. This is a dedicated position focusing on the expansion of the organization’s capability to care for male and female African and Asian elephants in optimal conditions. This is a full-time position based on site working with the team and elephants in Hohenwald, TN.

Providing home, herd, and care for life

The intent of the elephant care program is to improve the lives of elephants. We strive to improve our care and expand opportunities to support resident elephants to be autonomous and confident.

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Expand organizational capacity and scope to include a successful bull management program.
• Develop a well-rounded balanced team supporting all aspects of daily and year-round elephant and facility/habitat care
• Provide best possible elephant care in balance with lifelong care challenges for older elephants.
• Encourage resident elephant autonomy, minimize dependency and intervention by caregivers, increase elephant social opportunity.
• Expand overall elephant care team bench strength, flexibility and versatility
• Develop and promote the Sanctuary’s elephant care model and leadership.
• Expand Caregiver training to include bull elephant care and social management with focused planning on herd integration.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with the Senior Elephant Care and Elephant Program Managers and Veterinary Services as part of the overall Elephant Care team
• Oversee the Bull program and assist Elephant Care Managers, Specialists and Caregivers
• Manage and oversee the daily care of the bulls, elephants, habitats and barns using Protected Contact techniques
• Develop, train and lead the elephant care teams with Snr. Elephant Care Manager
• Provide consistent backup and serve as a reliable resource for Senior Manager of Elephant Care, across the department
• Develop framework, safety protocols and reporting to help ensure organizational compliance with regulatory agencies and membership organizations.
• Represent the Sanctuary in external professional conferences, meetings and international partner projects with relevance to elephant care.
• Promote Sanctuary mission, values and programs to foster organizational culture and promote sanctuary for elephants

REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of and experience with elephant husbandry, and specifically bull husbandry, training, socialization, natural history, and personnel safety for elephants in protected contact.
• Six or more years’ experience working with bull elephants in Protected Contact management
• Three or more years’ experience as a team leader or managing supervisor
• Effective and respectful communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
• Farm and barn equipment operation experience preferred
• Elephant transport and planning experience ideal
• Must have valid drivers license

Status: Exempt, hours per week

Salary: commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, 401k/ROTH, life insurance, and paid time off.

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.

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

The Sanctuary is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state or local law.

Human Resources Manager

The Elephant Sanctuary in TN is celebrating 30 years’ of providing elephants with care, the companionship of a herd, and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to their well-being. We are seeking a qualified and experienced candidate to manage the organization’s Human Resource program. This is a full-time position working 30 hours per week including 1- 2 days per week on site working directly with the team based in Hohenwald, TN.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee Human Resource Manager (HRM) oversees and coordinates the Human Resource program and processes to support and align with the organization’s mission and goals. The HRM leads and manages the routine HR functions for the organization including hiring staff, administering pay, benefits and leave, compliance, and enforcing company policies and practices. The position oversees all Human Resources processes and identifies and implements opportunities for improvement. Reporting to the CEO, the position partners with Senior Management team providing administrative support and recommendations on HR matters. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, lead, develop, coordinate, and implement policies, processes, training, initiatives, and surveys to support the organization’s human resource compliance and strategy needs.
• Oversee the administration of human resources programs including, but not limited to: performance and talent management; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; productivity, occupational health and safety; training and development; recognition and support of positive work environment.
• Establish and lead hiring best practices to recruit and hire a high performing, talented, diverse workforce.
• Plan and ensure a smooth onboarding experience for new hires, including orientation and enrollment procedures.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Conduct research and analysis of organizational trends including review of reports and metrics from the organization’s human resource information system and/or talent management resources.
• Analyze trends in compensation and benefits, research and propose competitive based pay programs to ensure the organization attracts and retains top talent.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS and talent management systems.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Three years of human resource management experience
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP highly desired.

Status: Exempt, Hourly 30 hours per week

Salary: Commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, 401k/ROTH, life insurance, and paid time off.

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.

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

The Sanctuary is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state or local law.

Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Are you a self-motivated individual who is:

• A relationship-building. You easily make friends and love to talk to a diverse group of people. You also listen intently to others to understand their interests and respond positively.
• Organized. You are able to multi-task, shift priorities, and manage multiple projects.
• An excellent communicator. You can convey ideas and instructions simply using multiple forms of communication including verbal and written.
• Tech savvy. You are able to use various platforms to effectively recruit and communicate with volunteers and the community.
• Share a love of wildlife and conservation.

If you can say yes to all of these questions, our Volunteer Coordinator position may be the right job for you! Please see the job requirements below.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Volunteer Coordinator 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. Volunteer Coordinator is tasked with managing, coordinating, and expanding existing programs (EleAmbassadors, On-Site Volunteer Program, and Group Volunteer Programs) and developing and delivering additional volunteer programs (Interpretative Volunteer Program), and collecting data evaluating the program for improvement.

In addition to volunteer program responsibilities the VC will work in collaboration with the Education Team supporting day-to-day programming and operation for The Elephant Discovery Center and Distance Learning Programs. 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.

REPORTS TO: Education Manager

JOB PREREQUISITES include:

• Bachelor's degree in education, non-profit management, wildlife management or similar preferred.
• Minimum 1-year prior work experience in volunteer programs, museum or equivalent setting required. Experience building volunteer programs preferred.
• Public speaking, comfortable with virtual technology, and public relations skills are required.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft computer programs to include Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Adaptability to latest forms of technology.
• Experience with a non-profit is a plus.
• Ability to count money/change accurately for gift store purchases.
• Must be on-site 5 days a week in Hohenwald, includes evenings and weekends as needed .
• Walking and driving outside on all types of terrain and in different weather conditions.
• Bilingual-Spanish is ideal.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt; some nights and weekends are required

PAY: $18.25 - $22.00/hour. Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance (all paid 100% by organization for employees), paid-time off, retirement, and elective benefits.

To Apply, please send your resume and cover letter to

Email: humanresources@elephants.com or Fax: 931-796-1360

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

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.