Assistant Curator, Elephants

Overview

Join the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (CZA), a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, sustainability, education, and community engagement, and play a pivotal role in advancing our mission in Empowering People. Saving Wildlifew.

As the Assistant Curator of Elephants, you will lead our world‑class elephant program, working closely with the VP of Animal Care to execute the Zoo’s vision for elephant sustainability, progressive care, and safety.

In this dynamic role, you’ll be at the forefront of a team that shapes the future of Asian elephant care and conservation. Collaborating with fellow curators and animal care staff, you will help drive forward a cutting‑edge breeding program that not only focuses on the wellbeing and sustainability of elephants but also leads the way in advancing animal welfare across AZA‑accredited zoos.

As the Assistant Curator, you will ensure that the Zoo meets and exceeds the AZA’s rigorous standards of elephant care, fostering an environment where innovation and compassion come together. You will be a key player in the ongoing evolution of an elephant program that is not only a model for excellence but also contributes to the long–term sustainability and preservation of elephants worldwide.

Take the next step in your career and make a lasting impact on the future of elephant care at the Columbus Zoo, a leader in animal conservation and well‑being.

Animal Care & Wellbeing

• Assists the VP of Animal Care in creating, implementing, and managing policies relating to the overall care and well‑being of the region’s animal and plant collection (e.g., animal health, medical treatment, development of husbandry protocols, animal nutrition, enrichment, and other activities related to animal and plant care).
• Ensures area compliance with animal wellbeing best practices and all professional standards. Manages and assists/organizes/ensures compliance with USDA, AZA, AAMPA, and ZAA inspections/accreditations.
• Ensures area compliance with Asian elephant animal wellbeing best practices and all professional standards.
• Makes recommendations to the VP of Animal Care regarding modifications to all aspects of animal care including husbandry, diet, training, enrichment, habitat redesign, record‑keeping, and operational efficiencies. Works with the VP of Animal Care to implement all new changes.
• Supports the VP of Animal Care in developing short‑term and long‑term objectives for the animal collection, educational graphics, conservation initiatives, research, visitor amenities and services, and habitat enhancements.
• Oversees the development and documentation of the region’s enrichment program, ensuring opportunities for animals to engage in natural behaviors.
• Effectively and efficiently oversees, advises, and supports animal training for husbandry purposes using operant conditioning techniques, positive reinforcement, and building resiliency. Responsible for tracking behavioural husbandry consistency and progress for the region.
• Initiates wellbeing assessments and facilitates those opportunities, working with the team to develop action plans for all opportunities identified during the wellbeing assessment process.
• Serves as the liaison to the Conservation Medicine department. Oversees or delegates planning and coordination of veterinary procedures.
• Supports the VP of Animal Care with animal acquisitions/dispositions, including the review of recommendations, completion of paperwork, logistical preparations, and physical transport.
• Assists with the development and updating of all departmental documents, including (but not limited to) species‑specific SOPs and guidelines, breeding and rearing protocols, training plans, and safety manuals.

Staff Management & Development:

• Supervises staff in daily operations, issues instructions (written and verbal) for completion of all required work, determines performance standards and work objectives, and identifies staff development opportunities.
• Assists the VP of Animal Care with the selection and hiring of all full‑ and part‑time team members.
• Oversees the hiring, evaluation, and budgetary management of seasonal staff.
• Oversees staff training and…