Ambassador Animal Keeper -Shows

This full-time, year-round position is responsible for the care of the Behavioral Husbandry Department animal collection. In addition, the Ambassador Animal Keeper-Shows joins the rest of the team in developing and presenting on site amphitheater shows, encounters, special event presentations, media, and other on and off-site educational programs utilizing ambassador animals as needed. The Ambassador Animal Keeper-Shows must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holiday

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess animals to ensure they are properly cared for and secured
• Clean and disinfect animal areas
• Prepare daily diets
• Administer medications as directed by veterinary staff and participate in medical procedures as needed
• With the rest of the Ambassador Animal team, develop and present on-site amphitheater shows, encounters, special event presentations, media, and other on and off-site educational programs utilizing ambassador animals as needed
• Train animal collection for both husbandry and complex show/program behaviors
• Complete animal records including: daily reports, daily weight charts, physical condition assessments, training logs, behavioral observations, and medical treatment sheets, etc.
• Develop and implement animal enrichment projects
• Routine maintenance of animal enclosures, Ambassador buildings, and surrounding grounds
• Work closely with volunteers and other zoo staff

Skills:

• Ability to work with a variety of animals, including arthropods, reptiles, small mammals, parrots, birds of prey and other birds
• Proven training proficiency with a variety of taxa
• Ability to work without direct supervision
• Excellent communication skills and public speaking skills
• Ability to follow written and oral directions
• Proven ability to work well on a team
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to write and/or do professional presentations for coworkers and peers
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and to obtain a valid Tennessee driver’s license

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted
• Ability to work indoors in temperatures of 76 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit all year round in high humidity; and outdoors in temperatures ranging from below 20 to above 90 degrees Fahrenheit regularly
• Ability to walk up and down stairs, bend down, crouch, kneel, climb ladders, and ambulate quickly
• Ability to speak clearly and loudly

Education:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree desired in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or related field
• At least four years of experience (can be cumulative) in animal husbandry, handling, and training in a professional setting preferred
• At least one year of experience (can be cumulative) in presentations, speaking, or theater preferred

Offers for this position are contingent on the satisfactory results of a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

Nashville Zoo is an EEO Institution and a Drug Free Workplace.

Perks

medical, dental, vision, LTD, STD, voluntary life and AD&D insurance, 401-k match, PTO and Sick Time