Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.
Description:
The Ambassador Animal Keeper on the shows team’s primary responsibilities are to feed, clean, and maintain high quality care for the assigned collection animals. In addition, the Ambassador Animal Keeper joins the rest of the shows team in developing and presenting on site amphitheater shows, encounters, special event presentations, media, and other on and off-site educational programs utilizing the ambassador animals as needed. This role will require availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Animal Husbandry
Prepare food and water for collection animals by cutting and measuring diet portions
Feed collection animals including use of proper supplementation.
Monitor assigned animals closely regarding general appearance, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
Assist in developing and presenting on-site amphitheater shows, encounters, etc.
Train animal collection for both husbandry and complex show/ program behaviors.
Develop and implement animal enrichment projects.
Maintain records in ZIMS database
Clean animal exhibits, off-exhibit enclosures, and service areas
Participate in capturing, incapacitating, and moving animals
Assists Veterinarian staff in the treatment of collection animals
Provide exhibit security and take appropriate actions to prevent vandalism and maltreatment of animals and facilities by the public.
Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers
Operate a variety of light and medium equipment
Skills:
Knowledge of animal behavior
Ability to work with a variety of animals including arthropods, reptiles, small mammals, parrots, birds or prey and other birds.
Ability to work safely and productively without direct supervision.
Ability to work well on a team.
Proven training proficiency with a variety of taxa.
Ability to speak in public in a show or encounter setting.
Techniques for maintaining water Quality
Education/ Experience:
Degree in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field is preferred or equivalent experience working in a similar capacity.
Physical Responsibilities:
Work is indoors under warm conditions but also must be able to work outside year-round under typical Tennessee weather conditions and temperatures for extended periods of time. Must be able to work in uneven terrain with exposure to varying weather conditions, dust, and allergens. Must be able to move about on slippery surfaces, handle toxic and hazardous materials and work in cramped and confined spaces. Must be able to lift and carry materials up to 50 pounds.
Benefits:
Nashville Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Programs, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, sick leave, long-term disability coverage, park discounts, and membership benefits.
Pre-employment requirements:
Nashville Zoo is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) institution and a drug-free workplace. We offer at-will employment.
Candidates must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug test.
Annual Tuberculosis screenings are mandatory.
For the safety of our animal collection, candidates joining our Behavioral Husbandry Department must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
