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Ambassador Animal Keeper- Shows

Nashville Zoo
Nashville, United States Posted: March 25, 2025


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.

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