Ambassador Animal Keeper- Shows

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.