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.
