Description: Under general supervision, employee will perform a wide range of functions in the Bird Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Primary responsibility is to feed, clean, and maintain assigned collection animals; animal exhibits, yards, night enclosures, and contiguous areas; perform light exhibit construction; operate zoo vehicles; maintain integrity of existing landscape. Additionally, employee will be responsible for educating the public through keeper talks and other impromptu educational sessions as well as providing a clean and safe atmosphere for families to enjoy the Nashville Zoo.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Animal Husbandry
- Inspect diets for proper preparation
- Feed collection animals
- Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, behavior, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
- Maintain feed intake records
- Record daily observations pertaining to the health and behavior of Bird Department animals on a Daily Report to be submitted to the Lead Keeper
- Clean animal exhibits, yards, pools, night enclosures, and service areas
- Participate in capturing, immobilizing, and transporting animals
- Assists Veterinarian staff in the treatment of collection animals
- Proper distribution and recording of medications on daily reports and treatment sheets
- Provide exhibit security and take appropriate actions to prevent vandalism and maltreatment of animals and facilities by the public.
Maintenance
- Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers
- Maintain plant life in and around enclosures
- Perform minor or routine maintenance of enclosures and report all other maintenance needs to supervisors
- Operate a variety of light and medium equipment
Public Education
- Participate in daily keeper talks designed to educate the public on the Bird Department’s animal collection
- Respond to questions from the public concerning the animals and exhibits
- Model the Zoo’s image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times
Skills:
- General knowledge of:
- Animal behavior and common medical issues
- Care, feeding, and handling of exotic and domestic animals
- Safety practices around exotic and domestic animals
- Animal biology or zoology or other related field
- Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals
- Zoo policy and procedures
- Computer skills
Communication (capable of):
- Taking and following work instructions
- Able to work individually while still maintaining communication with others in the department
- Effective communication and conflict resolution with coworkers and supervisors
- Interacting and communicating with the general public in an appropriate manner
- Reporting any animal care or departmental concerns to appropriate supervisor in a timely manner
Capable of:
- Completely performing the responsibilities outlined in the “Duties and Responsibilities” section
- Working in a team oriented atmosphere while possessing independent problem solving skills
- Scheduling flexibility to include special events, behind-the-scene tours, etc.
- Monitoring animal behavior and appearance
- Operating motorized vehicles and equipment; applicant must possess a valid driver’s license
- Maintaining USDA guidelines
- Maintaining MSDS guidelines concerning chemicals
- Attend and participate in staff training workshops
Physical Requirements:
- 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 75 pounds.
Education:
- Must have a BS or AS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field, and/or at least one year of work experience at a zoological facility or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required work skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Background Check:
- Applicants for this position are required to submit to a criminal background check and pass a drug test.
Special Note:
- Applicant may be required to work any combination of five days in the seven day workweek including holidays and varied after hour events and feeding schedules as needed.
Salary
- $18.00-$19.50
