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.
Why Work with Us:
- At the Nashville Zoo, we believe in taking care of our team just as well as we care for our animals.
- Full-time employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future:
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company matching – helping you build a secure future while you make a meaningful impact today.
- Generous paid time off and sick leave – because rest and recovery are vital.
- Exclusive zoo perks – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
- A collaborative and inclusive culture – be part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.
- AZA-accredited facility – Nashville Zoo is committed to top-tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts.
Description:
- Under general supervision by Carnivore Supervisor, keepers perform a wide range of functions in the Mammal Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.
- Their primary responsibilities include husbandry of assigned collection as well as maintaining and cleaning animal exhibits, yards, night enclosures, and contiguous areas; operant conditioning of collection for husbandry behaviors and providing enrichment. Additional duties include performing light exhibit construction, operating zoo vehicles, and maintaining integrity of existing landscape.
- Employee will also 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:
- Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience (specifically with Sumatran tiger, Andean bears, clouded leopards, anteaters, binturongs, and civets) in the following areas:
- 2+ year(s) of comprehensive carnivore experience
- Advanced operant conditioning
- Capture and restraint
- Introductions
- Breeding & group dynamics for social and solitary carnivores
Skills:
- Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
- Ability to work with little or no supervision.
- Ability to interact professionally with both staff and visitors.
- Ability to respond to guest disturbances in a fashion that minimizes any negative affect to the zoo and our other guests.
- Ability to prepare accurate written daily incident reports and logs at end of each shift.
- Ability to effectively orally communicate emergency situations and initiate response to all staff and our guests when required.
Education/ Experience:
- Applicants must have a minimum of 1 year of full-time, paid experience with carnivores.
- Applicants must have a college degree (Associates or Bachelors) in an applicable field: Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, etc.
- Applicants must possess a valid drivers license
Physical Responsibilities:
- 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.
Special Note:
- Applicant may be required to work any combination of five days in the seven day workweek including weekends and holidays.
Pre-employment requirements:
- Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All employment is at-will.
- All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
- Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.
Salary
- $16.10/ $18.00
